CMA Music Festival
Photo Gallery | CMA 2007 Recap

CMA Music Festival: Where The World Comes to Perform

NASHVILLE - Last year CMA Music Festival drew attendees from 27 countries in addition to all 50 states, but the legendary event also draws artists from around the globe excited to perform in Music City U.S.A. 2007 CMA Music Festival takes place Thursday-Sunday, June 7-10, in Downtown Nashville. 

On Monday, June 4, the Fourth Annual CMA Global Artist Party serves as an unofficial kick off to CMA Music Festival. The concert, hosted by Jace Everett and showcasing seven artists from Australia, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom, begins at 6:15 PM at The Stage on Broadway. 

"The CMA Global Artist Party has become a highly anticipated way to start the week of CMA Music Festival," said Jeff Walker, President, AristoMedia and Chairman of the CMA Global Markets Committee. "The event showcases talented Country Music artists from around the world to a packed house who enjoy discovering new talent." 

The artists performing at the Fourth Annual CMA Global Artist Party are Travis Collins and Morgan Evans from Australia; Gord Bamford, Aaron Pritchett, and Shane Yellowbird from Canada; John McNicholl from Ireland; and Lucie Diamond from the United Kingdom. 

On Tuesday, June 5, AristoMedia will host the Third Annual Global Acoustic Afternoon at Legends Corner beginning at 2:30 PM, hosted by Adam Gregory of Canada. 

"The response to the first CMA Global Artist Party was so strong both from the audience and from the artists that I knew we could create a second opportunity to spotlight additional international talent during CMA Music Festival week," said Walker. 

Artists participating in the Third Annual Global Acoustic Afternoon include Troy Kemp, Briana Lee, and Mark O'Shea of Australia; Shannon Lee Briggs and Deric Ruttan of Canada; Ruud Hermans of The Netherlands; and Andreas Silver of Sweden. 

There is no charge for admission to either event, but due to limited space, reservations are encouraged by calling the AristoMedia RSVP Line at 615-269-7122 or rsvp@aristomedia.com. 

"Both the CMA Global Artist Party and the AristoMedia Global Acoustic Afternoon are wonderful events enjoyed by our attendees," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "We appreciate the great job that Jeff Walker does in organizing and booking these international concerts." 

For up-to-the-minute information about CMA Music Festival tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news. 

Billy Ray Cyrus Added To 2007 CMA Music Festival Nightly Concerts At LP Field

Acoustic Performances by Jason Michael Carroll, Bucky Covington, and "Nashville Star" Winner Angela Hacker Added to Star-Studded Lineup

NASHVILLE - The Nightly Concerts at LP Field are a music lover's dream featuring surprise guests, many of the biggest names in Country Music, and some of the hottest, rising stars. 

Today, Billy Ray Cyrus was added to the growing list, which includes Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Billy Currington, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Jo Dee Messina, Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, and The Wreckers. 

A multi-Platinum-selling artists, Cyrus currently co-stars with his daughter Miley Cyrus on the hit Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana." Recently he appeared on ABC's hit show "Dancing With The Stars" and became a semi-finalist in the competition, due largely to the support of his ever-growing fan base. Cyrus is set to release his Walt Disney Records debut album Home at Last - featuring a combination of poignant original songs and timeless classics - on July 24. 

Jason Michael Carroll, Bucky Covington, and "Nashville Star" winner Angela Hacker have been added to the concerts. Each will perform a two-song acoustic set: Carroll on Thursday, June 7, Covington on Friday, June 8, Hacker on Saturday, June 9. Artists and schedule subject to change.

Carroll's first Arista Nashville album, Waitin' in the Country, was released in February and debuted at No 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Of the album's 11 tracks, the North Carolina native wrote or co-wrote five cuts including his first single "Alyssa Lies," a poignant portrait of child abuse that was a Top 5 on the Billboard Singles chart. The song set another record, entering Billboard's Digital Song chart with 13,857 purchased downloads - the highest Country new-artist debut sales in the chart's history. His current single, "Livin' Our Love Song," released in April, is No. 26 on airplay charts. 

