News & Publications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jun. 7, 2004
COUNTDOWN TO 2004 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL/FAN FAIR®
Tickets for “Country Music’s Biggest Party™” Still Available; Floor Seats Sold Out
NASHVILLE – CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair® is the place for music lovers this week from 10 AM Thursday morning, when Jo Dee Messina kicks off festivities at the Greased Lightning™ Riverfront Park Stages to the closing fireworks Sunday night at The Coliseum – and everything in between.
CMA Music Festival is “Country Music’s Biggest Party™” with more than 200 Country Music artists and celebrities; more than 70 hours of concerts; four days of autograph signing in the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall); the return of the NBC Daytime stars; the CMA Celebrity Close Up series at the Ryman Auditorium; the new Sports Zone with an ATV Rodeo, BASS fishing tournament, BASS Performance Stage and Third Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament; activities for the whole family in the Family Zone; new CMA Music Festival Midway with carnival rides and games; nightlife for the party hearty during CMA Music Festival After Hours™ shopping; and more. CMA Music Festival continues to evolve as the must-do, musical event of the year for any Country Music enthusiast.
“The future of the CMA Music Festival and its continued success rests in CMA’s ability to add exciting new elements, while respecting the traditions that have made this event a hit with fans and our artists since 1972,” said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson. “We have hit a new level of excellence, excitement and opportunity in 2004. I’ve said this every year since we moved to Downtown Nashville – and every time it’s been true – but this is our best year ever.”
All of the artists participating in CMA Music Festival donate their time. They are not compensated for the hours they spend signing autographs and performing. No other major music festival attracts so many artists who perform for their fans’ pleasure, instead of a paycheck.
In gratitude of their continued support, CMA donates half the net proceeds from the event to charities designated by the participating artists as part of CMA’s “Cause For Celebration!” charitable benefit program. In 2003, 220 artists selected 97 separate charities as beneficiaries of the program. To date, CMA has donated $300,000 on behalf of the artists.
The donations are appreciated, but at its heart, CMA Music Festival is – and always will be – about the fans and their relationship with the artists. And in 2004, they are coming from every state and 20 foreign countries including Australia, Brazil, Greece, Japan, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom.
“I always enjoy seeing the fans that come back year after year – the ones who stand in line just to say hello and tell you how much they enjoy and appreciate what you do,” said Terri Clark, who still considers herself a fan and counts getting Keith Whitley’s autograph in 1987 at the top of her favorite fan encounters. CMA Music Festival “is the best opportunity to thank them personally for being the ones to make my dream come true.”
THE COLISEUM
The Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum (home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans) are a music lover’s dream featuring many of the biggest names in Country Music together with some of the hottest, rising stars including Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Brooks & Dunn (with special guest Gretchen Wilson), Chris Cagle, Glen Campbell, Terri Clark, Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels, Diamond Rio, Sara Evans, Vince Gill, Pat Green, Buddy Jewell, Tracy Lawrence, Lonestar, Martina McBride, The Mavericks, Montgomery Gentry, John Michael Montgomery, Joe Nichols, Brad Paisley (with special guest Josh Turner), Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, SHeDAISY, Uncle Kracker, Keith Urban, Clay Walker, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack, Darryl Worley and Wynonna.
“My first Fan Fair was in 1987 – I continued going and scamming backstage passes from my friends at Talbot Music publishing for seven years while I was struggling in Nashville,” Clark said. “I always said someday I would be on the stage rather than behind it. When the day finally came, I realized all too well what that kind of faith and visualization can really do.”
Pre-show activities begin at 6:30 PM (all times Central), Thursday, with the presentation of the Stars and Stripes by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, followed by Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap performing the national anthem. A cappella singing sensation Naturally 7 will perform “Amazing Grace” in honor of the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. Then Country legend Ronnie Milsap will perform “America the Beautiful” with fireworks signaling the close of the pre-show activities.
The Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum begin each night at 7 PM, 6 PM on Sunday, and feature non-stop entertainment with state-of-the-art production on dual stages and fireworks at the conclusion of each show.
