Sports Zone Added In 2004 With Activities And Competitions For Sports Personalities, Country Artists And Fans

Television And Radio Personality Lorianne Crook To Moderate Artist Q&A During CMA Celebrity Close Up; With Lance Bass of 'NSYNC Returning As Guest

Arista Nashville recording artist Brooks & Dunn will appear at 2004 CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair. The duo is shown here performing at last year's event. - Photographer: Jim Hagans - photo courtesy of the Country Music Association

NASHVILLE - Four of the biggest Country concerts of the year are back-to-back this summer during "Country Music's Biggest Party," the 2004 CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair®, held Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13, in Downtown Nashville, Tenn.

"CMA Music Festival has become a big party and a must for any Country Music enthusiast," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson. "We've added new activities, expanded the Fan Fair traditions that are the basis of our popularity and delivered a four-day, event package that is economical for everyone."
 
With hundreds of artists expected to participate and more than 40 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 32 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, to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for pictures, to give back to the people and community that support them the other 361 days of the year.

"I've performed there every year since my first record was released," said Capitol Nashville artist Trace Adkins, who returns in 2004. "I would never consider NOT doing it!"

"I so look forward to getting to spend time with the fans," said Curb artist Jo Dee Messina, who will participate again in 2004. "It's always a blast!"
                         
Also appearing are Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Brooks & Dunn, Glen Campbell, Terri Clark, Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels, Diamond Rio, Vince Gill, Pat Green, Buddy Jewell, Lonestar, Montgomery Gentry, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, Clay Walker, Darryl Worley and Wynonna with more artists being added daily to the star-packed lineup.

CMA Music Festival has a lot to offer including nightly, star-packed concerts at The Coliseum, home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans, with state-of-the-art production, two huge stages for continuous entertainment and giant screens capturing all of the excitement. Several artists are already scheduled to perform including newcomers, superstars and bonafide legends.

MCA Nashville recording artist Vince Gill will appear at 2004 CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair. Gill is shown here performing at last year's event. - Photographer: John Russell - photo courtesy of the Country Music Association

In addition to the nightly concerts, you'll find daily, non-stop music at the CMA Music Festival's popular outdoor venue the Greased Lightning(tm) Riverfront Park Stages. Grab a blanket and spot on the grassy banks of the Cumberland River for an eclectic lineup of artists performing on dual stages including Country hit makers, rising stars, seasoned veterans, stellar bluegrass performers and surprise guests. 

But, CMA Music Festival isn't just about seeing artists in their natural habitat - on stage. The event offers numerous opportunities for fans to interact and see their favorite stars in unique settings, whether it's getting an autograph in the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) at the Nashville Convention Center; asking questions during the CMA Celebrity Close Up series; or standing clear as the artists fire arrows at targets during the Third Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament.

"We are offering fans more opportunities than ever to interact with the stars and get a glimpse into their personal lives and interests," Benson said. "Our goal has been to add new elements each year to keep CMA Music Festival fresh and exciting. We want to give our festival goers a reason to come back year after year and experience something new each time."

New in 2004 is the Sports Zone at The Coliseum. The Sports Zone will be open to all sports and Country Music enthusiasts from 1:00-6:00 PM/CDT Thursday through Sunday, June 11-13. It offers the opportunity for fans to participate in sports activities plus see some of their favorite artists and professional athletes go head-to-head in friendly competitions.

There's a strong relationship between sports personalities and Country artists. In 2003, Theresa Earnhardt, widow of NASCAR racing legend Dale Earnhardt, and Tennessee Titan Drew Bennett, both made appearances at the event. And it is a proven winner with fans, too.

"The Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament has been a hit with fans and a great example of what the Sports Zone concept has to offer," Benson said. "The artists enjoy participating because they have a personal interest in the sport, and the fans enjoy seeing them in a non-traditional setting. Everyone has a good time."

Personal interaction remains a cornerstone of CMA Music Festival and the Exhibit Hall at the Nashville Convention Center, now proudly carrying the Fan Fair® name and sponsored by Wrangler, is the epicenter of the fan/artist bonding experience. Country legends, newcomers and other celebrities meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos. For many fans, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to make a personal connection with someone they admire. For others, it is an opportunity to establish an early bond with a new artist on their way to stardom.

