MusicCityUpdate.com

COUNTDOWN TO 2007 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Tickets Still Available

NASHVILLE - The 2007 CMA Music Festival continues to get bigger and better, with music, sports, food and fun. It's a four-day Festival that takes seven days to fit it all in.

International Impact
CMA Music Festival embraces the whole world of Country Music - and a few international territories, too. CMA will present the "Fourth Annual Global Artist Party" tonight (6:15 PM/CT) at The Stage on Broadway in Downtown Nashville. Admission is free, but special preference is given to those with a CMA Music Festival laminate and/or a special Global Artist Party credential.

The Global Artist Party, hosted by Jace Everett, will feature performances from a variety of international Country Music artists including Gord Bamford (Canada), Travis Collins (Australia), Lucie Diamond (United Kingdom), Morgan Evans (Australia), John McNicholl (Ireland), Aaron Pritchett (Canada), and Shane Yellowbird (Canada).

On Tuesday (2:30 PM/CT) AristoMedia will host the "Third Annual Global Acoustic Afternoon at Legends Corner." Admission is free, but due to limited space, reservations are encouraged by calling the AristoMedia RSVP Line at 615-269-7122 or rsvp@aristomedia.com.

Artists participating in the Global Acoustic Afternoon, hosted by Adam Gregory (Canada), include Shannon Lee Briggs (Canada), Ruud Hermans (The Netherlands), Troy Kemp (Australia), Briana Lee (Australia), Mark O'Shea (Australia), Deric Ruttan (Canada), and Andreas Silver (Sweden).

Great Recipe: Home Cooking with Crisco and Country Music
On Wednesday (8:00 AM/CT), the "First Annual Crisco® Country Favorites Cook-Off Contest" takes place at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Nashville. Free and open to the public, the tasty event is hosted by Chef Jon Ashton and consists of 12 finalists competing for awards in Country-friendly categories like "Opening Act" appetizers, "Superstar" salads, "Headliner" main dishes, and "Standing Ovation" desserts. Country Music artist Linda Davis, Anna Lia Hicks (American Culinary Federation, Middle Tennessee Chapter and owner/chef of Tutto Bene), Debra Paquette (owner/Master Chef of Zola Restaurant), Country Music artist Julie Roberts, and Thayer Wine (Food Editor of The Tennessean) will be the celebrity judges. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony beginning at 5:30 PM/CT.

We Love A Parade
"The Third Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade" will be held Wednesday (2:30 PM/CT) featuring artists and sports celebrities riding in the hottest Chevy cars and trucks. Darryl Worley is the Grand Marshal and other participants include Deborah Allen, XM Satellite Radio host Jon Anthony, Blue County, Jason Michael Carroll, Joanna Cotten, Cole Deggs & The Lonesome, "Nashville Star" winner Angela Hacker, "Nashville Star" finalist Zac Hacker, Jennifer Hanson, Shane Huffman (No. 88 NAVY "Accelerate Your Life" Chevrolet Monte Carlo), Lantana, Beverley Mitchell, Rissi Palmer, Michael Peterson, Pirates of the Mississippi, PovertyNeck Hillbillies, Brent Sherman (No. 36 Big Lots! Chevrolet), Pam Tillis, Tanya Tucker, Two Foot Fred, Van Zant, Bryan White, Scott Wimmer (No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet), Kyle Wyley, and Chris Young.

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.

But the party doesn't end there because immediately following the parade "The Second Annual CMA Block Party" will take place at the Chevy Music Tour Stage (3:30-8:00 PM/CT) on the plaza at The Sommet Center, formerly Nashville Arena, at Fifth Avenue South and Broadway. Performers include Jason Michael Carroll, Mark Chesnutt, Elizabeth Cook, Joanna Cotten, Cowboy Troy with special guest Angela Hacker, Jennifer Hanson, and Darryl Worley. But the fun is just starting.

Three Days in and the Fun is Just Beginning
The 2007 CMA Music Festival "officially" begins Thursday and goes through Sunday with more than 400 celebrities and artists, 100 hours of concerts, 30 hours of organized autograph signings, family activities, celebrity sports competitions, interactive exhibits, giveaways, games and much more making this the ultimate destination for music lovers from around the world.