A former finalist on "American Idol," Covington's self-titled album debuted at No. 1 on Nielsen SoundScan's Country Top 75 chart and No. 4 on the all-genre Top 200 chart and sold more than 100,000 units in its first three weeks of release. His debut single, "A Different World," is already a Top 20 hit as it quickly climbs the Country radio charts.

Hacker grew up in Muscle Shoals, Ala., and made her musical debut in a school talent contest. She won and 16 years later, Hacker claimed top honors again on the fifth season of the USA Network program "Nashville Star." She released her self-titled debut in April. 

"We are always exploring new ways to incorporate developing artists into the stadium shows at LP Field," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. "The opportunity gives them enormous exposure in front of an enthusiastic audience of Country Music's most ardent fans."

Pre-show festivities at LP field begin Thursday, June 7 (7:30 PM/CT) and include the presentation of the Stars and Stripes by the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Station Nashville Color Guard. 

The Nightly Concerts at LP Field begin on Thursday at 7:30 PM/CT and Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:50 PM/CT, featuring state-of-the-art production and fireworks at the conclusion of each night's show. Fans have the opportunity to get up close to the stage and take photos in the constantly circulating CMA Photo Line.

Individual Nightly Concerts are on sale for $40 for reserved seats and $30 for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field (plus applicable handling fees) by visiting www.ticketmaster.com to buy online; or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600 or 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378). 

A limited amount of on-site, pay parking ($10 per vehicle) will be available nightly at LP Field in Lots E & F, just across the Woodland Street Bridge. This parking lot is not available for pre-purchase. It is available for purchase on-site on a first-come, first-serve basis after 5:00 PM on Thursday and Friday (June 7-8) and all day Saturday and Sunday (June 9-10). Ample paid surface lots and parking garages are also available in Downtown Nashville, conveniently accessible to LP Field via the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.

Montgomery Gentry, Charley Pride and Neal McCoy Added to Second Session of CMA Celebrity Close-Up Series At 2007 CMA Music Festival

Series Presented by Great American Country

NASHVILLE - Former CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Montgomery Gentry; Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride; and fan favorite Neal McCoy (who got his start as an opening act for Pride have been added to the second session of the popular CMA Celebrity Close Up Series Thursday, June 7 (4:00-5:30 PM/CT). The series, which is presented by Great American Country (GAC), gives fans an in-depth glimpse into an artist's life and personality with GAC personality Lorianne Crook as moderator.

As previously announced, the first session Thursday, June 7 (1:30 - 3:15 PM) will feature Platinum artists Trace Adkins, Terri Clark and Josh Turner. Both sessions will be held at the historic Ryman Auditorium and taped by GAC for a future television broadcast by the sane name on the Country Music-themed cable network.

The CMA Celebrity Close Up was created to provide another avenue for artist/fan interaction - a signature element of the CMA Music Festival. The CMA Celebrity Close Up series is a separately ticketed event. Tickets are $12 in advance or $17 the day of the event. They can be purchased by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378). Fans can also visit www.ticketmaster.com or stop by the Ryman Auditorium Box Office to purchase tickets.

For up-to-the-minute information about CMA Music Festival tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news. 

About Great American Country (GAC)
Great American Country is America's main street for the widest variety of Country Music, its artists and the lifestyles they influence. In addition to Country Music videos, GAC features original programming, special musical performances and live concerts, and is the exclusive television home of the Grand Ole Opry. GAC is available in more than 46 million households and online at http://www.GACTV.com .

2007 CMA Music Festival Kicks Off With Free Concert From The Chevy Music Tour Stage And A Star-Studded Parade of Chevy Cars And Trucks

Jason Michael Carroll, Elizabeth Cook, Jennifer Hanson, Tanya Tucker, Darryl Worley, and More Scheduled to Perform at "The Second Annual CMA Music Festival Block Party"

Four Days of Performances Booked for Chevy Music Tour Stage Including Showcases for Bluegrass and Latin Country Music

NASHVILLE - CMA Music Festival is Nashville's signature musical event and to celebrate the arrival of the annual lovefest between Country Music artists and their fans, Nashvillians and the visitors who flock there each June are invited to a free afternoon of concerts and activities in Downtown Nashville on Wednesday, June 6.

