CMA Fest Returns: Meet the People Making It Happen
From a packed Nissan Stadium and a meet and greet booth at Fan Fair X to the crowd singing every word to every song at Riverfront Stage or a place on the lawn at Ascend Amphitheater, CMA Fest is the pinnacle summer event not only for the city of Nashville, but for thousands of fans visiting from all 50 states and 37 countries to take in four days of nonstop Country Music. And after two consecutive postponements, we are BACK.
CMA Fest is often referred to as a “family reunion.” Because of that, over the last two years, CMA has not only grappled with the economic impact of two CMA Fest postponements, but also struggled with the loss of a community. From artists and musicians to sound engineers, audio and lighting technicians, caterers, bus drivers, stage managers and so many others, CMA Fest employs a host of vendors and hundreds of temporary staff to put on the unforgettable festival fans have come to expect. They are the invisible thread that ties it all together.
As a trade organization, CMA’s top priority is to be a resource for information and support for the very ones who hold it all together for the industry. When it wasn’t safe to host live events, CMA established its Music Industry Covid Support (MICS) initiative to act as a hub for job assistance, mental health resources and other key tools to help those in our industry that needed it the most. Now that live events are beginning to resemble what we once knew, that focus has shifted to equipping the industry for a strong recovery. CMA knows that the biggest and most impactful way to do this is to help get the industry back to work and doing the things they love. As an industry, we have grieved what was lost and prepared for what was ahead. We have found ways to move forward, and now, in new and old ways, we welcome the CMA Fest family back together.
In honor of those who help make it all happen, CMA Close Up asked a few of these individuals to share their history with CMA Fest and why they are excited to be back for another year. June 9—let the countdown begin!
SARAH DREW
Title: Credentials Manager
Number of years you’ve worked at CMA Fest: 2015 – Present
Explain a little about your role at CMA Fest this year.
I have worked with the credentials team in the past at specific stages: Riverfront (2015) and Ascend (2016-2018), and I started working at the stadium in 2019. This year I will facilitate managing all credential needs for the entire festival footprint.
What does it mean to be back after two years of postponement?
So much excitement – it’s like a family reunion having everyone back together again! I have definitely felt something missing not working at CMA Fest the past couple years.
What is it about CMA Fest that makes you want to keep coming back to work?
CMA Fest has always been such a fun event to work, and like I said, it’s like a reunion every year getting to work with the same, awesome group of people. I work with other music events and festivals throughout the year, but I, and many others on the festival staff, always make the effort to block out this time to work for this event. I think that says something about how special and unique CMA Fest is – you WANT to be involved and part of it every year.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s CMA Fest?
Everything! All the stages have incredible lineups, and it will be great see to everyone out here enjoying the festival again.
What is one word you would use to describe CMA Fest overall?
COMMUNITY. For the festival staff, artists, fans, and Nashville itself, I think it’s such a great opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate Country Music, something everyone loves to be a part of, and I think it’s a connection we have all missed the past two years – I am so glad CMA Fest is back!
CINDY SINCLAIR
Title: Lead TV Stage Manager
Number of years you’ve worked at CMA Fest: As part of the TV production crew, I’ve worked every CMA Fest since 2004, the first year the festival moved to the football stadium and began airing on TV. So, 16 years.
Explain a little about your role at CMA Fest this year.
My team and I manage all movements of the artists and bands on the stage, and interface with the TV production truck recording for broadcast later in the summer. We work closely with the artists’ crews to make sure set changes go smoothly and efficiently, and that all elements are in place so the artist can put forth their best performance.
What does it mean to be back after two years of postponement?
Besides being a great job, CMA Fest is a big Country Music family reunion for the artists, musicians, and the crew who work so hard to make it happen. For the two years we were shut down, I really missed my co-workers and friends!
What is it about CMA Fest that makes you want to keep coming back to work?
I thoroughly enjoy working with the most creative and talented people in our industry. Every year, I am inspired by the imagination of CMA executives and Executive Producer Robert Deaton to create not only one of the biggest and best festivals in the country, but a television special that sounds and looks spectacular, showcasing our music to the world. And, every year I am in awe of the technical geniuses that make it happen!
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s CMA Fest?
I take great pride in my work and my stage manager team so I’m really looking forward to getting back to “what we do.” Through the years working onstage, we’ve experienced everything from beautiful starry nights to thunderstorms and pouring rain to sweltering heat to perfect gentle breezes. The long list of artists and their incredible music has been amazing. I’ve loved every minute and can’t wait to get back to work!
What is one word you would use to describe CMA Fest overall?
I’ll say it again – spectacular!
GORDON BUCHANAN
Title: Production/ Stage Manager Riverfront Stage
Number of years you’ve worked at CMA Fest: 12 years
Explain a little about your role at CMA Fest this year.
I advance all the artists for Main Stage production needs, manage the stage time for an efficient turnover between acts and streamline the rehearsal time prior to the first initial slot of the day. I also maintain safety on the main stage by supervising the crew and ensuring the safety of the artists and patrons as well as monitor weather patterns.
What does it mean to be back after two years of postponement?
It means the world is returning to normal because music matters. Also, my bank account is much happier.
What is it about CMA Fest that makes you want to keep coming back to work?
The camaraderie of the organization, the satisfaction of knowing at the completion of the event it was a success for not only CMA, but also the City of Nashville.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s CMA Fest?
Seeing old friends and making new ones.
What is one word you would use to describe CMA Fest overall?
Exciting
*Photos courtesy of Sarah Drew, Cindy Sinclair and Gordon Buchanan.