Advance-purchase, reserved-seat tickets for each nightly show at The Coliseum cost $25 and can be purchased through the CMA Music Festival Ticket Office at the Gaylord Entertainment Center Box Office, 501 Broadway, Nashville, Tenn., or toll-free at 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378). Tickets will also be available through Ticketmaster at (615) 255-9600, at www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket price does not include applicable handling fees.
Single Night concert tickets will also be sold during CMA Music Festival at The Coliseum ticket office beginning Wednesday. The single-night concert ticket is only good for that night’s performance at The Coliseum.
GREASED LIGHTNING® RIVERFRONT PARK STAGES
Enjoy great musical performances while relaxing on the bank of the Cumberland River during the Daily Concerts at the Greased Lightning® Riverfront Park Stages co-sponsored by American Airlines. The Daily Concerts feature more than 30 hours of performances covering the entire reach of Country Music, from today’s rising stars, to the legends, bluegrass, Texas swing, altCountry and more.
Superstar Jo Dee Messina kicks off four-days of non-stop concerts at the Greased Lightning® Riverfront Park Stages on Thursday at 10 AM. But that’s just the start of the top-notch entertainment. Over the festival’s four days 145 artists will perform.
Artists include Jessi Alexander, Lynn Anderson, Jessica Andrews, Sherrié Austin, Steve Azar, Jeff Bates, Thom Bresh, Bellamy Brothers, John Berry, Blue County, Suzy Bogguss, BR549, Lane Brody, Jim Ed Brown, T. Graham Brown, Tammy Cochran, Kellie Coffey, Helen Cornelius, “Nashville Star” winner Brad Cotter, Cowboy Crush, Billy Currington, Joe Diffie, Jolie Edwards, Scotty Emerick, former Statler Brothers member Jimmy Fortune, Lee Greenwood, Cooder Graw, Andy Griggs, Jennifer Hanson, J. Michael Harter, Eric Heatherly, Ty Herndon, Hilljack, Jan Howard, Jedd Hughes, The Imperials and the Stamps Quartet present “The Gospel Side of Elvis,” Stonewall Jackson, The Jenkins, Royal Wade Kimes, King Wilkie, Miranda Lambert, Shannon Lawson, Johnny Lee, Aaron Lines, Little Big Town, Little Texas, Longneck Jones featuring Billy Yates, Daniel Lee Martin, john Arthur martinez, Lila McCann, Brian McComas, Neal McCoy, Mel McDaniel, Memarie, Craig Morgan, Christopher Wayne Morris, Mountain Heart, David Lee Murphy, Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O’Neal, James Otto, The PaJAMa Party (Deborah Allen, The Kinleys and Michelle Wright), Lee Roy Parnell, Pinmonkey, The Players, Michelle Poe, Colt Prather, Rachel Proctor, Eddy Raven, Restless Heart, Ricochet, Julie Roberts, The Seals Brothers (England Dan and Jim Seals), Jeannie Seely, Sisters Wade, Connie Smith, Jeffrey Steele, Doug Stone, Sugarland, Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis, Tanya Tucker, Josh Turner, Lane Turner, Rhonda Vincent, Jimmy Wayne, The Wilkinsons, Trent Willmon and Gretchen Wilson.
The concerts are hosted by a variety of celebrities and media personalities, including comedian T. Bubba Bechtol; syndicated “Classic Country Gold” host Kyle Cantrell; syndicated “Country Countdown USA” host Lon Helton; “Country Music Across America” television host Storme Warren; Great American Country television personality Kylie Harris; “Nashville Star” judge Tracy Gershon; and the NBC Daytime stars of “Days of our Lives” and “Passions,” among others.
In addition to sponsoring the Riverfront Park Stages, Greased Lightning® will have two celebrity guests appearing to meet and greet fans. Pat Simpson, host of Home & Garden Television’s (HGTV) “Room to Improve,” “Before & After” and “Fix It Up!” will sign autographs and provide home improvement and cleaning advice to festival attendees at Greased Lightning® Riverfront Park on Saturday.
