NASHVILLE - Four days, 30 hours of autograph signings, 70 hours of live music, more than 200 Country Music artists and celebrities, and more than 130,000 fans add up to one major musical event - 2005 CMA Music Festival "Country Music's Biggest Party," held Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, in Downtown Nashville, Tenn.
"CMA Music Festival has become the must attend event for any Country Music enthusiast," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson. "This is a party with something for everyone. The music spans the genre and the activities appeal to all ages - from children in the Family Zone to the party-hardy club hoppers during After Hours. And the opportunities to meet and interact with the artists, a hallmark of this event for the past 34 years, continue with numerous activities for every taste and interest, from archery to cooking."
With hundreds of artists expected to participate and more than 70 hours of concerts at venues centrally located in Downtown Nashville, CMA Music Festival is a four-day, non-stop celebration of America's music for people of all ages who love great songs, great artists and a great time.
Dubbed the "crown jewel" of Country Music festivals by USA Today, CMA Music Festival builds on the reputation of Fan Fair®, which was created exclusively for the fans in 1972. And 34 years later, the unique relationship between Country Music artists and their admirers remains at the heart of CMA Music Festival. Each June, the artists take time out of their busy touring schedules to play for free, meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos, to give back to the people and community that have supported them throughout the year.
"We are thrilled to continue our message of 'Country Music Without Prejudice' with our first appearance at the CMA Music Festival," said Big Kenny and John Rich of Big & Rich. "We are also excited that our first Raybaw Records artist, Cowboy Troy, will be a part of the show."
"There's no place to have a better time than at the CMA Music Festival," said LeAnn Rimes. "I get to spend personal time with my fans, who I love, plus hear some of the greatest music in the world. It's Country Music's most exciting week of the year."
"It is always a privilege to have the opportunity to perform for so many enthusiastic Country Music fans all gathered in one place," said Heidi Newfield Johnson of Trick Pony. "We know that the 2005 CMA Music Festival will be the best ever and we can't wait!"
"CMA Music Festival is such a great event to be involved with," said Phil Vassar. "We have the best fans in the world and to have them all in one place and fee the energy and excitement is pretty amazing. I'm proud to be participating again this year."
"Growing up, I always dreamed of performing in front of the fans that visited Nashville during Fan Fair," said Brad Cotter. "Last year, after winning ' Nashville Star,' I met the most amazing people from part of the country I've never even visited, and it really showed me the impact Country Music has on their lives. I feel fortunate to be a part of the renowned event, even though I'm a fan of a lot of the artists."
"The thing I love most about CMA Music Festival are all the interesting people I get to meet," said Jon Randall. "Everyone already knows what I do for a living so it's interesting for me to find out what the fans do."
Also appearing are Trace Adkins, Steve Azar, Dierks Bentley, Brad Cotter, Billy Currington, Josh Gracin, The Jenkins, Jo Dee Messina, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, Julie Roberts, Keith Urban, Jimmy Wayne, Mark Wills, Gretchen Wilson, Darryl Worley and Michelle Wright with more artists to be added.
CMA Music Festival has a lot to offer including nightly, star-packed concerts at The Coliseum with state-of-the-art production, two huge stages for continuous entertainment, the popular CMA Music Festival Photo Line and giant video screens capturing all of the excitement.
In addition to the nightly concerts, you'll find daily, non-stop music at the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages with an eclectic lineup of artists performing on dual stages, including Country hit-makers, rising stars, legends, stellar bluegrass performers and surprise guests. Artists will perform from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Thursday through Saturday, June 9-11, and 10:30 AM to 6 PM Sunday, June 12.
"We have attended twice - in 2001 and 2002 - and came with two of our children. It is what you want it to be. Music can be heard all day long [Downtown] and at the stadium at night. Walking through Nashville, seeing the sights and watching your children take it all in and appreciate the music makes the trip worthwhile," said Terry Maske of Oak Forest Ill.