"Fans travel here from every state and around the globe," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. "They come back year-after-year for the fun, the camaraderie of spending time with other Country enthusiasts, and of course the great music. And we have an incredible lineup this year from the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages, to Acoustic Corner Presented By Mary Kay at the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall, our free stages in the Zones, our After Hours Kick-Off parties, and of course the nightly concerts at LP Field. It's a Country Music lover's dream come true."

"Keep the Music Playing"
And it all benefits music education for public school students through the charity program "Keep the Music Playing." The artists who participate in CMA Music Festival are not compensated for the hours they spend performing and signing autographs. To show its appreciation, CMA contributes half the net proceeds from the event on behalf of the artists. To date, CMA has contributed more than $1.1 million to charity and this year, CMA donated $368,502 through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education to support music education in Metro Nashville public schools purchasing instruments and other necessities.

Kickin' It Country Style
Terri Clark kicks off four days of non-stop concerts with her high energy show at the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages on Thursday (10:00 AM/CT). Joining her during the opening show will be John Anderson, Craig Morgan, Jamie O'Neal and Chris Young. But that's just the start of the top-notch entertainment. Over the course of the Festival, more than 100 artists are scheduled to perform on the dual stages on the banks of the Cumberland River.

Artists include Deborah Allen, Alvarado Road Show, Lynn Anderson, Jeff Bates, John Berry, Blue County, Bomshel, Lee Brice, Catherine Britt, T. Graham Brown, Lane Brody, Luke Bryan, Laura Bryna, Sonny Burgess, Sarah Buxton, Carolina Rain, Jason Michael Carroll, Carter's Chord, Eric Church, Cole Deggs & The Lonesome, John Conlee, Earl Thomas Conley, Elizabeth Cook, Brad Cotter, Bucky Covington, Cowboy Crush, Crossin Dixon, Amy Dalley, Linda Davis, Dusty Drake, Whitney Duncan, Katrina Elam, Emerson Drive, Australian Telstra Road to Tamworth winner Morgan Evans, Jace Everett, Flynnville Train, Janie Fricke, Todd Fritsch, David Frizzell, Billy Gilman, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Andy Griggs, Angela Hacker, Jennifer Hanson, CMA Global Artist Award Winner Adam Harvey, Heartland, Ty Herndon, Steve Holy, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jypsi, Hal Ketchum, Lady Antebellum, Blaine Larsen, Little Texas, LoCash Cowboys, The Lost Trailers, Charlie Louvin, Rockie Lynne, Lila McCann, Neal McCoy, Memarie, Ashley Monroe, Lorrie Morgan, Megan Mullins, Minnie Murphy, Jarrod Niemann, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jake Owen, Rissi Palmer, Danielle Peck, Michael Peterson, Pirates of the Mississippi, PovertyNeck Hillbillies, Carmen Rasmusen, Rio Grand, The Road Hammers, Julie Roberts, Ray Scott, Kevin Sharp, Connie Smith, Jeffrey Steele, John Stone, Keni Thomas, Pam Tillis, Aaron Tippin, Trent Tomlinson, Rhonda Towns, Rick Trevino, Trick Pony, Gene Watson, Whiskey Falls, Bryan White, Jett Williams, Trent Willmon, Mark Wills, and Darryl Worley.

The concerts are hosted by a variety of celebrities including the ABC Daytime Stars Becky Herbst and John-Paul Lavoisier; GAC Television personality Suzanne Alexander; XM Satellite Radio's Jon Anthony; Country Music artist Lane Brody; host of GAC's "Master Series" Bill Cody; Mike Culotta of WQYK/Tampa; WSIX/Nashville personality Slam Duncan; WGSQ/Cookeville, Tenn. radio personality Phillip Gibbons; "CMT Country Countdown USA" host Lon Helton; The Tennessean's Beverly Keel; Sirius Satellite Radio personality Charlie Monk; GAC television personality Nan Kelly; WKRN-TV Nashville's Brad Schmitt; Nashville Fox 17 "Tennessee Mornings" co-host Kelly Sutton; the MuzikMafia's Two Foot Fred; Storme Warren of GAC's "Country Music Across America;" and WGKX/Memphis morning team Young & Elder.

Single-day tickets for the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages will be sold the day of each show at the gate for $14 each. Children 6 and younger are admitted to the Daily Concerts at the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park free of charge making this a very family-friendly destination during the Festival.

Lights, Cameras, Action!
The Nightly Concerts at LP Field (home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans) feature the biggest names in Country Music, emerging stars and surprise guests. And fans have a front-row shot from the popular Photo Line, which is in constant motion past the front of the stage during the performances.