For a deeper look into the lives of some of our musical heroes and their road to stardom, there is the CMA Celebrity Close Up (formerly the Celebrity Lecture Series), with two question-and-answer sessions Friday, June 11 hosted by media personality Lorianne Crook.

Held at the historic Ryman Auditorium, CMA Celebrity Close Up gives fans an opportunity to submit questions for celebrity panels moderated by Crook. In 2003, participants included Vince Gill, Randy Owen of Alabama, Wynonna and Lance Bass of 'NSYNC, who will make a return appearance at CMA Celebrity Close Up in 2004. A separate ticket is required. Call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for advance, general admission tickets at $10 ($15 at the door).

Obviously, Country artists aren't the only ones making appearances at CMA Music Festival. The event has a long history of attracting artists and celebrities outside of the format including Bryan Adams, the Beach Boys, actor Danny Glover and Paul McCartney. In 2003, Verne Troyer ("Mini Me" from the Austin Powers' movies) made several appearances including playing congas for Mercury Records artist Steve Azar during his performance at The Coliseum.

Of all the celebrities who donate their time to the event, the stars of NBC Daytime dramas "Days of our Lives" and "Passions" are among the most popular. And they are back in 2004 for the fourth consecutive year to participate in a variety of CMA Music Festival activities from signing autographs at Wrangler® Fan Fair, to introducing concert performers and hosting the "Fourth Annual NBC Daytime CMA Music Festival After Hours(tm) Party" with skits and musical performances at the Wildhorse Saloon, Saturday, June 12 at 11:00 PM (separate ticket required). For information and tickets, call the Wildhorse Saloon (615) 902-8200.

Capitol Nashville recording artist Keith Urban will appear at 2004 CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair. Keith is shown here performing at last year's event. - Photographer: Jim Hagans - photo courtesy of the Country Music Association

The NBC Daytime event is just one of the many, late-night activities as part of CMA Music Festival After HoursÔ - because the party doesn't stop after The Coliseum concerts. A wide assortment of clubs and bars in Downtown Nashville keep the party rolling until the wee hours with exclusive specials and entertainment for festivalgoers.

If your wild adventures have given way to family vacations, CMA Music Festival offers the Family Zone, with free activities for all ages. It's the place for children and adults to kick back and have fun with games, hands-on educational exhibits, storytelling with Country artists and more. In fact, CMA Music Festival is very family friendly with discounts for fans 14 and younger, and as always, children 3 and younger are admitted for free - making it an attractive family vacation destination.

Four-day ticket packages are on sale now. Packages are divided into four categories, based on the level of reserved seating at The Coliseum (CMA Music Festival's Gold Circle ticket package is already sold out) and include the nightly concerts at The Coliseum; daily concerts at Greased Lightning(tm) Riverfront Park Stages; daily admittance to the Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall); Sports Zone; Family Zone; the stars of NBC Daytime; CMA Music Festival After Hours(tm) free in-town shuttles; the official, CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; and special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops and more.

Gold Circle                               
Full Price: SOLD OUT             
14 and under: N/A     

Floor (Field)
Full Price: $145
14 and under: $100                 

Lower Level
Full Price: $125
14 and under: $186

Club Level
Full Price: $125
14 and under: $86

Four-day ticket packages for CMA Music Festival are easy to purchase. Order over the phone by calling, toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. Order early for the best available reserved seat at The Coliseum. All sales are final and non-refundable.

Curb Records artist Wynonna will appear at 2004 CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair. Wynonna is pictured here performing at last year's event. - Photographer: Jim Hagans - photo courtesy of the Country Music Association

But the best part is that CMA Music Festival tickets support charity with the "Cause for Celebration!" charitable benefit program. Each year, CMA donates a portion of the net proceeds from the event to worthy causes selected by the participating artists, who donate their time. Since the program began in 2001, CMA has donated $300,000 to charities supported by the artists. 

Attending is easy. Numerous tour operators provide tour packages including CMA Music Festival tickets, accommodations and tickets to other Nashville attractions, such as the historic Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Visit www.NashvilleCVB.com or call 1-800-657-6910 for more information on tour packages as well as hotel listings and information about camping sites and RV parking.

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.

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.

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. 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 Greased Lightning(tm), NBC Daytime and Wrangler®. Fan Fair is a registered trademark of CMA.