Singer John Loudenslager, an up-and-coming performer whose style has been characterized as Lyle Lovette-esque, will be signing autographs and talking with fans at the Greased Lightning® and the works® booth in the Wrangler® Fan Fair Exhibit Hall. Greased Lightning® and the works® are a powerful combination of household, kitchen and bathroom cleaners produced by HomeCare Labs. In addition, the Greased Lightning® sponsored Orange Blast® Automotive tent and show car can be found in the new Sports Zone at The Coliseum, and will include appearances by Super G, Greased Lightning’s® mascot.
Single-day tickets for the Greased Lightning® Riverfront Park Stages will be sold the day of show at the gate for $12 each. Children 6 and younger are admitted to the Daily Concerts at the Greased Lightning® Riverfront Park Stages free of charge.
WRANGLER® FAN FAIR (EXHIBIT HALL)
A traditional favorite, the lifestyle exhibits and autograph booths in the Nashville Convention Center, proudly carrying the Fan Fair name and sponsored by Wrangler®, are sold out with more exhibitors than ever before including legends, today’s hitmakers and tomorrow’s hopefuls.
Performers and celebrities appearing in the Wrangler® Fan Fair include Trace Adkins, Alabama, Deborah Allen, Bill Anderson, Steve Azar, Chad Brock, T. Bubba Bechtol, Dierks Bentley, John Berry, Blue County, Bush’s® Baked Beans spokesduo Jay Bush and his dog Duke, Tracy Byrd, Brad Cotter, Charlie Daniels, Linda Davis, Billy Dean, Kassie DePaiva, Diamond Rio, Ty England, 4Runner, Donna Fargo, Jamey Garner, Vern Gosdin, Andy Griggs, Eric Heatherly, Steve Holy, Con Hunley, Buddy Jewell, Royal Wade Kimes, The Kinleys, Miranda Lambert, Tracy Lawrence, Lonestar, Daniel Lee Martin, John Arthur Martinez, Lila McCann, Neal McCoy, Jo Dee Messina, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, Jamie O’Neal, Pinmonkey, Ricochet, LeAnn Rimes, Rushlow, Sawyer Brown, Blake Shelton, Marty Stuart, Chalee Tennison, Pam Tillis, Aaron Tippin, Trick Pony, Trini Triggs, Josh Turner, Phil Vassar, Rhonda Vincent, Jimmy Wayne, Bryan White, Mark Wills, Gretchen Wilson, Brad Wolf, Darryl Worley, Michelle Wright, the stars of NBC Daytime dramas “Days of our Lives” and “Passions” and many more.
Two new areas of the Wrangler® Fan Fair were added this year: Music Row, which was created to offer a snapshot of Nashville’s famed music industry center by the same name, and Bluegrass Row, which provides fans an opportunity to engage Bluegrass artists in a central location.
Another new addition in 2004 is CMA Acoustic Corner, a new, totally acoustic performance area added to offer independent Bluegrass and Country artists a place to showcase their talent. Acoustic Corner is open from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM daily on level two of the Nashville Convention Center and is free for all four-day ticket holders. Artist performance times will be posted on-site daily. Most of the artists performing will also be signing autographs in the Exhibit Hall.
Performers include Suzanne Edwards Alford, Tim Ash, Linden “Cadillac” Bartels, Bernadette, The Boohers, Brad & Shelly, Tony Brantley, Jerry Burkhart, Don Campbell, Melonie Cannon, Thom Ellis, Jamey Garner, Ryan Holladay, Donna Hughes Band, Kyle Jennings, The Larkins, Andy Leftwich, Memarie, Mixt Company, Michelle Nixon & Drive, Amanda Perko, Pine Mountain Railroad, Sisters Wade, Damon Smith, Thomas Tillman, Shane Warner, World’s Greatest Fishing Band, Chris Young and more.
Admittance to Wrangler® Fan Fair is included in four-day ticket packages.
CMA SPORTS ZONE
From pucks to arrows, hooks to footballs, the new-in-2004 Sports Zone is the place for sports and music enthusiasts alike during CMA Music Festival. Located on the grounds of The Coliseum at the foot of the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge, the Sports Zone is free, open to the public and has something for everyone.