Pre-show activities opening night (7:30 PM/CT) include the presentation of the Stars and Stripes by the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Station Nashville Color Guard. Universal South recording artist Jennifer Hanson will sing the National Anthem. Performers include (artists and schedule subject to change):

Thursday (7:30-11:45 PM/CT) - Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, The Wreckers and special surprise guests. Acoustic two song set by Jason Michael Carroll.
Friday (7:50-11:30 PM/CT) - Jason Aldean, Sara Evans, Little Big Town, Montgomery Gentry, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood and special surprise guests. Acoustic two-song set by Bucky Covington.
Saturday (7:50-11:30 PM/CT) - Billy Ray Cyrus, Martina McBride, Jo Dee Messina, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Turner and special surprise guests. Acoustic two-song set by current "Nashville Star" winner Angela Hacker.
Sunday (7:50-11:30 PM/CT) - Rodney Atkins, Big & Rich, Billy Currington, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift and Gretchen Wilson.

Hosts for the nightly concerts are CMT's Lance Smith (Thursday and Sunday) and GAC's Storme Warren (Friday and Saturday). Professional wrestler Kurt Angle and the stars of ABC Daytime will share hosting duties on Saturday.

The Nightly Concerts at LP Field feature state-of-the-art production and fireworks at the conclusion of each show.

Tickets for each nightly show at LP Field can be purchased at a cost of $40 for reserved seating and $30 for general admission. Single night tickets can be purchased in advance through the CMA Music Festival Box Office at The Sommet Center (Nashville Arena) Box Office, 501 Broadway, Nashville, Tenn., or toll-free at 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378). Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at (615) 255-9600, www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket price does not include applicable handling fees.

Single night concert tickets will also be sold during CMA Music Festival at the LP Field ticket office beginning Wednesday. The single night concert ticket is only good for that night's performance at LP Field.

Fan Fair® Exhibit Hall
A traditional favorite, the lifestyle exhibits and autograph booths in the Nashville Convention Center, proudly carrying the Fan Fair name are sold out. The Exhibit Hall is only accessible to four-day ticket holders. Artists scheduled to sign autographs include legends, today's hitmakers and tomorrow's hopefuls.

Performers and celebrities scheduled to appear in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall include Trace Adkins, Deborah Allen, Bill Anderson, John Anderson, Keith Anderson, Rodney Atkins, Charlotte Autry, Jeff Bates, John Berry, Big & Rich, Bonnie Lou Bishop, Shy Blakeman, Blue County, Paul Brewster, Lee Brice, Catherine Britt, Lane Brody, T. Graham Brown, Luke Bryan, Sonny Burgess, Cheryl Burke, Burrito Deluxe, Tracy Byrd, Carolina Rain, Jason Michael Carroll, Jeff Carson, John Carter Cash, Cherryholmes, Eric Church, Terri Clark, Tammy Cochran, John Conlee, Elizabeth Cook, Katie Cook, Kristina Cornell, Brad Cotter, Bucky Covington, Cowboy Crush, Cowboy Troy, Shanna Crooks, Crossin Dixon, James Taylor Curtis and the Silver Eagle Band, Justin David, Cole Deggs & The Lonesome, Dusty Drake, Katrina Elam, Emerson Drive, Ralph Emerson, Ty England, Erika Jo, Morgan Evans, Jace Everett, Donna Fargo, Janie Fricke, Todd Fritsch, David Frizzell, Billy Gilman, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Andy Griggs, Angela Hacker, Zac Hacker, Jennifer Hanson, Heartland, Ty Herndon, Steve Holy, Damien Horne, Con Hunley, Jack Ingram, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Zona Jones, Cledus T. Judd, Sage Keffer, Rachel Kice, Lady Antebellum, Lantana, The Larkins, Tim LaRoche, Blaine Larsen, Shannon Lawson, Andy Leftwich, Little Texas, Lonestar, Lost Trailers, Rockie Lynne, Daniel Lee Martin, John Arthur Martinez, Lila McCann, Jason Meadows, Memarie, Beverly Mitchell, Ashley Monroe, Montgomery Gentry, Moore and Moore, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan, Kacey Musgraves, Joe Nichols, Jerrod Niemann, Jamie O'Neal, James Otto, Jake Owen, Amanda Pearce, Danielle Peck, Michael Peterson, Bobby Pinson, Pirates of the Mississippi, PovertyNeck Hillbillies, Carmen Rasmusen, Reunionaires, Riders in the Sky, LeAnn Rimes, Rio Grand, Julie Roberts, David St. Romain, Stephen Salyers, Sawyer Brown, Ray Scott, Keith Sewell, Kevin Sharp, Daryle Singletary, Ricky Skaggs, Damon Smith, Daniel Smith, Lance Smith, Sunny Sweeny, Taylor Swift, Brandi Thornton, Pam Tillis, Aaron Tippin, Trent Tomlinson, Rhonda Towns, Trick Pony, Josh Turner, Two Foot Fred, Carrie Underwood, Van Zant, Phil Vassar, Taylor Ware, Storme Warren, Jimmy Wayne, Whiskey Falls, Bryan White, Dustin Wilkes, Mark Wills, Gretchen Wilson, Darryl Worley, Kyle Wyley, Billy Yates, Chris Young, and more.

