Dianne and I were lucky enough to cover Chris Young's Fan Club Party at the CMA Music Festival. His party was held at the Nashville Global Cafe on Friday morning, June 9, 2006, from 8:00 am - 10:00 am, and included continental breakfast of pastries, muffins, and a selection of juices, plus for members a meet and greet with Chris, including a photo and autograph. Following the meet and greet, fans headed for the performance area where Chris' granddad performed acoustically for the crowd while Chris finished up his meet & greets with the fans. Chris even joined his granddad for a bit on one of the songs.
Several door prizes were given out to fans in attendance, which included Chris Young bracelets, pins, hats, mouse pads, and such.
After every fan had their opportunity to meet with Chris, he made his way to the small stage and strapped on his 'Nashville Star' guitar and started the acoustic performance. He started with "Small Town, Big Time," then on to "My Old Used-To-Be." Chris thanked everyone that had watched the show and supported him, and mentioned he is now on the RCA label. Next was his beautiful original song that he performed on Nashville Star, "Drinkin' Me Lonely," followed by a cover of Randy Travis' "Forever and Ever, Amen." He mentioned he was playing on the Riverfront Stages that morning after the party and hoped we'd join him there. Brightly colored poster board was passed out to fans that wanted to try their hand in making a sign for displaying at the show, and Chris said he'd be on at 10:45 am.
Continuing the acoustic set he sang a few more songs that will be on his upcoming album, ending with the song that will be the first single, called "Center of My World." Following this, he was whisked out so he could get to the Riverfront Stages in time for his performance.
Unfortunately, Dianne and I weren't able to make it as we were heading to another party (Josh Gracin's party) at 12:00 and needed to go get in line by 11:00 am. From our location, we did hear Chris, but we weren't able to see him.
Later this year, I'm planning on attending one of the Nashville Star tour stops, and can't wait to see Chris along with Casey Rivers, Nicole Jamrose, and Matt Mason.
Full Set List:
- Small Town, Big Time
- My Old Used-To-Be
- Drinkin' Me Lonely
- Forever and Ever, Amen
- Politics, Religon and Her
- Bubba Hyde
- Don't Close Your Eyes
- Let It Rain
- That's My Line
- Roxanne's Bayou
- Center of My World