"What a great way to get the celebration kicked into high gear than to have a free parade and concert on the Chevy Music Tour Stage for residents, people who work Downtown, and our Festival attendees," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. 

On Wednesday, June 6, spectators are sure to enjoy "The Third Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade" beginning at 2:30 PM/CT on Broadway. The procession features artists and celebrities riding in some of the hottest Chevrolet cars and trucks, specialty vehicles and a one-of-a-kind Chevy Country Music Silverado. Additional Kick-Off Parade elements include drum corps from two local high schools, a New Holland tractor ridden by Michael Peterson, and the Chevy street team handing out fun freebies. 

The Kick-Off Parade route will take the four-wheeled procession from the starting point at Broadway and Sixth Avenue, down Broadway to Fourth Avenue, turning right on Demonbreun, up to Fifth Avenue, turning right and ending at Fifth Avenue and Broadway.

Some of the participants in the Kick-Off Parade include Blue County, Jason Michael Carroll, Jennifer Hanson, Pirates of the Mississippi, PovertyNeck Hillbillies, Tanya Tucker, Pam Tillis, Two Foot Fred, Darryl Worley, and setting the pace will be NASCAR drivers Scott Wimmer (No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet) and Shane Huffman (No. 88 NAVY "Accelerate Your Life" Chevrolet).

Immediately following the Downtown Parade, the high-octane party continues at the free "Second Annual CMA Music Festival Block Party," from 3:30-8:00 PM/CT on the plaza at The Sommet Center, formerly the Nashville Arena, on Broadway and Fifth Avenue. Artists scheduled to perform on the Chevy Music Tour Stage at the Block Party Wednesday, June 6 include: Jason Michael Carroll, Elizabeth Cook, Jennifer Hanson, Tanya Tucker, Darryl Worley and more. 

"Music continues to play an integral role in what drives Chevrolet in its advertising and marketing programs, and so our extended partnership through 2008 with the CMA Awards and CMA Music Festival is a perfect union," said Kim Kosak, Chevrolet's General Director of Advertising and Sales Promotions. "The Chevy Music Tour is a centerpiece for Chevrolet's music promotions, and with its integration at the 2007 CMA Music Festival, fans can experience the breadth of our products in a fresh, fun-filled way."

The Block Party is just the start of four days of live music on the Chevy Music Tour Stage with a variety of performances, including showcases of Bluegrass and Latin Country Music.

"The U.S. Hispanic Country Music Association is excited to collaborate with CMA for this year's Latin Country Show, part of CMA's Music Fest activities. I am proud to have our members participate and am confident that Johnny Rodriguez, Bobby Marquez, Melanie Torres and John Arthur Martinez will add a stellar performance and one that Country Music fans will remember throughout the year," said Maritza Baca, President of the U.S. Hispanic Country Music Association. 

"CMA Music Festival prides itself on presenting the full spectrum of Country Music and we are very appreciative of the support we received from Maritza Baca at the U.S. Hispanic Country Music Association and Dan Hays at the International Bluegrass Music Association in providing artists for these two, new and eagerly anticipated concert events during the Festival," said Genovese.

Chevy Music Tour Stage performers include (schedule and artists subject to change):

Thursday, June 7
10:30 AM Bobby Pinson
11:30 AM Greg Hanna
12:30 PM Con Hunley
1:30 PM Kyle Wyley
2:30 PM Beverley Mitchell
3:30 PM Jedd Hughes 

Friday, June 8
10:30 AM Burrito Deluxe
11:30 AM Chase Mitchell
12:30 PM Rissi Palmer
1:30 PM Billy Yates
2:30 PM Sunny Sweeney
3:30 PM Daniel Lee Martin

Saturday, June 9
10:30 AM Minnie Murphy
11:30 AM Keni Thomas
12:30 PM Latin Country Music Show
Johnny Rodriguez
1:30 PM Bobby Marquez
2:30 PM Melanie Torres
3:30 PM John Arthur Martinez

Sunday, June 10
10:30 AM David St. Romain
11:30 AM Austin Cody
12:30 PM Damon Smith
1:30 PM Bluegrass Showcase
Infamous Stringdusters
2:30 PM Alecia Nugent
3:30 PM Cherryholmes