Bass fishing’s leading anglers will be paired with Country Music’s biggest stars in a unique BASS tournament that concludes with an exciting weigh-in you don’t want to miss on Saturday. BASS anglers competing include Roland Martin, Gary Klein, Gerald Swindle, Randy Howell, Marty Stone, Jay Yelas, Zell Rowland, Brent Chapman, Ish Monroe and Dean Rojas. Country artists already confirmed include Rodney Atkins, Billy Currington, Chris Cagle, Billy Dean, Craig Morgan, Tim Rushlow and Doni Harris of Rushlow and Chely Wright with more to be announced soon. Music at the weigh-in will be provided by none other than The World’s Greatest Fishing Band.
But the tournament isn’t the only great catch of the day. Check out the BASS® Outdoor Expo, a showcase of products and interactive venues from the sponsors of the 2004 CITGO Bassmaster® Tournament Trail and Bassmaster Elite 50 series open from 1-6 PM, Thursday through Sunday. Activities include Lake CITGO Fishing Challenge; Triton and Skeeter mobile trailers and bass boats for sale; Mercury Outboards Racing Team trailer; Abu Garcia, Berkley and Fenwick tackle trailer; Bass Pro Shops retail area; Flowmaster giveaway of an autographed 50th Anniversary Fender Stratocaster guitar; and Bassmaster CastingKids® contest.
The “Third Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament,” is always a hit with fans and it is an official part of the Sports Zone in 2004.
The event takes place at 1 PM, Friday, and is hosted by Andy Griggs and emceed by radio personality Katie Haas and Outdoor Channel personality Dave Watson. The tournament shooters include Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn, Tracy Byrd, Jeff Carson, Greg Cook of Ricochet, Ty England, Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry, Griggs, Doni Harris of Rushlow, Sammy Kershaw, Daniel Lee Martin, Lorrie Morgan, Paul Overstreet, the Outdoor Channel’s Rusty Tabor, Neil Thrasher and more.
Fans of all-terrain vehicles are in for a treat as High Lifter presents Fisher’s ATV World’s Celebrity ATV Rodeo, hosted by Country duo Montgomery Gentry. The ATV Rodeo will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM, Thursday, and will be emceed by “Fisher’s ATV World” host Brian Fisher and “Real Tree Roadtrips” personality Michael Waddell.
Celebs gearing up for this war on wheels include Rhett Akins, duo Blue County, Jeff Carson, Billy Currington, Scotty Emerick, Tracy Lawrence, Montgomery Gentry, James Otto and Daryle Singletary. Fans can visit the Fisher’s ATV World booth in the Sports Zone to register for valuable prizes, including a Suzuki Vinson Quadrunner 500cc ATV to be given away Sunday at the ATV booth. Entrants must be present to win.
George Rogers, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1980 while a running back at the University of South Carolina, will make an appearance Friday. Also appearing is Steve Cole, former linebacker and special teams player with the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles, among other teams.
June might be too hot for the ice, but not for the NHL’s Nashville Predators. The team hosts displays in the CMA Music Festival Sports Zone including an inflatable slapshot cage, an inflatable hockey player and an appearance by goalie Tomas Vokoun. Fans can check out the Predators’ tent for team information.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Drew Bennett signed autographs and made an appearance during the Nightly Concerts in 2003 and he must have had a good time because he is back in 2004 making an appearance in the CMA Sports Zone. Also making an appearance is Titan defensive end Carlos Hall. And look for Titan mascot T-Rac, who will be at the Sports Zone Friday and Sunday.
Other popular activities in the Sports Zone include NASCAR driver Stacy Compton signing autographs at his No. 59 interactive race car, sponsored by Bush’s® Baked Beans from 3-5 PM Thursday.
TNA Wrestling Superstars Goldilocks, Jeff Jarrett, Abyss, America’s Most Wanted (“Wildcat” Chris Harris and “Tennessee Cowboy” James Storm), Michael Shane, Titus and Eric Watts who will sign autographs; the Toyota Interactive Garage featuring two Toyota Tundra race trucks from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series; a 25-foot rock wall and a mechanical bull from New Heights, and more.