A popular feature of the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall is the Acoustic Corner Presented By Mary Kay. The area on the second floor of the Nashville Convention Center in Room 209 offers independent artists a place to showcase their talent. Acoustic Corner Presented By Mary Kay is open daily (11:00 AM-3:15 PM/CT) and is free for all four-day ticket holders. Artist performance times will be posted on-site daily.

Artists scheduled to perform at Acoustic Corner include Abel Kane, Curtis Alan, Bernadette, Cadillac Sky, Don Campbell, Will Clements, Stephen Cochran, Timothy Craig, Brett Daniels, Kassie DePaiva, Carly Goodwin, Chris Gray, Dennie Hall, Kyle Jennings, Laura Lynn, Miko Marks, Ken Mellons, Mustang Creek, Roadmark, TelluRide, Rhonda Towns, Well Hungarians, Dustin Wilkes, and Rachel Williams. All artists performing at Acoustic Corner will also be signing in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall.

In the Zone
Chevy Sports Zone is the place for sporting fun, friendly competitions between celebrities, athletes, and more. Located in the parking lot between Third and Fourth Avenues North (next to the Schermerhorn Symphony Hall and across the street from the Crisco Family Zone), the Chevy Sports Zone is open Thursday through Saturday (11:00 AM-5:00 PM/CT) and Sunday (11:00 AM-3:00 PM/CT). Admission is free to the public. A few select activities will take place at other locations (listed below).

On Thursday (2:30PM/CT), NASCAR Busch Series drivers Scott Wimmer (No. 29 Holiday Inn Chevrolet) and Brent Sherman (No. 36 Big Lots! Chevrolet) will be in the Holiday Inn booth signing autographs.

Also on Thursday (4:30 PM/CT), "The Sixth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament," sponsored by Yamaha Motor Corp, USA, and The Sportsman Channel®, will be held in Lot R on the grounds of LP Field. In addition to Griggs, shooting stars include:
. Abby Abbondanza, of PovertyNeck Hillbillies
. Jeremy Baxter, of Carolina Rain
. Rhean Boyer, of Carolina Rain
. Preston Brust, of LoCash Cowboys
. Tracy Byrd, artist
. Ty England, artist
. Marvin Evatt, of Carolina Rain
. Daniel Lee Martin, artist
. Craig Morgan, artist
. Blake Shelton, artist
. Rusty Tabor, host The Outdoor Channel
. Neil Thrasher, artist/songwriter

The Men's Outdoor & Recreation Network's Jesse and Ginger Morehead will emcee the event. Jesse and Ginger are highly-acclaimed professional archers with Jesse having won 12 world titles and Ginger winning 10.

On Friday (1:00-3:00 PM/CT), "The Steve Azar and Friends Celebrity Sports Challenge," presented by On The Run® at Exxon and emceed by Joe Dubin of WKRN-TV Nashville, will be held in the Chevy Sports Zone. The Sports Challenge, which is completely booked by Azar, is a fan favorite with an astounding array of sports champions and celebrities competing alongside artists in friendly team competitions of basketball, football, golf, soccer, and more. Participants include:
. Terry Ahola, U.S. Olympic Ski Team member
. Aaron Benward, of Blue County
. Deana Carter, artist
. Jeanne Cho-Hunicke, LPGA Tour player
. Steve Cole, former NFL linebacker (Cleveland Browns/Philadelphia Eagles)
. Joanna Cotten, artist
. Craig Hentrich, NFL punter (Tennessee Titans) and two-time Pro-Bowler
. Angela Jerman, LPGA Tour player
. Jim Kelly, former NFL quarterback (Buffalo Bills) and NFL Hall of Fame member
. John-Paul Lavoisier, "Rex Balsom" on ABC Daytime's "One Life to Live"
. Ray Lloyd, American pro wrestler and one-time NWA Tag Team Champion
. Scott Reeves, of Blue County
. Julie Roberts, artist
. Frank Rogers, CMA Award-winning record producer
. Jay Teter, artist
. Corbin Timbrook, actor/director
. Gino Torretta, Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback (Seattle Seahawks)
. Gary Valentine, "Danny Heffernan" on the CBS' Series "The King of Queens"
. Mark Wills, artist

