2010 CMA Music Festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13, 2010 in Downtown Nashville, Tenn.

Trace Adkins, Easton Corbin, Danny Gokey, Randy Houser, Justin Moore, Blake Shelton, and Josh Turner join the star-packed artist lineup for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field during 2010 CMA Music Festival and Fan Fair ®.

Previously announced performers include Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band. All of the announced artists will perform during the Nightly Concerts at LP Field.

A long-time supporter of the event, Adkins will be making his 10th consecutive appearance as a part of the Nightly Concerts appearing every year since the event moved to Downtown Nashville in 2001. Adkins has received five CMA Award nominations including two in 2009 for Single and Music Video of the Year, both for “You’re Gonna Miss This.”

Both Corbin and “American Idol” season eight finalist Gokey have made strong impressions on Country Music fans this year, and they will soon become a part of the CMA Music Festival legacy when they make their debuts at the 2010 CMA music awards event.

While Houser will make his third appearance at 2010 CMA Music Festival, this year will mark his debut as a part of the Nightly Concerts at LP Field. He performed on the Riverfront Park Daytime Stage in 2008 and 2009. Houser also received two 2009 CMA Award nominations for New Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year for “Boots On.” Moore last performed during the 2008 CMA Music Festival on the Riverfront Park Daytime Stage, but he didn’t miss out on last year’s event. The singer welcomed fans during “The Fifth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade,” and he spent one-on-one time with his fans in the Fan Fair® Exhibit Hall. This year Moore returns to performing for Festival goers in a big way with his debut on the Nightly Concerts at LP Field. Shelton, a two time CMA Award nominee, has appeared six times at the Festival since his debut in 2001 and will make his return to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field after a three year absence. Making his fifth consecutive appearance on the Nightly Concerts at LP Field, Turner made his debut on the Riverfront Park Daytime Stage in 2004 and has since garnered five CMA Award nominations.

Carrie Underwood to perform at the CMA Music Fest A trembling 15-year-old Riley Ahlstrand was the first to find out: Carrie Underwood will be among the stars performing at this year’s CMA Music Festival Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13 in Nashville. Underwood called the Brentwood, Tenn. resident with the news. Ahlstrand, an ardent fan of the Festival, was being interviewed by a news crew from the Nashville ABC affiliate (WKRN) when reporter Brad Schmitt’s phone rang and he handed it to the wide-eyed teen. Photographer: Donn Jones / CMA, 2/4/2010

2010 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL SINGLE NIGHT TICKETS FOR THE NIGHTLY CONCERTS AT LP FIELD ON SALE APRIL 17

Nightly Tickets Only $30 for General Admission; Miranda Lambert Added To the Nightly Concerts at LP Field

The Nightly Concerts at LP Field during CMA Music Festival are both talent-stacked with many of Country Music's biggest stars, and value-packed for fans and families wanting to enjoy a great night of entertainment during Nashville's signature music event. 2010 CMA Music Festival takes place Thursday through Saturday, June 10-13, in downtown Nashville.

Beginning Saturday, April 17, at 11:00 AM/ET (10:00 AM/CT), tickets to the individual Nightly Concerts will go on sale for $30 for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field (plus applicable handling fees). To order tickets, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at any Ticketmaster outlet.

"The single night ticket for the Nightly Concerts during CMA Music Festival is the best entertainment value around," said Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. "But at this price, we predict quantities may not last long. Fans interested in attending a great night of music at such an amazing value should consider purchasing their tickets now."

Seven-time CMA Awards nominee Miranda Lambert has been added to the performance lineup for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field. This is Lambert's seventh consecutive performance at CMA Music Festival since her debut in 2004 on the Daytime Concerts at Riverfront Park.

Artists currently scheduled to appear at LP Field include (in alphabetical order):

Thursday, June 10: Jason Aldean, Danny Gokey, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, and Carrie Underwood.

Friday, June 11:  Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band.

Saturday, June 12: Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Randy Houser, Martina McBride, and Rascal Flatts.

Sunday, June 13: Trace Adkins, Justin Moore, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker, and Blake Shelton.

Artists and schedules are subject to change. Additional artists will be announced soon. 

A limited amount of on-site, pay parking ($10 per vehicle) will be available nightly 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 after 5:00 PM/CT on Thursday and Friday, June 10-11, and all day Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13. Ample paid surface lots and parking garages are also available in downtown Nashville, conveniently accessible to LP Field via the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.

In addition to enjoying the music, attendees are also providing needed instruments and music education supplies for Nashville students. CMA Music Festival is a charitable event benefitting music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education.

To date, CMA has donated more than $3.3 million to purchase instruments and fund music programs for Nashville's 75,000 school students.  The philanthropic program, titled "Keep the Music Playing," was founded in 2005 as a way for the CMA Music Festival and its participating artists to give back to the community.

BILLY CURRINGTON, ALAN JACKSON, TIM MCGRAW, AND KELLIE PICKLER ADDED TO 2010 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL

McGraw’s First Appearance at Festival Since 2001

Alan Jackson performs Thursday, June 10 at 2010 CMA Music Festival in Nashville, June 10-13, as part of Nightly Concerts on the Concert Stage at LP Field.Photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville. Photographer: See Caption, 3/3/2010

Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw and Kellie Pickler are the latest additions to the artist lineup for 2010 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13 in Nashville, Tenn.

Previously announced artists include Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band. All of the announced artists will perform during the Nightly Concerts at LP Field.

This will be McGraw’s first appearance at the event since 2001, when he was a surprise guest during Kenny Chesney’s performance as part of the Nightly Concerts at LP Field and the event was still known as Fan Fair. His last announced appearance was in 2000, the last year Fan Fair was held at the Nashville Fairgrounds. He has participated in the event eight times since his Fan Fair debut in 1993. McGraw has won 11 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 2001; Male Vocalist in 1999 and 2000; Album of the Year in 1998 (A Place in the Sun) and 1999 (Everywhere); and Musical Event of the Year in 2007 on “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” with Tracy Lawrence and Chesney.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Tim back to CMA Music Festival in 2010,” said Steve Moore, CMA Board Chairman. “Our event established its tradition of hosting the superstars of our format at its inception in 1972 with artists such as Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Tammy Wynette. Take a glance at this year’s performer list and you’ll see we’re living up to that tradition.”

Few superstars have been as supportive of the event as Jackson, who has made 15 appearances since his Festival debut in 1990. Jackson last performed during the Nightly Concerts at LP Field in 2008. He has received 16 CMA Awards, including three Entertainer of the Year trophies (1995, 2002, 2003); two Male Vocalist wins (2002, 2003); and two Album of the Year Awards (1994 for Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles, and 2002 for Drive).

“We appreciate the tremendous support that Alan has always shown to CMA Music Festival and the fans,” said Moore.

Currington has participated in the event four times since his Festival debut in 2004 as part of the Daytime Concerts at Riverfront Park. He last performed on the Nightly Concerts at LP Field in 2007. Currington has received three CMA Award nominations, including two in 2009 for Single and Music Video of the Year, both for “People Are Crazy.” 

Pickler performed before an intimate audience at a nightclub as part of filming for the Festival television special during last year’s event, but her last appearance as part of  the Nightly Concerts was in 2008. She made her CMA Music Festival debut in 2007. Pickler has received two CMA Award nominations: both in the New Artist of the Year category (2007, when it was called the Horizon Award, and 2008 under its new name). She has also served as an active spokesperson for CMA’s Keep the Music Playing program and participated in a delivery of new musical instruments to a Nashville middle school and at the presentation of the 2009 CMA Music Festival contribution in December. 

39 years of Country Music Awards Festivals

Now in its 39th year, CMA Music Festival began as Fan Fair in 1972 as a unique celebration of the relationship between Country Music artists and their fans in the heart of Music City USA. More than 2,000 Country acts, from the legends and superstars to today’s rising hit makers and hopefuls, have lent their time and talent to the event over the decades. 

The artists participate for free, and in appreciation, CMA donates half the net proceeds of the Festival to support music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools through the Keep the Music Playing program. To date, $3.3 million has been donated to purchase musical instruments and supplies, providing thousands of Metro Nashville Public Schools students with the resources and opportunities they could not have afforded on their own, and giving many of them a strong reason to remain in school.   

Nashville’s signature country music event features concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more. This unparalleled celebration of America’s music draws thousands of fans and media from all corners of the globe to Nashville. The CMA Music Festival was dubbed the “crown jewel of Country Music festivals” by USA Today and winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s 2004, 2006, and 2008 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year.

Connect to the 2010 CMA Music Awards and Festival Web Site

CMAfest.com, the official website of CMA Music Festival, has been updated for 2010. In addition to up-to-the-minute information about tickets, schedules, and artist appearances, there are new features to enhance interactivity on the site including CMA’s venture into the blogging world. Fans will be able to comment on blog posts such as event history, tips, and personal experiences, as well as Top 10 lists to help attendees better plan their Festival experience. Fans are able to submit their own Festival stories and photos. Accepted submissions are featured on the CMAfest.com site.

Fans can also visit the “Connect” page to sign up for CMA Exclusive e-news and join the CMA MOB mobile community, plus link through to CMA’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/CountryMusicAssociation), Twitter (www.Twitter.com/CountryMusic), MySpace (www.MySpace.com/cmamusicfestival), and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/CountryMusicAssoc) pages.
 
Tickets are available but selling fast. Available four-day ticket prices range from $110 to $155. To purchase tickets, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (800) 745-3000. 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 three years and younger are admitted FREE.  For information on ADA seating, please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378). 
  
A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP Field are available. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) to order. The price is $60 for vans/shuttles and $120 for RVs/motor coaches. Regular car spaces are sold out. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited, and no overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at LP Field must pre-purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event locations.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA and CMA Awards 2010.

To order tickets, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; or charge-by-phone at (800) 745-3000. 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.

2010 CMA Music Festival Four-Day Ticket prices are:  Gold Circle (Sections A-E), $300; Floor (Field - all sections including ADA - Renewable), $185; Lowere Level Renewable, $175; Lower Level, $155; Club Level Renewable, $155; Club Level, $145; Upper Level Reserved, $120; Upper Level General Admission, $110.

CMA on the Web

The Third Annual Fan Social was held at The Stage on Broadway Saturday, where a maximum capacity crowd of social-networking friends met in person. The Carter Twins, The Eli Young Band, Emerson Drive, Gloriana, Joey + Rory, and Holly Williams performed, took questions from fans and participated in autograph sessions.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artists appearing at 2010 CMA Music Festival and more, visit www.CMAfest.com. Sign up for CMA Exclusive, the official eNewsletter of Country Music, where fans get connected to Country and receive exciting updates about your favorite artists, contests, free stuff and more. Join the free CMA Mobile Community by texting CMAINFO to 66937 (standard text rates apply).

TAYLOR SWIFT WINS FOUR CMA AWARDS, INCLUDING ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

NASHVILLE – Before Taylor Swift even enters her 20s, she adds four CMA Awards to her collection, winning Entertainer, Female Vocalist, Album and Music Video of the Year at “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards,” which aired live on the ABC Television Network and before a sold-out crowd at the Sommet Center in Downtown Nashville on November 11, 2009. Continue reading about the 43rd Annual Academy of CMA Awards for 2009.

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