But sports aren’t all you will find in the Sports Zone. This is CMA Music Festival after all and concerts will also be part of the activities at the Bass Performance Stage. Confirmed performers include Amy Chappell, Brian O’Neal, Chalee Tennison, Jason Aldean, The Fox Brothers and Elbert West. Check the schedule for days and times.
Also featured is the 104.5 The Zone live will broadcast of the “Sports Zone” with George Plaster, Willy Daunic and Darren McFarland from 3-7 PM Friday with a special question and answer session with guest athletes, T-Rac, and the Vanderbilt University Sports Caravan with head football coach Bobby Johnson, head basketball coach Kevin Stallings, players and cheerleaders.
The Sports Zone also features displays by Camping World; Coca-Cola Game Trailer with XBox, PlayStation 2 and GameCube systems for game play; Fisher’s ATV World; Ford; Greased Lightning®; the National Women’s Football Association; the Nashville Sounds mascot Ozzie; and more. The Sports Zone, which is open Thursday through Sunday, 1-6 PM, is easily accessible on The Coliseum grounds from the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge, which connects to Downtown Nashville.
BUSH'S® BAKED BEANS FAMILY ZONE
Introduced in 2001, this popular CMA Music Festival element for young children and the young at heart continues to expand in 2004. The Bush’s® Baked Beans Family Zone will be held in two locations: on Broadway between First and Second Avenues and at the Hall of Fame Park, across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at Fifth Avenue and Demonbreun Street.
Free to the public and open daily (10AM-5 PM, Thursday through Saturday; and 11 AM-5 PM, Sunday), the Bush’s® Baked Beans Family Zone will feature celebrity storytelling; interactive inflatables; arts and crafts; face painting; assorted games; hands-on exhibits; product sampling and much more. Visit the Bush’sâ Baked Beans booth for samples of baked beans and other exciting giveaways.
The Family Zone has something for everyone – including race fans. Don’t miss Coors Light-Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates driver Sterling Marlin and his No. 40 Prilosec OTC Dodge, located at the Prilosec OTC booth at Riverfront Park from 11:30 AM-1 PM, Thursday, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans.
Other activities include:
· Nashville Children’s Theater performance of “Aladdin & His Wonderful Lamp” at the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Stage – 1–2 PM, Thursday.
· Kids Critters & Country at Allie’s Place with Allie Jo Thomas and Darianne Bee at the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Performance Stage. Various times during the festival.
· Janet’s Planet Interactive fun for the whole family, performances at the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Performance Stage – 2:30-3 PM, Friday.
· Musical Petting Zoo presented by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Kids have the opportunity to play a variety of musical instruments for fun – 11 AM–1 PM, Friday.
· “Color Me Musical” poster contest winner announced by Bush’s® Baked Beans spokesduo Jay Bush and his dog Duke and appearances by Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap, Nashville Preditors player Tomas Vokoun and Chalee Tennison – 3-4 PM, Friday.
· Since no cookout is complete without Bush’s® Baked Beans, Jay Bush and Duke are hosting a special cookout from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, Sunday. Be one of the first 500 attendees and receive free lunch and meet Jay and Duke!
· Celebrity storytelling at the Vanderbilt Children’s Hosptial Performance Stage: Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap – 2 PM Thursday; Amber Leigh White – 1 PM, Friday; Linda Davis and Chalee Tennison – 1-1:30 PM, Sunday.
· YWCA Celebrity Auction with Martina McBride to benefit the YWCA featuring Jamie O’Neal, Brad Paisley, Andy Griggs and more – 11AM-3 PM, Saturday at the Bush’s® Baked Beans activity tent at Hall of Fame Park.
· The Chartbuster™ Karaoke Experience – A 48-foot tractor-trailer featuring a professional karaoke stage where you can be the star and flex your vocal chops with more than 10,000 songs to choose from.
· eBay – eBay brings the excitement of the Internet auction site to CMA Music Festival with an interactive display.