K-9s in Flight will be featured Saturday with three shows (11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM/CT). John Misita and his amazing K-9s are the premier Frisbee dog entertainers in the world with a show full of cutting edge, high-flying acrobatics. Misita adopted all of his dogs, and their show promotes the importance of pet adoption and healthcare.

Sunday (1:00-3:00 PM/CT), spotlights "The Michael Peterson/New Holland Celebrity Tractor Race." During the event, Country Music artists and celebrities will race against the clock through an obstacle course on a New Holland compact tractor. In addition to Peterson, participants include:
. Deborah Allen, artist
. Ken Amato, Tennessee Titans
. Brian Bandas, of Love & Theft
. Rachel Baribeau, "In The Zone" sports talk show host
. Rob Bironas, Tennessee Titans
. Billy Block, host of "Billy Block's Western Beat" radio show
. Woody Bradshaw, artist
. Lane Brody, artist
. Lee Brice, artist
. Brad Cotter, "Nashville Star" winner season two
. Stacey David, host Spike TV
. Billy Dean, artist
. Todd Fritsch, artist
. Eric Gunderson, of Love & Theft
. Ben Hartsock, Tennessee Titans
. Ty Herndon, artist
. Joe Jobe, CEO of National Biodiesel Board
. Cledus T. Judd, artist/contestant VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club"
. Stephen Barker Lilies, of Love & Theft
. Daniel Loper, Tennessee Titans
. Rockie Lynne, artist
. Memarie, artist
. Armond Morales, founding member of "The Imperials"
. Cactus Moser, former member Highway 101
. Robert K. Oermann, music journalist
. Jimmy Olander, member of Diamond Rio
. Robert Ellis Orrall, artist
. Billy Pierson, artist
. Colt Prather, artist
. Michael Roos, Tennessee Titans
. DJ Skelton, active duty Captain U.S. Army
. Arlos Smith, two time SESAC Songwriter of the Year
. Storme Warren, GAC's "Country Music Across America" Host
. Deniece Williams, pop star
. D. Vincent Williams, songwriter
. Billy Yates, artist

The Crisco® Family Zone was introduced in 2001, and this popular CMA Music Festival area, designed for young children and the young at heart, continues to grow in 2007. The Crisco Family Zone is open daily (11:00 AM-5:00 PM/CT); Sunday (11:00 AM-3:00 PM/CT). The free area, which is open to the public, is conveniently located at Hall of Fame Park at Fifth Avenue South and Demonbreun Street, behind the Hilton Hotel.

At the Family Zone, kids can climb on inflatables and participate in interactive games, face painting, arts and crafts, and more, while everyone can enjoy the exhibits, displays, food sampling and giveaways from Hungry Jack®, JIF®, Martha White®, Pillsbury®, Uncrustables®, White Lily®, and sundae sampling with Smuckers® toppings and Purity® ice cream.

Thursday, will be "Safety Day" in the Crisco Family Zone with fingerprinting services for children. Friday will be "Health and Wellness Day," with activities and an exhibit from the American Red Cross.

CMA Music Festival's younger fans can visit the Crisco® Kids Creation Corner, which features chef hat, autograph book and coloring book decorating. The Crisco® Family Picnic will be held Sunday (11:30 AM-1:30 PM/CT) serving a free lunch for the first 500 attendees. The meal will be made from recipes found in the Crisco Country Favorites Volume III Recipe Book, which is free to all attendees.

Also on the Crisco Family Zone stage, Crisco presents Chef Jon Ashton, who will give cooking demonstrations with Brad Cotter, Masterbuilt, and Kyle Wyley Thursday and Friday (11:30 AM-12:30 PM and 3:30-4:30 PM/CT) and Sunday (11:45 AM-12:45 PM/CT). Children will enjoy storytelling with Country artists Ty England, Kim McAbee, Beverley Mitchell, and Rissi Palmer daily (1:00-2:00 PM/CT), sponsored by Borders® Books & Music.