Between sets, fans can check out the Chevy Music Tour, a free and open to the public area on the plaza at The Sommet Center with interactive contests and games, great prizes, a unique photo booth, and vehicle displays. The area will be open daily Thursday-Saturday, June 7-9 (10:00 AM-5:00 PM/CT); and Sunday, June 10 (10:00 AM-4:00 PM/CT). More than 700 song lyrics include Chevy vehicles. Music is woven into Chevrolet's DNA, and this heritage is brought to life at CMA Music Festival with the Chevy Music Tour.

Guests can: 

• Test their music IQ by participating in live, interactive trivia contests for prizes.
• Listen to tunes at the XM Radio kiosks.
• Participate in activities such as an interactive photo booth, which allows fans to get their picture taken with their favorite Country artist and Chevy vehicle. 
• Play the Chevy VIP Pass game for a chance to win a trip back to Nashville for "The 41st Annual CMA Awards" in November, and much more.

Lucky fans can even get behind the wheel with a star for a 10-minute test drive in a Chevy vehicle during the Chevy Ride & Drive event Friday-Sunday, June 8-10 (10:00 AM-5:00 PM/CT). Vehicles available to test drive include the Motor Trend Truck of the Year - the Chevy Silverado (a 1500 Crew Cab, an Extended Cab and an HD with Duramax), the Chevy Avalanche, Cobalt SS, Colorado Crew Cab, HHR, Impala SS, and the Chevy Tahoe. Select vehicles available to drive will be E85 FlexFuel compatible. Registration is required at the Chevy Ride & Drive staging area adjacent to The Sommet Center (near the Chevy Music Tour Stage). Many of the artists performing on the Chevy Music Tour Stage will be invited to participate in the Ride & Drive.

The Chevy Music Tour Stage is a hub of activity, but Chevy is also a sponsor of the Chevy Sports Zone, with additional free public events and activities open throughout CMA Music Festival. 

Now in its 36th year, CMA Music Festival will be held on Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, in Downtown Nashville. Dubbed the "crown jewel of Country Music Festivals" by USA Today and winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association's 2006 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year, the event features four jam-packed days of music with more than 400 artists and celebrities, 90 hours of concerts, 30 hours of organized autograph signings, family activities, celebrity sports competitions, and much more. 

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for e-news.

Chevrolet has extended its long-time partnership with the Country Music Association for an additional three years, making Chevy the Official Ride of Country Music through at least 2009. Chevrolet, a division of General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), is one of America's best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway is the Executive Producer of CMA Music Festival. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Borders® Books & Music: The Official Music & Book retailer of the CMA Music Festival. Additional promotional partners include Allstate Insurance Company, American Airlines, AT&T-Tennessee, Back Yard Burgers, BMI, Carl Black Chevrolet, CiCi's Pizza®, Coca-Cola®, Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, Country Weekly, Coyote Ugly® Saloon, CMT®, Crisco®, Dr Pepper®, GAC, Great American Country, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products®, Gibson Guitar®, Hard Rock Café Nashville, Loveless Café, Mossy Oak Apparel, Music Festivals®, New Holland Agriculture Equipment S.p.A., On the Run® at Exxon, Prilosec OTC®, Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, The Sportsman Channel®, Wrangler® and Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, EMT services are provided by Vanderbilt Sports Medicine and Vanderbilt Life Flight. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA. 
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2007 CMA Music Festival Offers Free Entertainment And Activities For All Ages In the Crisco Family Zone

Activities Include Borders Storytelling with Country Artists; Food Sampling; Crisco Giveaways; Music City Rising Star Youth Vocal Soloist Competition; Cooking Demonstrations With Celebrities and Chef Jon Ashton; Chef Hat and Autograph Book Decorating; and Great Country Music on the Family Zone Stage 

NASHVILLE - The Crisco® Family Zone in Hall of Fame Park is where you want to be for exciting activities during 2007 CMA Music Festival. The Crisco Family Zone is free and open to the public Thursday through Saturday, June 7-9 (11:00 AM-5:00 PM/CT), and Sunday, June 10 (11:00 AM-3:00 PM/CT).