· “Lawry’s® Live!” Cooking Caravan – “Lawry’s® Live!” is a TV-style cooking show that offers guests the easiest tips for the hottest, grilling results. Attendees get tasty tips, free samples and a gift bag with recipes and more. Guests can check out LAWRY’S Sensation Stations to experience a flavored aroma bar or indulge in tongue painting. Join Lawry’s® Chef Allison Benaderet as she demonstrates some of Lawry’s® most popular recipes – various times Thursday through Sunday. Guest chefs include Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap (10:30 AM), Lisa O’Kane (2:30 PM) and Memarie (3:30 PM) Thursday; Chalee Tennison (1:30 PM) and Ken Mellons (3:30 PM) Friday; Anthony Michael James (3:30 PM) Saturday; and Trent Willmon (11:30 AM) Sunday.
CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL MIDWAY
The CMA Music Festival Midway, presented by Belle City Amusements, will be located between the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge and The Coliseum, adjacent to the new CMA Music Festival Sports Zone. Admission to the carnival is free, but rides require a separate ticket for purchase (75 cents each or a sheet of 40 tickets for $25) or an armband for unlimited rides ($10 a day for CMA Music Festival ticket holders; $15 a day for the general public). The carnival includes everything from games and concessions to rides for children like the Crazy Bus and Dizzy Dragon to more adult thrills including the Scrambler, Cobra and Wipeout.
The CMA Music Festival Midway is open from 5 PM to midnight tonight through Wednesday, and from noon to midnight Thursday through Sunday.
CMA CELEBRITY CLOSE UP
Formerly the Celebrity Lecture Series, CMA Celebrity Close Up was created to provide another avenue for artist/fan interaction – a signature element of the event. Celebrities will answer fan questions in a forum moderated by media personality Lorianne Crook, discussing their lives, careers and a sneak peak at the future. Held at the historic Ryman Auditorium, two sessions are scheduled for Friday.
Session One has a very patriotic theme. Held from 8-9 AM, the session is a reunion of performers and celebrities who took part in a military tour of Iraq in December including “JAG” actress Karri Turner, Mark Wills and Darryl Worley and tour mate Al Franken, who will participate by phone from the studio of his syndicated radio program, “The O Franken Factor,” in New York City. Joining them will be Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap, who spent Thanksgiving with troops in Kuwait in 2003.
Session Two includes LeAnn Rimes from 4:30-5 PM; and Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn and Trace Adkins will be the guest panelists from 5-6 PM.
CMA Celebrity Close Up is a separately ticketed event for each session. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets are available to CMA Music Festival attendees and the general public. Purchase tickets by calling toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or visit www.CMAfest.com; through the Ryman Auditorium Box Office at (615) 889-3060; or through Ticketmaster at (615) 255-9600 or www.Ticketmaster.com. Artists and times subject to change.
CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL AFTER HOURS™
When the lights go down on The Coliseum’s Nightly Concerts, the festivities are just beginning at 15 Downtown clubs and lounges, as CMA Music Festival After Hours™ gets underway. Food and beverage specials, live entertainment and special events are just a few items on the After Hours menu.
Clubs participating in CMA Music Festival After Hours™ include Bailey’s Pub and Grille, Big River Grille and Brewery, BB King’s Blues Club and Restaurant, Hard Rock Café, Legends Corner, Nashville Crossroads, Rippy’s Smokin’ Bar and Grill, Robert’s Western World, Ryman Auditorium, Second Fiddle, The Stage on Broadway, The Trap, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Wildhorse Saloon and Wolfy’s. Each club develops its own entertainment schedule and admission policies.
Planned highlights of 2004 CMA Music Festival After Hours™ include:
· On Wednesday, the Ryman Auditorium hosts year three of Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam, with performances by Marty Stuart and Terri Clark. The Jam begins at 11 PM. For tickets or additional information, contact the Ryman’s ticketing office at (615) 889-3060 or any Ticketmaster outlet.