Continuing a tradition of music everywhere you turn, the Crisco Family Zone is no exception with performances by Katie Armiger, Buck Howdy, The BummKinn Band, Cerrito, Farmer Jason, Tresa Jordan, JR and the Roadkill Choir, Sage Keffer, Little Nashville, Moore & Moore, Kate Russell, Daniel Smith, and Taylor Ware.

A new event in the Crisco Family Zone this year is the "Music City Rising Star Youth Vocal Soloist Competition," sponsored by MUSIC FESTIVALS and featuring 250 high school students from across the country competing on the Fifth Avenue South Stage Thursday and Friday (10:00 AM-5:30 PM/CT). The winner will be announced Saturday (4:00 PM/CT) at the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages and will perform on the Crisco Family Zone Stage Sunday (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 (10:30 AM-3:00 PM/CT). Emceed by Jay Teter, this popular auction will feature special appearances from several artists including Jason Michael Carroll, Sherry Lynn, Kevin Sharp, DeLana Stevens, Kyle Wyley, and Chris Young. 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, with artist Erika Jo, will be held Friday (4:30 PM/CT). 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 Books & Music, 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.

Around the corner from both the Crisco Family Zone and the Chevy Sports Zone is the CMT® Fun Zone, located on Broadway between First and Second Avenues. The free CMT Fun Zone is open Thursday (9:00 AM-6:00 PM/CT) and Friday through Sunday (10:00AM-6:00 PM/CT). Visitors to this zone can say hi to the Geico Gecko, register to win prizes from Shane Co. and Norwegian Cruise Lines, and pick up free product samples from Greased Lightning Cleaning Products and BooKoo Energy drink.

Bobby Labonte, driver for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker car, will be on hand to meet his fans and pose for photos Thursday (10:30 AM-Noon/CT) in the Super 8 Motel booth.

Allstate to Feature Virtual Photos with Kasey Kahne
Visit the Allstate booth in the CMT Fun Zone for a chance to win tickets to the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and take home fun giveaways! Take a virtual photo with Kasey Kahne to show off your exciting weekend!

Celebrate in High Gear
The Chevy Music Tour, located on The Sommet Center Plaza (Nashville Arena) at Fifth Avenue South and Broadway, is free and open to the public. Here fans can register at the "Chevy Ride & Drive" staging area to test drive the hottest Chevy cars and trucks on Friday through Sunday.

In addition, there will be live daily concerts on the Chevy Music Tour Stage, including a showcase of Bluegrass music on Sunday (1:30 PM/CT). Artists participating in the daily concerts include Burrito Deluxe, Cherryholmes, Austin Cody, Zac Hacker, Greg Hanna, Jedd Hughes, Con Hunley, Infamous Stringdusters, Daniel Lee Martin, Beverley Mitchell, Chase Mitchell, Minnie Murphy, Alecia Nugent, Rissi Palmer, Bobby Pinson, David St. Romain, Damon Smith, Sunny Sweeney, Keni Thomas, Kyle Wyley, and Billy Yates.

On Saturday (12:30 PM/CT), the Chevy Music Tour stage will host the "Latin Country Music Show" hosted by Maritza Baca, President of the United States Hispanic Country Music Association (USHCMA) and Eva Melo, news anchor of Nashville's Telefutura Channel 42 TV station. This free show will open with a performance by the legendary Johnny Rodriguez and include performances by Janie Feliz, Bobby Marquez, John Arthur Martinez, and Melanie Torres.

GAC Presents CMA Celebrity Close Up
The CMA Celebrity Close Up series was created to provide another avenue for artist/fan interaction - a signature element of CMA Music Festival. Presented by Great American Country (GAC), celebrities answer fan questions in a forum moderated by GAC personality Lorianne Crook, discussing their lives, careers, and a sneak peek at the future. Two sessions are scheduled at the historic Ryman Auditorium:

Session One: Thursday (1:30-3:00 PM/CT) with Trace Adkins, Terri Clark and Josh Turner.

Session Two: Thursday (4:00-5:30 PM/CT) with Neal McCoy, Montgomery Gentry, and Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride.