"The Family Zone is a great area for kids of all ages to play, learn, eat, and be entertained," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. "Admission and the activities are free making this a great destination for Nashville residents and fans looking for fun programs and great music in a family-friendly environment."

The Crisco Family Zone will feature food sampling and giveaways from Crisco, Hungry Jack®, JIF®, Martha White®, Uncrustables®, White Lily® and sundae sampling with Smuckers® Ice Cream Toppings and Purity® Ice Cream. 

Thursday, June 7, will be "Safety Day," featuring presentations on bicycle, car seat and water safety, as well as "Kid's Fingerprinting" at the Safety Booth (11:00 AM-5:00 PM/CT). Friday, June 8 will be "Health and Wellness Day" with health information from the American Red Cross and much more. 

Throughout the four days there will be performances on the Family Zone Stage featuring Katie Armiger, Buck Howdy, The BummKinn Band, Cerrito, Farmer Jason, JR and The Roadkill Choir, Tresa Jordan, Sage Keffer, Little Nashville, Moore & Moore, Kate Russell, Daniel Smith, and Taylor Ware.

Back this year is the Crisco Country Favorites Corner. This area will feature the Crisco Kids' Creation Tent, where kids of all ages can get inspired. In addition there will be food sampling from the Crisco Country Favorites Volume III Recipe Book; chef hat and autograph book decorating; coloring books, games, and coupon distribution. 

"For generations moms everywhere have trusted Crisco products to help make delicious treats for their family to enjoy," said Maribeth Badertscher, J.M. Smucker Manager of Corporate Communications. "We know that there is more to love about baking than just the finished product and we are pleased to offer families the opportunity to share their love of cooking and Country Music in one fun-filled venue."

A new event in the Crisco Family Zone this year is the "Music City's Rising Star Youth Vocal Soloist Competition," sponsored by MUSIC FESTIVALS and featuring 250 high school students from across the country competing on the 5th Avenue Stage Thursday and Friday, June 7-8 (10:00 AM-5:30 PM/CT). The winner will be announced Saturday, June 9 (11:00 AM/CT) at the Wildhorse Saloon and will perform on the Family Zone Stage Sunday, June 10 (12:50 PM/CT).

The 24th Annual YWCA Celebrity Auction with Martina McBride sponsored by Verizon Wireless will once again be held in the Crisco Family Zone on Saturday, June 9 (10:30 AM-3:00 PM/CT). The popular auction will feature special appearances from several Country artists including Chris Young, Jason Michael Carroll, Kyle Wyley, Kevin Sharp, and more. Fans will have the chance to bid on and take home one-of-a-kind items from some of Country Music's biggest stars. 

The "Color Me Musical" poster contest award winners' presentation will be held Friday, June 8 (4:30 PM/CT). All students who attend Metro Nashville schools, grades K-8, had an opportunity to enter a poster and essay contest for the chance to win prizes provided by Borders, Hewlett-Packard, Office Depot® and Purity® Dairies who are sponsoring the event along with Newspapers in Education at The Tennessean. Two winners will be selected from each age category, grades K-4 and 5-8.

On Sunday, June 10 (11:30 AM-1:00 PM/CT) free lunch will be provided in the Crisco Family Zone for the first 500 guests at the Crisco Family Picnic.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, schedules, artists appearing and more, visit www.CMAfest.com. 

Fans And Celebrities Meet Face-To-Face In The Fan Fair Exhibit Hall At 2007 CMA Music Festival

NASHVILLE -- 2007 CMA Music Festival is the ultimate experience for fans of America's music, with more than 90 hours of live music, celebrity events and more during four days (Thursday-Sunday, June 7-10) in Downtown Nashville. The event celebrates the relationship between fans and celebrities, and is perhaps best realized at its core: the Fan Fair® Exhibit Hall. Held at the Nashville Convention Center, the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall gives four-day attendees the rare opportunity to meet some of their favorite entertainment personalities, discover new talents, and receive a cherished autograph and photo. 

"What sets CMA Music Festival apart from other music festivals around the world is the amount of artist/fan interaction that takes place during the event," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "The connection that the fans make with their favorite artists in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall is truly the heart of CMA Music Festival." 