· Thursday brings The Grand Ole Opry Superstar Spectacular benefit 11 PM – 2 AM at the Ryman Auditorium. Artists performing include Bill Anderson, Tracy Byrd, Vince Gill, Jack Greene, Buddy Jewell and Brad Paisley. All proceeds from the show benefit the Opry Trust Fund, which assists members of the Country Music community in need. Call (615) 871-OPRY or visit www.opry.com for tickets and more information.
· The Trap hosts After Hours music during CMA Music Festival. On Thursday T.G. Shepard and Kelly Lang; Friday Earl Thomas Conley; Saturday the Honky Tonk Tailgate Party featuring Daryle Singletary and Rhett Akins. Tickets for each event cost $15.00 ($12 in advance). All shows start at 10:30 PM. For more information, call (615) 248-3100 or visit www.thetrapofnashville.com.
“DAYS OF OUR LIVES” AND “PASSIONS”
NBC Daytime and CMA continue their successful partnership for the fourth consecutive year with stars from NBC’s hit daytime dramas “Days of our Lives” and “Passions” appearing at the festival in 2004.
Thirteen of NBC Daytime’s hottest stars are scheduled to appear including fan favorites Kyle Brandt (“Philip”); Bryan Dattilo (“Lucas”); Judi Evans (“Bonnie”); Kyle Lowder (“Brady”); Melissa Reeves (“Jennifer”); Kirsten Storms (“Belle”); and Alison Sweeney (“Sami”) from “Days of our Lives;” and Charles Divins (“Chad”); Eric Martsolf (“Ethan”); Liza Huber (“Gwen”); Heidi Mueller (“Kay”); Richard Steinmetz (“Martin Fitzgerald”); and McKenzie Westmore (“Sheridan”) from “Passions.”
The NBC Daytime Stars will appear in the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) and make several appearances during the event at the Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning® Riverfront Park Stages and the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum. But the most anticipated appearance during the event will be the fourth annual “NBC Daytime After Hours™ Party” at the Wildhorse Saloon at 11 PM on Saturday (a separate ticket is required). During the event, the actors will showcase their musical talents and interact with fans. BNA recording artist Lonestar will be the special musical guest at the party. Curb recording artist Blue County will warm up the audience before the festivities begin, making the evening a family affair as Blue County’s Scott Reeves is married to “Days of our Lives” actress Melissa Reeves. Tickets are $20 in advance and are available now by calling the Wildhorse Saloon Box Office (615) 902-8200 or logging on to www.wildhorsesaloon.com.
GLOBAL ARTISTS PARTY
CMA Music Festival embraces the whole world of Country Music – and a few international territories, too! CMA will present the Global Artist Party for the first time in 2004. The show takes place at 6:30 PM, tonight at The Stage on Broadway in Downtown Nashville.
The Global Artist Party is a free concert event featuring performances from a variety of International Country Music artists including host Kylie Harris (New Zealand); Lisa Brokop (Canada); Rodrigo Haddad (Brazil); Ruud Hermans (The Netherlands); Jason McCoy (Canada); The Replete Brothers (Greece); and Mal Rodgers (Ireland).
Each artist performing has garnered a following in their respective territory and many are multiple Country Music award winners. This is a rare opportunity for the public to hear a show featuring so many internationally-acclaimed performers.
PARKING
A limited amount of on-site pay parking ($7 per vehicle) will be available nightly at The Coliseum in Lots E and F, just across the Woodland Street Bridge. This parking is not available for pre-purchase; it is available for purchase on-site on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A limited number of four-day parking passes for The Coliseum are available by phone order only. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) to order. The price is $28 for cars; $60 for vans/shuttles; and $120 for RVs/motor coaches. Spaces are limited and no overnight parking is allowed. The free Downtown shuttles run all day between major event locations for four-day ticket holders.
Shuttle service from outlying areas of Nashville to CMA Music Festival events will be available from several park-and-ride locations with unlimited access on the Gray Line Satellite Shuttle. To purchase a separate pass and to make advance Gray Line Satellite Shuttle reservations, call 1-800-251-1864 or (615) 883-5555.
Ample paid surface lots and parking garages are available in Downtown Nashville, conveniently accessible to The Coliseum via the new Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.