GAC Presents CMA Celebrity Close Up is a separately ticketed event. Tickets are $12 in advance, $17 the day of the event. They can be purchased by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378). Fans can also logon to www.ticketmaster.com or stop by the Ryman Auditorium Box Office to purchase tickets.

CMA Celebrity Close Up will be taped by GAC for two television specials. The first will premiere on Wednesday, July 18 (9:00 PM/ET); and the second special premieres on Monday, July 30 (8:00 PM/ET). Artists and airdates are subject to change.

CMA Music Festival After Hours
When the lights go down on LP Field's Nightly Concerts, the festivities are just beginning at 17 Downtown clubs and lounges, as CMA Music Festival After Hours gets underway.

New this year are "The Official CMA After Hours Kick-Off Concerts," held at the Hard Rock Cafe. The concerts will be held Thursday-Saturday (11:00 PM/CT) following the Nightly Concerts at LP Field. The Kick-Off Concerts are free and open to the public. Artists participating include Emerson Drive, Lantana, and PovertyNeck Hillbillies. CMT Loaded host Charla Corn will host the activities beginning at 10:30 PM/CT.

Another new After Hours event is the Hard Rock Cafe Writers Night, Thursday through Saturday (11:30 PM/CT). This event will feature some of Nashville's most successful tunesmiths including Jim Collins, Bob DiPiero, Marv Green, Brett James, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Steven Dale Jones, Tony Mullins, Bobby Pinson, Rivers Rutherford, Leslie Satcher, Jeffrey Steele, Phillip White, and Craig Wiseman. A separate ticket is required for this event and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Proceeds benefit Musicians On Call, a nonprofit organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and other healthcare facilities in Nashville and across the country.

Clubs participating in CMA Music Festival After Hours include Bailey's Pub and Grille; B.B. King's Blues Club and Restaurant; Broadway Brewhouse; Cadillac Ranch Rock N Country Bar & Grill; Country Monkey Nashville; Full Moon Saloon; Hard Rock Cafe; Layla's Bluegrass Inn; Legends Corner; Nashville Crossroads; Rippy's Smokin' Bar and Grill; Robert's Western World; Second Fiddle; The Stage on Broadway; Tootsies Orchid Lounge; The Wheel; and Wildhorse Saloon. Each club develops its own entertainment schedule and admission policies.

ABC Daytime Stars Shine at Festival
Stars from ABC's hit daytime dramas will make their inaugural appearance at the 2007 CMA Music Festival. The actors include Justin Bruening ("Jamie Martin") and Colin Egglesfield ("Joshua Madden") from "All My Children"; Kathy Brier ("Marcie McBain"), Kassie DePaiva ("Blair Cramer"), and John-Paul Lavoisier ("Rex Balsom") from "One Life to Live"; and Becky Herbst ("Elizabeth Spencer") and Greg Vaughan ("Lucky Spencer") from "General Hospital."

The ABC Daytime Stars will appear in the ABC booth at the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall, where they will meet their fans and sign autographs. They will also make several appearances throughout the event including the Daily Concerts at the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages, the Chevy Sports Zone, and the Nightly Concerts at LP Field. But their most anticipated appearance will be ABC's "Fun in the Sun" - a free event at the Wildhorse Saloon Saturday (1:30-3:30 PM/CT). During the event, fans will have an opportunity to get up-close and personal with their favorite stars. This event will include interviews, performances, dance lessons and many more activities.

ABC at CMA Music Festival
Saturday (1:00-5:00 PM/CT), ABC will be hosting the "ABC CMA Music Festival Block Party" in the Crisco Family Zone. Acclaimed professional dancer and two-time "Dancing with the Stars" winner Cheryl Burke will be signing autographs at the ABC booth at the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall and making an appearance at the Block Party, along with a live performance by artist Jason Michael Carroll.

In addition, ABC will be giving away 100,000 iTunes cards, each redeemable for 11 free song downloads. Also at the ABC booth will be games, trivia, a prize wheel, free popcorn and snow cones, as well as additional music performances. Fans will be able to take a picture with their favorite Desperate Housewife life-size standee, and keep your eyes open for "Ugly Betty" look-a-likes roaming Nashville!

Getting Around
A limited number of on-site, pay parking spots ($10 per vehicle) will be available each night at LP Field in Lots E and 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 Thursday and Friday (after 5:00 PM/CT); and all day Saturday and Sunday. Ample paid surface lots and parking garages are also available in Downtown Nashville, conveniently accessible to LP Field via the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.