Among the artists and celebrities scheduled to appear in a booth and meet their fans are: Trace Adkins; Deborah Allen; Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson; John Anderson; Rodney Atkins; Charlotte Autry; John Berry; Big & Rich; Bonnie Lou Bishop; Shy Blakeman; Blue County; Paul Brewster; Lane Brody; Luke Bryan; Sonny Burgess; Burrito Deluxe; Tracy Byrd; Carolina Rain; Jason Michael Carroll; The Cherryholmes; Eric Church; John Conlee; Elizabeth Cook; Katie Cook (host of "CMT Insider"); Kristina Cornell; Brad Cotter; Bucky Covington; Cowboy Crush; Cowboy Troy; Shanna Crooks; James Taylor Curtis and the Silver Eagle Band; Justin David; Cole Deggs & The Lonesome; Dusty Drake; Emerson Drive; Ty England; Erika Jo; Donna Fargo; Janie Fricke; Todd Fritsch; Billy Gilman; Josh Gracin; The Grascals; Jennifer Hanson; Heartland; Ty Herndon; Steve Holy; Damien Horne; Con Hunley; Jack Ingram; Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Sage Keffer; Rachel Kice; Lady Antebellum; Lantana; Shannon Lawson; Andy Leftwich; Lonestar; Daniel Lee Martin; John Arthur Martinez; Lila McCann; Jason Meadows; Memarie; Beverly Mitchell (from the television series "Seventh Heaven"); Ashley Monroe; Moore and Moore; Craig Morgan; Jamie O'Neal; James Otto; Amanda Pearce; Danielle Peck; Michael Peterson; Pirates of the Mississippi; PovertyNeck Hillbillies; Carmen Rasmussen; Reunionaires; LeAnn Rimes; Rio Grande; Julie Roberts; Stephen Salyers; Sawyer Brown; Keith Sewell; Kevin Sharp; Ricky Skaggs; Damon Smith; Daniel Smith; CMT personality Lance Smith; Sunny Sweeny; Taylor Swift; Brandi Thornton; Pam Tillis; Aaron Tippin; Trent Tomlinson; Trick Pony; Tanya Tucker; Josh Turner; Two Foot Fred; Taylor Ware (2003 Yahoo! Yodel Challenge winner and top five finalist on 2006's "America's Got Talent" television show); Storme Warren (host of GAC-TV's "Country Music Across America"); Jimmy Wayne; Whiskey Falls; Bryan White; Mark Wills; Gretchen Wilson; Darryl Worley; Kyle Wyley; Billy Yates; and more. 

The Sony BMG Nashville booth, subtitled "hearsomethingcountry.com," will feature appearances from Keith Anderson; Terri Clark; Montgomery Gentry; Jake Owen; Carrie Underwood; Chris Young; and more. 

As previously announced, the ABC booth will host autograph signings with ABC Daytime actors Kathy Brier (Marcie McBain from "One Life to Live"); Justin Bruening (Jamie Martin on "All My Children"); Colin Egglesfield (Joshua Madden on "All My Children"); Becky Herbst (Elizabeth Webber from "General Hospital"); John-Paul Lavoisier (Rex Balsom from "One Life to Live"); and Greg Vaughan (Lucky Spencer from "General Hospital"). 

All artists and celebrities are subject to change.

Returning to the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall this year is Music Row, a section featuring record label booths. Each booth will spotlight the label's artist roster. Among the record labels participating in Music Row this year are Broken Bow; Capitol Records Nashville; Curb; Universal Music Group; and Universal South. 

Borders® Books & Music, the exclusive CD, book and DVD retailer sponsor at CMA Music Festival, will host book and CD signings in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall booth. Big & Rich will sign copies of their new CD, Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace, and their book, Big & Rich: All Access, on Thursday, June 7 (11:00 AM). Author/producer John Carter Cash will sign copies of his newly written biography of his mother, Anchored in Love: An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash, as well as the CD of the same name on Friday, June 8, (3:00 PM). The CD features songs written by June Carter Cash and performed by Carlene Carter and Ronnie Dunn (of Brooks & Dunn), Rosanne Cash, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn, Brad Paisley and others. In addition to the Exhibit Hall, Borders will also host booths at Riverfront Park and LP Field. 