SHOPPING
“Been there. Got the T-shirt.” CMA Music Festival attendees can treasure the experience long after the four-day weekend is over with merchandise purchased at this year’s event.
CMA Music Festival products will be available onsite during the four-day music extravaganza through Music City Merchandise. Booths will be set up at the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall); Greased Lightning® Riverfront Park Stages; Bush’s® Baked Beans Family Zone; and The Coliseum. Additionally, merchandise will be available at the Gaylord Entertainment Center Wednesday and Thursday during registration hours. Merchandise is subject to availability. CMA Music Festival stores and store locations are subject to change without notice. For complete, up-to-date information or to order online, visit www.CMAfest.com.
If attendees like what they hear during the concerts, they can purchase music on-site. Tower Records will have music stores set up at the Nashville Convention Center, The Coliseum and Riverfront Park Stages.
TICKET PACKAGES
Four-day, 2004 CMA Music Festival ticket packages are still available, but the floor level seats are SOLD OUT. Tickets are $125 for adults and $86 for children 14 and younger (prices do not include applicable handling fees). Children 3 and younger are admitted free. Ticket packages are divided into categories, based on the level of reserved seating at The Coliseum. Ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum; Daily Concerts at Greased Lightning® Riverfront Park Stages; the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall); Sports Zone; Bush’s® Baked Beans Family Zone; CMA Music Festival Midway; CMA Music Festival After Hours™ free in-town shuttles; access to the photo lines; the official CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops and more.
To purchase ticket packages, call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or through Ticketmaster at (615) 255-9600; or download an order form at www.CMAfest.com; or visit www.Ticketmaster.com to buy online. Schedule and artists appearing are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.
2005 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKETS
2005 CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair® will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, 2005, in Downtown Nashville. Tickets for 2005 will be available in Nashville only from 9:30 AM-6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13, at the Gaylord Entertainment Center Box Office, 501 Broadway; and from 9:30 AM till the end of the Nightly Concerts Saturday and Sunday at The Coliseum Box Office.
Tickets for CMA Music Festival 2005 go on sale nationwide Monday, June 14, at 10 AM by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or via www.CMAfest.com; or through Ticketmaster by phone at (615) 255-9600 or over the Internet at www.Ticketmaster.com. Four-day ticket packages for 2005 CMA Music Festival will only be available at 2004 prices for a limited time. Ticket prices subject to change. Order early for the best available reserved seat at The Coliseum. All sales are final and non-refundable.
Four-day ticket packages are divided into categories corresponding to different levels of reserved seating at The Coliseum. 2005 CMA Music Festival continues its popular program of offering a discount for fans 14 and younger. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. In 2003, the 2004 CMA Music Festival Gold Circle ticket option, which includes center-stage, reserved floor seating; food and beverage service at your seat; and preferential parking (1 pass per order), sold out in less than a week. Limit four Gold Circle (4) tickets per order. Children 3 and younger are admitted free.
Gold Circle (Center Floor):
Full Price: $250
14 and younger: N/A
Floor (Field):
Full Price: $145
14 and younger: $100
Lower Level:
Full Price: $125
14 and younger: $86
Club Level:
Full Price: $125
14 and younger: $86
TELEVISION SPECIAL
As previously announced, the CMA Music Festival will be filmed for a two-hour television special airing on the CBS Television Network later this summer.
For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, schedules, artist appearances and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for e-news. 2004 CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Country Weekly is an official media partner. MJI Programming, a division of Premiere Radio Networks, is the official radio broadcaster. Promotional partners include American Airlines, B.A.S.S.®, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Bush’s® Baked Beans, Camping World, Carl Black Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Country Music Television CMT, Fisher’s ATV World, Ford, Grand Ole Opry, Greased Lightning®, Great American Country GAC, High Lifter, HCA, Krispy Kreme, Lewis Bakeries, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Nashville Predators, NBC Daytime, Prilosec OTC, The Rage, Shoney’s, Sparkle™ Paper Towels, Star-Time Sports & Entertainment, The Tennessean, Tennessean Titans, TNA Wrestles, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, the works® and Wrangler®. Fan Fair is a registered trademark of CMA.