CMA Music Festival activities are conveniently located in Downtown Nashville within walking distance. Plus, there is access to free shuttles at major CMA Music Festival event sites for all four-day ticket holders. Downtown shuttles run daily on a continuous loop every 5 to 10 minutes. Handicapped-accessible shuttle buses are available with attendants to offer assistance.

Shopping
CMA Music Festival attendees can treasure the experience long after the event is over with merchandise purchased at this year's event.

The Festival product line will be available onsite through Music City Merchandise. Booths will be set up at the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall, Greased Lightning Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park, Crisco Family Zone, and LP Field. Additionally, merchandise will be available at The Sommet Center (Nashville Arena) on Wednesday and Thursday during registration hours. Merchandise is subject to availability. CMA Music Festival stores and store locations are subject to change without notice. For complete merchandise information, or to order online, visit www.CMAfest.com.

Attendees can also purchase music on-site. Borders Books & Music will have music stores set up at the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall, Greased Lightning Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park, and LP Field.

2007 Ticket Packages Still Available
Four-day ticket packages for 2007 CMA Music Festival are still available. The package categories correspond to different levels of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free. Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at LP Field; Daily Concerts at the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall featuring the Acoustic Corner Presented By Mary Kay; Crisco Family Zone; CMT Fun Zone; Chevy Sports Zone; Chevy Music Tour; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops and more. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices and artists are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

* NOTE: Please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for information on ADA seating, which may be available in Sold Out sections.

A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP Field are available by phone order only. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) to order. The price is $30 for cars; $62 for vans/shuttles; and $122 for RVs/motor coaches. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited and no overnight parking is allowed. All four-day ticket holders planning to park at LP Field must pre-purchase the parking pass.

2008 CMA Music Festival Tickets
The 2008 CMA Music Festival will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville. Tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival will be available for sale only in Nashville on Saturday and Sunday (9:30 AM-6:00 PM) at The Sommet Center (Nashville Arena) Box Office, 501 Broadway; and Saturday (9:30 AM till the end of the Nightly Concerts) and Sunday (Noon till the end of the Nightly Concerts) at the LP Field Box Office.

Tickets for the 2008 CMA Music Festival will go on-sale nationwide Monday, June 11, (10:00 AM/CT).

To order tickets, call 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. All sales are final and non-refundable. Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted FREE.

2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL FOUR-DAY TICKET PACKAGE PRICES
LEVEL ADULT 12 & YOUNGER
Gold Circle (Floor) $275 n/a
Floor Level $165 $116
Lower Level $145 $ 102
Club Level $135 $ 95
Upper Level General Admission $110 $ 78

Gold Circle (Floor) includes center stage reserved floor seating with great views; exclusive wait staff offering convenient food and beverage service at your seat; and preferential parking at LP Field (one complimentary pass per order). Limit four tickets per order. Gold Circle (Floor) seats sold out quickly in 2006. Order early for best seating.

ABC Television Special - Monday, July 23
As previously announced, CMA Music Festival will be filmed for a two-hour television special. "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" will air on the ABC Television Network Monday, July 23 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET). Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Gary Halvorson is the Director. This is the third year the special has aired on ABC. The primetime special debuted on the CBS Television Network in 2004. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Both the concerts and the interaction between the artists and fans will be captured in the special with heart-pounding performances interspersed with heart-warming encounters between the artists and their avid admirers. Taped exclusively for the special, cameras will follow the stories of several Festival attendees, who will have their dreams come true when they are granted a surprise, once-in-a-lifetime meeting and personal encounter with their favorite Country stars.

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

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 CMA Music Festival. Additional promotional partners include American Airlines, BMI, Carl Black Chevrolet, CiCi's Pizza®, CMT®, Coca-Cola®, Country Weekly, Crisco®, Cutter®, Dr Pepper®, GAC Great American Country, Gallo Family Vineyards, Gibson Guitar®, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products®, Hard Rock Café Nashville, Mary Kay®, Music Festivals®, New Holland Agriculture Equipment S.p.A., On the Run® at Exxon, Prilosec OTC®, Purity® Dairies, Radisson Hotel Nashville Airport, The Sportsman Channel®, Super 8®, 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.

Smucker's®, JIF®, Crisco®, Hungry Jack®, Martha White®, Uncrustables® and White Lily® are registered trademarks of The J.M. Smucker Company.