Country Music Fans Can Enjoy Free Music Galore at 2014 Country Music Festival

             NASHVILLE – Free music and entertainment are hallmarks of CMA Music Festival, and the 2014 Fest is shaping up to present a lineup that is destined to please fans and create numerous opportunities for music discovery during the festival, happening from June 5-8 (Thursday through Sunday) in downtown Nashville.

            “The fans tell us they want music and we have plenty of options for them this year with multiple free stages, and a full lineup of artists from industry hitmakers to singers on the verge of making it big,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA chief executive officer.

            Tickets for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field sold out a record-setting 15 weeks in advance of the 2014 festival, but fans will still have innumerable opportunities to watch country music’s best and brightest perform at CMA Music Festival. The performance lineup for the previously announced Chevrolet Riverfront Stage is available at CMAfest.com, but that schedule merely scratches the surface of what fans can experience throughout the four-day event.

            Downtown Nashville will be full of unique fan experiences, including free outdoor areas offering everything from product demonstrations to giveaways and more. All outdoor spaces are free and open to the public.

Bud Light Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza:

            With more than 40 artists confirmed, the Bud Light Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza will be rockin’ with an eclectic mix of back-to-back free concerts from 10:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. each day (artists and schedule subject to change).

             “The location of the Bud Light Stage is perfectly situated to provide a place to discover new talent and reconnect with well-known stars,” said Trahern. “This stage was one of the Festival’s most popular destinations in 2013, and I’m expecting the same level of enthusiasm and attendance again this year.”

            Artists performing on the Bud Light Stage at the Bridgestone Arena Plaza include Lauren Alaina, Keith Anderson, Katie Armiger, Kelleigh Bannen, Jeff Bates, Big Smo, Blackhawk, Brothers Osborne, Mark Collie, Bucky Covington, Joel Crouse, Sarah Darling, Clare Dunn, Morgan Frazier, JT Hodges, Will Hoge, Home Free, Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Joshua Scott Jones, Krystal Keith, Meghan Linsey, Robin Meade, Granger Smith, Jamie Lynn Spears, Chris Stapleton, