Indie Connect to Hold First 'IC Virtual Songwriter Showcase' from Sept. 21-22

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Songwriters from around the world will participate in the first "IC Virtual Songwriter Showcase", an online music industry gathering from Sept. 21-22, 2013 (Saturday-Sunday).

            Hosted by Nashville-based Indie Connect, the two-day online event will give emerging, professional and hit tunesmiths the opportunity to pitch original songs to music publishers, film and TV Music supervisors, producers, and artists. Attendees also can receive song evaluations by professionals and view live and taped educational presentations covering a wide range of industry topics. A trade show will feature booths by leading music industry product and service providers.

            "This past February, Indie Connect ushered in a new world of music industry education and networking with our 'IC Virtual Music Conference and Expo'," said Indie Connect CEO/founder Vinny Ribas. "The event was a huge success, receiving praise from attendees, virtual exhibitors and speakers alike."

            Ribas added that he expects more than 1,000 songwriters from around the world to register for the "IC Virtual Songwriter Showcase". It will be similar to Indie Connect's winter conference with dozens of speakers, as well as live showcases, business presentations, and 24/7 networking.

            "Our virtual events are revolutionary because they are completely online," Ribas added. "Everyone can participate from the comfort of their own homes, studios or offices by just logging in. Because the event is online, the cost to participate is far below that of a land-based music or songwriter conference."

            Attendees can network, check out the presentations, and visit the trade show for $47.  Songwriters can showcase their music with a trade show booth and participate in song pitches for $147. Music-related businesses can showcase their products or services for $247.

            To register or for more information about the "IC Virtual Songwriter Showcase", visit http://www.icvsong.com or send an e-mail inquiry to conference@indieconnect.com.           

MCAU Movie Review: '20 Feet From Stardom' Receives Four Parrots

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

     The film documentary "20 Feet From Stardom", screened by the Recording Academy at the Belcourt Theatre, is an inspiration not to be missed by artists of all kinds. The film shines a spotlight on some of the background singers who have helped shape the highly successful careers of superstars ranging from Sting and the Rolling Stones to Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Ike and Tina Turner.

     This down-to-earth mix of soulful rapture and heartbreak reveals the passion, drive, emotional struggles and sheer grit of vocal talents such as Merry Clayton, Lisa Fische, Tata Vega, Darlene Love, Claudia Lennear, and Judith Hill. Most of these amazing women yearned for their own solo careers while creating unmistakable, chart-topping sounds for others. 

     Darlene Love faced the frustration of being locked into a recording contract (more than once) with the difficult, egocentric Phil Spector. Despite having a voice equal or beyond Aretha's, Lisa Fischer's solo efforts went nowhere. The same for Merry Clayton's three solo albums. 

     This film brings their experiences to life with singer reunions, off-the-cuff harmonizing, background footage, and humorous and tearful reflections on hopes and dreams that never came true, yet came true in other wonderful ways. As Sting put it, fame often depends on circumstances and luck more than talent. Some people just sing. It's a higher calling. 

     A clip from Darlene Love's induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame drew tears and cheers. From "20 feet  away", Clayton, Fische, Love, Lennear and others changed  music as we know it. Homage is long overdue... and the crowd applauded. 

(Our verdict: Four Parrots for excellence in filmmaking)

Nashville Watercolor Painting Class to Begin July 17

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2013) -- Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolor artist/instructor who was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year" in 2012, will teach a watercolor painting class starting this summer in downtown Nashville.

            The watercolor painting class will be offered to intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesdays at Plaza Artist Materials, 633 Middleton St., in downtown Nashville beginning July 17. The class will meet from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 17, 24 and 31; Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28; and Sept. 4. Tuition is $165 for eight, three-and-a-half-hour sessions.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required.  Both check and credit card payments are accepted.  For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (615) 599-5115 or send an e-mail inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.gailmcdanielart.com.

            McDaniel has taught watercolor workshops on three continents and in Central America. She has trained more than 1,100 different artists from 36 different states (including Alaska and Hawaii), the District of Columbia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and South Korea. She has taught 11 workshops at historic Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a landmark where the late Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted.

            "My classes provide opportunities for watercolor artists to develop their skills and find success," said McDaniel, a traditional watercolor artist who is best known for her vibrant use of colors when depicting images from nature and real life. "I'll be demonstrating the techniques, shortcuts and concepts that I have developed or learned by doing, reading or studying with others. I show my students everything I know, holding nothing back. My goal is to inspire them without making them feel overwhelmed."

            McDaniel also has helped raise almost $90,000 for the arts in area public schools through the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards". The fund-raising effort earned McDaniel and her husband, Ken, a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. She was invited to be the featured artist for the "Martin's Master Show" in Brentwood, Tenn., in November 2009. She recently received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame. The PENCIL Foundation in Nashville named her 2012 "Volunteer of the Year". An eighth-generation Kentuckian, she has been named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels as one of  "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            McDaniel, who lives in Williamson County, gained international notoriety in 2001 when she was named an associate member of the Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network in London, England, and invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France.

            A native of Kentucky, she has studied under 37 noted art instructors. The artist’s reputation as a budding artist grew in 1984 when she was commissioned to paint a family landmark by Kentucky Governor Louie B. Nunn. She has had 52 solo exhibitions during her career. The Brentwood Public Library hosted her first Tennessee solo art exhibition in 1994.  In 1996 and 1997, she was invited to design the theme poster for the Nashville Symphony’s "Italian Street Fair".  In 1998, she was commissioned to paint 18 watercolor paintings for a permanent collection at the newly opened Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Franklin, Tenn.  A year later, she was commissioned to paint 13 pieces for the annual Nashville Scene N-Focus social calendar.

            In 2000, she became a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art in Nashville, teaching weekly art classes. A year later, she was commissioned to paint a promotional streetscape of four homes for Newmark Homes and five other paintings for the Nashville Home Builders Association/SunTrust Bank 2001 "Parade of Homes". In 2003, she traveled to Giverny, France, and painted in Monet’s Garden. She has judged local, regional and statewide art shows, including a statewide competition at the Tennessee State Fair in Nashville.

            In 2005, McDaniel was commissioned to paint the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music", a PENCIL Foundation fund-raiser starring LeAnn Rimes. A local newspaper spotlighted the artist after she created a poster commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. She was invited to be the featured artist for the "Martin's Master Show" in Brentwood, Tenn., in November 2009.

            Other upcoming training opportunities with McDaniel include watercolor painting classes for artists of all levels at Brentwood United Methodist Church from July 16-Sept. 3.

Gail McDaniel to Teach Watercolor Painting Classes in Brentwood Starting July 16

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2013) -- Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolor artist/instructor who was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year" in 2012, will teach a series of watercolor painting classes for artists of all levels this summer in Brentwood, Tenn.

            Two separate watercolor painting classes will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Tuesdays beginning July 16 at the Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road. The classes will meet from 9 a.m.-noon and 6-9 p.m. on July 16, 23 and 30; Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27; and Sept. 3. Tuition is $150 for eight, three-hour sessions.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required.  Both check and credit card payments are accepted.  For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (615) 599-5115 or send an e-mail inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.gailmcdanielart.com.

            McDaniel has taught watercolor workshops on three continents and in Central America. She has trained more than 1,100 different artists from 36 different states (including Alaska and Hawaii), the District of Columbia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and South Korea. She has taught 11 workshops at historic Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a landmark where the late Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted.

            "My classes provide opportunities for watercolor artists to develop their skills and find success," said McDaniel, a traditional watercolor artist who is best known for her vibrant use of colors when depicting images from nature and real life. "I'll be demonstrating the techniques, shortcuts and concepts that I have developed or learned by doing, reading or studying with others. I show my students everything I know, holding nothing back. My goal is to inspire them without making them feel overwhelmed."

            McDaniel also has helped raise almost $90,000 for the arts in area public schools through the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards". The fund-raising effort earned McDaniel and her husband, Ken, a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. She was invited to be the featured artist for the "Martin's Master Show" in Brentwood, Tenn., in November 2009. She recently received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame. The PENCIL Foundation in Nashville named her 2012 "Volunteer of the Year". An eighth-generation Kentuckian, she has been named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels as one of  "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            McDaniel, who lives in Williamson County, gained international notoriety in 2001 when she was named an associate member of the Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network in London, England, and invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France.

            A native of Kentucky, she has studied under 37 noted art instructors. The artist’s reputation as a budding artist grew in 1984 when she was commissioned to paint a family landmark by Kentucky Governor Louie B. Nunn. She has had 52 solo exhibitions during her career. The Brentwood Public Library hosted her first Tennessee solo art exhibition in 1994.  In 1996 and 1997, she was invited to design the theme poster for the Nashville Symphony’s "Italian Street Fair".  In 1998, she was commissioned to paint 18 watercolor paintings for a permanent collection at the newly opened Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Franklin, Tenn.  A year later, she was commissioned to paint 13 pieces for the annual Nashville Scene N-Focus social calendar.

            In 2000, she became a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art in Nashville, teaching weekly art classes. A year later, she was commissioned to paint a promotional streetscape of four homes for Newmark Homes and five other paintings for the Nashville Home Builders Association/SunTrust Bank 2001 "Parade of Homes". In 2003, she traveled to Giverny, France, and painted in Monet’s Garden. She has judged local, regional and statewide art shows, including a statewide competition at the Tennessee State Fair in Nashville.

            In 2005, McDaniel was commissioned to paint the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music", a PENCIL Foundation fund-raiser starring LeAnn Rimes. A local newspaper spotlighted the artist after she created a poster commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. She was invited to be the featured artist for the "Martin's Master Show" in Brentwood, Tenn., in November 2009.

            Other upcoming training opportunities with McDaniel include watercolor painting classes for intermediate and advanced artists at Plaza Artist Materials in downtown Nashville from July 17-Sept. 4.

The 50 Things We Loved (or didn't) About the 2013 'CMA Music Festival'

By Chuck Whiting and Wil Comstock

            Every year, Nashville draws thousands of country music fans for the annual "CMA Music Festival". MCAU editor Chuck Whiting and contributing writer Wil Comstock roamed downtown Nashville all four days (June 6-9, 2013) to take in the many country-accented events. Here's our list of the top 50 things we loved (or didn't).

            * All-you-can-eat ice cream at the Blue Bell booth.

            * The creative tattoos on the necks, arms, backs, chests and legs of festival-goers.

            * All-you-can-drink diet Mountain Dew.

            * Sore legs after walking miles and miles (from the newly opened Music City Center to Broadway to LP Field).

            * Beautiful views (and the echoes of live music) from the pedestrian bridge.

            * The roaming black Elvis dressed in a spectacular white (bell-bottomed) outfit.

            * Dolly Parton's creative (eye-opening) array of costumes (in the exhibit area).

            * Trace Adkins' 2006 palace on wheels (tour bus).

            * Charlie Daniel's mega-sized, spotlight-reflecting belt buckle.

            * The loud, girlish screams when Luke Bryan wiggled his hips.

            * The Oak Ridge Boys' moving (harmonious) tribute to the late George Jones.

            * Surprise guests Lenny Kravitz and Jason Aldean rocking out on the LP Field Stage (to somewhat bewildered die-hard country music fans). (But we loved it!)

            * Clydesdale horses and Pedigree dogs.

            *  Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and Taylor Swift singing McGraw's hit, "Highway Don't Care".

            *  Kelly Clarkson expressing concern (several times) about her missing engagement ring.

            * The high-pitched screams, yells and whistles when Gretchen Wilson asked if there were any rednecks in the audience.

            * A stirring rendition of the "National Anthem" by Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan.

            * Keith Urban's passionate ("electrifying") guitar playing.

            * Taylor Swift's red microphone, red guitar, red lipstick... red... red... red.

            * Dierks Bentley's authentic, gracious nature (to an adoring crowd).

            * Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood harmonizing (very quickly) on "Ain't Going Down ('Til The Sun Comes Up)".

            * $4 water... $8 mini-pizza... $8 beer...

            * Sweat (but less than last year).

            * "Duck Dynasty" family antics.

            * The whiskey tasting at Aerial on the roof of Paradise Park Trailer Resort (especially Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey with lemonade).

            * Paying $20 to park (or not!).

            * Not wanting to like the "Wabash Cannonball" sculpture while having a beer at the Bridge Building Event Center (best place on the water in Nashville... other than on a boat!)

            * Seeing Gretchen Wilson on the Riverfront Stage singing “Hot Blooded”.

            * Carrie Underwood’s legs... Carrie Underwood’s legs... Carrie Underwood’s legs!

            * Free spicy sausage from History Cross Country Cookout.

            * Having to use the port-o-john (or sitting next to someone who needed to).

            * Gretchen Wilson "not" singing one of her killer smoldering ballads.

            * Missing Lee Brice’s concert at Carl Black Chevrolet on Tuesday afternoon... and Collin Raye, Bryan White and Mark Wills' performances at the Durango Music Spot on Saturday. (We couldn't be everywhere... but wanted to be.)

            * Taking in the short-shorts, bikini tops and cowboy boots.

            * The rain (and humidity).

            * Free spicy BBQ from the Diet Mountain Dew Pit Stop.

             * The very-friendly (smiling) ushers at LP Field.

            * Blake Shelton tearing up the stadium with “Footloose”.

            * The welcoming crew at the CMA Media area (especially Courtney!).

             * Kicking a plastic cup (with hundreds of other fans) on the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge after the last concert. (We kicked that cup all the way across.)

            * Jo Dee Messina’s dress (?). (She explained it by saying she was wearing shorts underneath.)

             * The talented Hunter Hayes (Who knew?). (We loved his duet with Jason Mraz.)

              * Who knew The Band Perry could rock out like they did?  (They get our vote for "best performance".)

            * That Wil didn’t win a tumbler at the Bic Flamedisk booth (but Chuck "did").

             * Everyone singing “God Bless The USA” with Lee Greenwood.

             * Operation Finally Home presenting free (custom-built) homes to two needy military families. (Wil: I had tears in my eyes... One of those families will be living in Williamson County. Way to go!).

             * Seeing Julie Roberts and remembering just how good her blues-country vocals are!

             * Sheryl Crow dropping in on Little Big Town’s set. (She's 51... Really?)

             * Lorrie Morgan’s dress... Lorrie Morgan’s dress... Lorrie Morgan’s dress!

            * Running into friends on Broadway.

             * Seeing Randy Travis all cleaned up, wearing clothes, and in great voice.

             * Gloriana’s perfect harmonies on the "National Anthem".  (It never sounded better.)

            * Kip Moore. (Wil: I don't stand a chance when he's around.)

             * Carrie Underwood’s performance of “Paradise City”.

             * Seeing Brad Paisley perform “Beat This Summer With You” (this year’s best summer song) while the audience participated using Brad’s colorful phone app.

             * Jake Owen singing “Anywhere With You”. (Wil: We're disappointed that he only got to do one song. Couldn’t he have done one more with an acoustic guitar while they were setting up for Carrie Underwood?).

             * The near-perfect weather.

            * That Alan, Reba and Garth were not there. (Thank goodness Trisha was.)

            * That it didn't rain until well after the closing fireworks (making us wonder if shortening the concert sets on the last night was really necessary).

            * That we didn't win two tickets to next year's "CMA Music Festival". (We're going anyway!).

(Note: As you can see, we couldn't stop at just 50. What are the things you loved (or didn't) about the 2013 "Country Music Festival". Feel free to share them with MCAU here or by writing us info@MusicCityArtsUpdate.com.)

All "CMA Music Festival" Photos copyright 2013 by Chuck Whiting 

(except for the port-o-john pic by Wil Comstock)

This article reprinted/used by permission only

            

Arts Town Travel: Historic Fort Mims to Observe 200th Anniversary

Published in The Mobile (Ala.) Press Register: This article was written by Claudia "2G" Slaughter Campbell, president of the Fort Mims Restoration Association that oversees preservation and restoration of Fort Mims in Baldwin County, Ala., site of the historic Massacre of Fort Mims in 1813. The restoration organization is observing the 200-year anniversary of events of 1813 and accomplishments achieved during those decades. Campbell, of Tensaw, and her family trace their family lineage back to the settlers of Fort Mims, and she shares here her memories of her family’s deeply rooted connections to the fort and the community surrounding it.

When I think back about my earliest recollections of Fort Mims, a smile comes across my face. I can see my brother and sisters running in the freshly plowed dirt in the field near Boatyard Lake playing and throwing dirt clods at each other. It was around 1954 or so.

Mama was there trying to keep up with all of us as we ran behind the tractor that Daddy was driving. He was plowing up the potatoes he had planted several months before. What fun we were having, but not paying that much attention to the job at hand -- what we were picking up was not the beautiful red potatoes that we would have for supper! Instead, the treasure we were finding were beautiful pieces of painted pottery in varying shapes and colors, they were like the pretty flowers on the plates my grandmother had.

There were sharp triangular rocks, too, that I would later learn were arrowheads. We all had jars with lids, and we filled them to the top! Being the youngest of five, I was immediately “hooked:” I wanted to hunt for treasure every day! 

My mother, June Slaughter, began to write a lot of letters back in those days trying to get support for something to be done at Fort Mims. She put a jar out on the counter of the store, put pictures and notices in the newspaper and wrote to the state for help. One of the letters was to the Alabama Department of Parks and Conservation and before too long she received correspondence from Mr. Marks of the Parks Division, State of Alabama! She had stirred interest in Montgomery and the officials were coming to Tensaw to see what they could find. Fort Mims would not be forgotten! I remember that the whole family was happy and we could hardly wait to see what would come next.

Upon arrival to Tensaw a few months later, the officials from the state got my dad, Carl Slaughter, to bring his bulldozer to the site. The area was covered with trees, bushes and lots of undergrowth like the rest of the swamp -- as if nothing had ever happened there. As we were all standing around to see what would be uncovered, Daddy lightly pushed back the top layers of earth, a little at a time. Eventually, we were all able to see the charred remains of the outside walls of the fort. What an exciting time that was -- the site of Fort Mims had been re-discovered!

Because of the way the burned wood was found, the men decided that the fort must have been put up horizontally -- at least in several places. Two posts would have been put into the ground and logs laid between them and built up until the wall of logs was high enough to protect those inhabiting the fort.

Every year in the heat of August, Mama loaded up all five of her children, occasionally several cousins from down the road and any friends who were lucky enough to be around, and we would head down to Fort Mims for a memorial service. We were fairly good for kids during the “service,” swatting at the mosquitoes and bugs, and trying to understand the serious look on Mama’s face. Before long, she had a fence and a gate delivered to the store, “Smith and Slaughter,” so an official improvement could be made to Fort Mims, as specified. That was 10 years after the Till family donated five acres to the state of Alabama.

The site of Fort Mims was cleared and cleaned, a small area at the time, by the archeological excavations done almost every decade. In the ‘60s, many of the local high school Key Club members, including my brother and cousins from Tensaw and others from Bay Minette, worked on the excavation. They were full of fun and energy as many artifacts were found in the wire bins that were filled with dirt and moved to and fro like a sifter. Excitement would sound out when something was discovered. They were looking eagerly to find whatever may have been hiding in the clumps of dirt, things that had been left from the terrible day in August nearly 150 years before.

Articles appeared frequently in the local papers, the Fort Mims Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution placed a monument at the site, and interest in this historic site in north Baldwin County soared throughout the state and Baldwin County. My grandmother wrote a short book during this time, ‘Sunshine and Shadows -- Along the Trails the Tensas Trod,’ with some of the research she had done throughout the years.

A young girl, totally influenced and surrounded by this much history, could hardly go in any other direction. The mold was set: Fort Mims -- high priority! Do your best to bring recognition to this historic site in Tensaw, Alabama, that changed so many lives and affected the course of history for a young nation.

It looks like that is still what I think is of importance as many improvements have been made at Fort Mims by the Fort Mims Restoration Association -- and many more will be completed before Aug. 30, 2013 for the commemoration of the 200th anniversary.

My roots grow deep in the Tensaw Country as my ancestors settled here 200 years ago. Fort Mims was a part of that. Through my grandmother, Claudia Smith Slaughter, my great-great-great-grandfather, Reese Smith, his wife Nancy and their daughter, arrived at Fort Mims on or about, Aug. 29, 1813. Because of the conditions within the fort, they decided to move on, thus surviving the deadly attack on the 30th.

After the massacre at Fort Mims, my ancestors Capt. Joseph Booth and Col. Lee Slaughter rode south with Andrew Jackson to avenge those killed at Fort Mims. They went on to fight the British at the Battle of New Orleans; Jesse Embree and Reese Smith also joined Jackson’s forces during the War of 1812 and the Creek Indian War, all settling in this area.

A portion of Capt. Booth’s plantation remains in the family and his grave, and those of several of his children and grandchildren, are tended by descendants who honor them and the memory of their many contributions during the early days of this country.

Now, I am proud to serve as president of the Fort Mims Restoration Association and we are sponsoring a commemorative event for the 200th Anniversary of Fort Mims on Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2013. Descendants from all over the country plan to attend. Don’t miss this outstanding event! Visit our webpage: fortmims.org (next week after reconstruction is complete). “Like” Fort Mims on Facebook for recent happenings, photos and see what is going on as we near the anniversary date! 

-- By Claudia Slaughter Campbell, President, Fort Mims Restoration Association in Tensaw, Ala.

Musicians of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra Issue Statement

Following is a press release (statement) issued on June 7 by NSO musicians. Click on the image for a larger view.

Amy Allen Putting Together Band for Upcoming 'Someday Is Today Tour'

Country-Americana-pop artist Amy Allen is putting together a band for a short tour.

2013 CMA Music Festival Filled With Free Live Music

By the CMA Staff

NASHVILLE - The 2013 CMA Music Festival will take over 
downtown Nashville Thursday through Sunday, June 6-9, with 
six free stages in the outdoor footprint and countless activities. 

Tickets for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field sold out a record-
setting six weeks in advance of the 2013 Festival, but fans will 
still have innumerable opportunities to watch Country Music’s 
best and brightest perform at CMA Music Festival. Performance 
lineups for the previously announced Chevrolet Riverfront 
Stage and Bud Light Stage at the Bridgestone Arena Plaza are 
available for fans to view at CMAfest.com, but those schedules 
merely scratch the surface of what fans can experience 
throughout the four-day Festival.

Downtown Nashville will be full of unique fan experiences, including free outdoor areas offering everything from 
autograph signings, meet-and-greets, cell phone charging stations, product demonstrations, auctions, giveaways, and more. All outdoor spaces are free and open to the public. These 
areas include: 

Transitions Performance Park 

New in 2013, Transitions® adaptive lenses – the Official 
Sponsor of Sightseeing™ – will host Transitions Performance 
Park where fans can get an enhanced view of the CMA Music 
Festival by checking out the sights atop Transitions' two-story 
viewing platform. Fans will be able to test the Transitions 
family of products, look through customized viewfinders, and 
star in their own professional photo shoot – complete with a 
set, crew, props, and a photographer. 

In addition, Transitions Performance Park will be filled with 
other fun activities. Come relax in oversized eyewear cabanas 
providing protection from the sun and grab a variety of eye-
healthy snacks, all while enjoying free concerts on the 
Transitions Performance Park Stage. The legendary Marshall 
Tucker Band will make their first-ever CMA Music Festival 
appearance and kick things off on Thursday, June 6 at 11:00 
AM. Other artists participating in the daily concerts include 
(alphabetical order; artists and schedule subject to 
change): 

Thursday, June 6: Ash Bowers, Tim Dugger, Flynnville 
Train, Marshall Tucker Band, Old Dominion, Chad Warrix, 
Holly Williams, and Jon Wolfe 

Friday, June 7: The Cleverlys, Due West, Clare Dunn, 
Hudson Moore, Danielle Peck, Julie Roberts, Gwen 
Sebastian, and Phoenix Stone 

Saturday, June 8: Jeff Bates, The Cadillac Three, Cowboy 
Troy, Jaida Dreyer, Morgan Frazier, Old Southern 
Moonshine Revival, Frank Ortega, and The Stickers 

Sunday, June 9: Blackjack Billy, The Brothers Road, Kristy 
Lee Cook, High Valley, Carly Pearce, Stephanie Quayle, 
Sweetwater Rain, and A Thousand Horses 

Transitions Performance Park is located in the Walk of Fame 
Park on Demonbreun between Fourth and Fifth Avenues. The 
park is free and open to the public from 10:00 AM–6:00 PM 
Thursday, June 6 through Saturday, June 7 and from 10:00 
AM–5:00 PM on Sunday, June 9. 

The Buckle 

Covering three bustling blocks of Broadway, legions of ultimate 
fans know that The Buckle is where the excitement and thrills 
of CMA Music Festival come together. 

The Buckle Stage will host a variety of free performances and 
activities beginning with concerts presented by ASCAP on 
Thursday, June 6 and Sunday, June 9 from 11:00 AM–4:30 PM. 
Performers include (alphabetical order; artists and schedule 
subject to change): 

Thursday, June 6: Brent Anderson, Brian Burke, Karli 
Chayne, Steven Clawson, Clare Dunn, Josh Grider, Curtis 
Grimes, Austin Jenckes, Cody Johnson, Michaelis, Dylan 
Scott, Madeleine Slate, Two Story Road, Allison Veltz, 
Zane Williams, and Trent Willmon 

Sunday, June 9: Chris Cavanaugh, Corey Crowder, Kalisa 
Ewing, Victoria Ghost, Adam Hambrick, JT Harding, Kris 
Hitchcock, Camaron Ochs, Brent Rupard, SaraBeth Taite, 
and Hailey Whitters 

On Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, the 
ABC Television Network returns to the CMA Music Festival with 
the ABC Summer Block Party. There will be special 
appearances by ABC fan favorites including Jason Thompson 
and Nancy Lee Grahn (“General Hospital”) and Chef Carla 
Hall (“The Chew”), musical performances, autograph signings, 
games, photos, free giveaways and much more! On Saturday, 
Nashville’s own Grilled Cheeserie Truck will be serving up free 
grilled cheese sandwiches inspired by ABC’s "The Chew.” 

In addition to these special events, The Buckle will play host to 
wall-to-wall activities including The History Channel’s “Cross-
Country Cookout” and appearances by the stars of the 
network's hit TV series "Swamp People" in both The History 
Channel and Gander Mountain booths. Fans can pinball 
between scrumptious free food samples, one-of-a-kind trip 
giveaways, killer karaoke, competitive games, and more from 
other exhibitors including AT&T U-verse, Bad Boy Buggies, BIC 
FlameDisc, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Carl Black Chevrolet, Cracker 
Barrel, Diet Mountain Dew, GAC, Jelly Belly, U.S. Marines, 
Martin Guitars, Transitions, and Wrangler. 

The Buckle is located on Broadway from First to Fourth 
Avenues. The area is open to the public from 10:00 AM–6:00 
PM Thursday, June 6 through Saturday, June 7 and from 10:00 
AM–5:00 PM on Sunday, June 9. 

Fan Alley 

If CMA Music Festival is the Ultimate Country Music Fan 
Experience, then Fan Alley is where that experience gets 
cranked up to the maximum level! 

Tucked into the area in front of the magical Schermerhorn 
Symphony Center, Fan Alley welcomes its namesake (the 
fans!) into a warm community where memories will be shared 
and friendships made. 

The Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage in Fan Alley will feature daily 
concerts with two dozen of Country’s best rising talent from 
Noon–3:00 PM each day. Hit-maker Carolyn Dawn Johnson 
will kick off the performances with other additional 
performances from (alphabetical order; artists and schedule 
subject to change): 

Thursday, June 6: Kenny Foster, Friends of Lola, 
Johnson,Pete Kennedy, Lisa Matassa, and Sundy Best 

Friday, June 7: Tyler Barham, Eric Lee Beddingfield, 
Weston Burt, Courtney Cole, Striking Matches, and Carrie 
Zaruba 

Saturday, June 8: Dakota Bradley, Brianna De Alba, 
Lyndsey Highlander, Rachel Holder, Kingston, and Austin 
Webb 

Sunday, June 9: Cerrito, Zach Lockwood, Joanna Mosca, 
Josh Mullins, and Pierce Avenue 

Lipton Iced Tea will host a “tea” ball competition for prizes 
while offering up samples of the brand’s refreshing iced tea 
flavors. Fan Alley will also offer exciting experiences for fans 
over 21. Jack Daniel’s will offer free mobile distillery tours, 
trivia games, and opportunities to purchase merchandise. Team 
Cocktail will be serving up tasty cocktails, awesome apparel, 
artist autograph signings, and the opportunity to win a 
Caribbean cruise for two. 

Fan Alley is located in front of the Schermerhorn Symphony 
Center on Fourth Avenue South. The area is open from 10:00 
AM–6:00 PM Thursday, June 6 through Saturday, June 7 and 
from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM on Sunday, June 9. 

BMI Tailgate Party 

Returning to the CMA Music Festival for a second year is the 
BMI Tailgate Party. Located right off the Cumberland River 
outside LP Field, the stage will feature a strong selection of 
BMI’s songwriters, artists, and DJ Du warming up the audience 
before they enter LP Field for the Nightly Concerts beginning at 
4:30 PM. 

Performers at the BMI Tailgate Party include (alphabetical 
order; artists and schedule subject to change): 

Thursday, June 6: Joel Crouse, Joey Hyde, and Thomas 
Rhett 

Friday, June 7: Lindsay Ell, David Fanning, and Josh 
Thompson 

Saturday, June 8: Native Run, Jon Pardi, and Westbound 
Rangers 

Sunday, June 9: Brazilbilly, Curious Band, and The Railers 

Ninth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade and 
Eighth Annual CMA Music Festival Block Party 

Everything gets started with the Ninth Annual CMA Music 
Festival Kick-Off Parade on Wednesday, June 5 at 11:00 AM. 
The parade will make its way down Broadway from Tenth to 
First Avenue with Country Music superstar Kix Brooks serving 
as Grand Marshal. In addition to numerous Country Music 
artists and other celebrities riding in a wide variety of Chevrolet 
vehicles, the parade will feature the Keep the Music Playing All 
Stars Marching Band, which is made up of high school 
musicians representing several Metro Nashville Public Schools, 
the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, balloons, and more. 

Following the procession, the fun will kick into high gear with 
The Eighth Annual CMA Music Festival Block Party. Fans can 
gather at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage for the kick off with 
The Henningsens followed by Brazilbilly, The Lacs, The 
Cadillac Three, and headliner Joe Diffie. Lyndsey 
Highlander will perform the national anthem. 

CMA Social Media Ticket Giveaways 

Despite tickets to the LP Field Nightly Concert series being sold 
out, fans can win their way into the best seats in the house for 
CMA Music Festival's star-studded showcases. Between 
Monday, May 27 and Friday, May 31, CMA will give away a pair 
of tickets each day across the organization’s social media 
channels starting with fifth row seats through Google+ on 
Monday; followed by fourth row tickets via Instagram Tuesday; 
third row seats via Pinterest Wednesday; second row seats 
Thursday via Twitter; and culminating with front-row seats 
Friday via Facebook. In addition, CMA will run a weeklong 
contest during the same window to give away 50 pairs of 
passes to the all-new AT&T® U-verse® Fan Fair X experience 
at Music City Center. Full details on how to enter can be found 
at Blog.CMAfest.com beginning Monday, May 27. And for 
access to CMA Music Festival details, news alerts and special 
promotions, fans should connect with CMA across all digital 
platforms. 

With 11 total stages and many free lifestyle exhibits to explore 
throughout the Festival footprint in Nashville, CMA Music 
Festival is a fantastic, family-friendly entertainment value. It all 
officially kicks off Thursday, June 6 with "Lady A Day at FFX" 
featuring Lady Antebellum performing, signing autographs, 
and cutting the ribbon when Fan Fair X officially opens to fans. 
Fan Fair X is free to four-day ticket holders, but tickets to this 
exciting new attraction are available to fans for $10 a day or 
$25 for four days Thursday through Sunday, June 6-9, with 
children 12 and younger admitted for free. 

Daily and Four-Day tickets for AT&T U-verse Fan Fair X are 
available through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com, the CMA 
Music Festival Box Office by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-
3378), or onsite at the registration area of Fan Fair X (price 
includes handling fees). 

Additionally, four-day tickets to the 2014 CMA Music 
Festival, held June 5-8, 2014, went on sale nationwide 
Monday, May 20, at Ticketmaster.com and 1-800-CMA-FEST. 
Fans will also be able to purchase 2014 CMA Music Festival 
tickets at this year’s event by visiting the . Following four years 
of consecutive LP Field sellouts, fans are encouraged to buy 
early for best-available seating. Visit CMAfest.com for details. 

Fans can stay in the loop by visiting CMAfest.com, the official 
website of CMA Music Festival, where they can sign up for the 
CMA Exclusive e-news. Fans can also connect with CMA at 
Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, 
Pinterest.com/CMAworld, and 
Instagram.com/CMA_Country_Music_Association.