The Acoustic Corner, outside the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall on the second floor of the Nashville Convention Center, has become a popular area to enjoy intimate performances from artists on independent labels. Every artist performing at the Acoustic Corner will also appear in a booth in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall to meet their fans. The artists selected to perform at Acoustic Corner this year are Curtis Alan; Bernadette; Cadillac Sky, Don Campbell, Will Clements, Stephan Cochran, Timothy Craig, Brett Daniels; singer/actress Kassie DePaiva; Carly Goodwin; Chris Gray; Dennie Hall; Kyle Jennings; Abel Kane; Laura Lynn; Miko Marks; Ken Mellons; Mustang Creek; Roadmark; TelluRide; Rhonda Towns; Well Hungarians; Dustin Wilkes; and Rachel Williams. For performance times and artist schedule, please visit www.CMAfest.com. 

"Acoustic Corner is a great way for our attendees to be exposed to rising new talents and rediscover old favorites while taking a break from the heat in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting," said Genovese. 

Only four-day attendees of CMA Music Festival have access to the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall and Acoustic Corner. 

Now in its 36th year, CMA Music Festival was dubbed the "crown jewel of Country Music Festivals" by USA Today and was the winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association's 2006 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year. 

For up-to-the-minute information about CMA Music Festival tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news. 

Volunteers To Build Habitat For Humanity Home During 2007 CMA Music Festival

Construction Project Sponsored by Greased Lightning

NASHVILLE - Nashville is the home of Country Music and CMA Music Festival is adding on to the neighborhood. During 2007 CMA Music Festival, volunteers will build a frame for a Habitat for Humanity home under construction at the Fifth Avenue Plaza next to the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Nashville. 

"The Nashville community is an important part of the success of CMA Music Festival," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. "And giving back is important to CMA. Country Music is part of the fabric of this city and building a home for a family in need is a special way for festival attendees to have a lasting impact on our home town."

Wall panels for the home will be constructed onsite Sunday, June 10 (9:00 AM/CT). The panels will be used to build a house for a deserving family, who will purchase the home by mortgage with zero percent interest. 

"We are both honored and excited to be sponsoring a Habitat Home this year, " said Tracy Hudson, Greased Lightning Brand Manager. "Each year we look forward to being an integral participant of the CMA Festival and being able to sponsor a Habitat Home brings even more value to our partnership with CMA. We are humbled to be able to assist a family in need and aid them in achieving a new beginning."

"CMA Music Festival fans are like our volunteers - eager to help out and have a great time in the process," said Chris McCarthy, Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity's President and CEO. "We are so happy that Greased Lightning has joined our powerful crew by sponsoring a house for a deserving Nashville family. They say, 'No job is too tough for Greased Lightning,' and we are honored they are bringing that attitude to affordable housing in Nashville. The opportunity to do the initial house construction onsite at the Festival is priceless, and we are so thankful to CMA and to Greased Lightning for spreading the word about our ministry in this way."

The completed home will be dedicated with 14 other houses during a ceremony on Oct. 21 leading up to "The 41st Annual CMA Awards," which will be held in November. The dedication ceremony will bring the number of homes completed in the subdivision named Providence Park to 140. In addition, a special concert by a Country Music artist will take place the week leading up the CMA Awards, in recognition of the tireless efforts of the volunteers, workers and families. 

"The home construction site will be open to the public and we encourage everyone to come down and experience what the Festival has to offer and contribute to a great cause at the same time," Genovese said.

Habitat for Humanity isn't the only good cause benefiting from CMA Music Festival. CMA donates half the net proceeds from the event to fund music education in Metro Nashville's Public Schools through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education called "Keep the Music Playing." Earlier this year CMA donated more than $368,000 to the program bringing to more than $1.1 million the amount of funds donated to charity on behalf of the artists who participate and perform at CMA Music Festival for free.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances and more, visit www.CMAfest.com.

Thanks For The Music!

Photo Gallery | CMA 2007 Recap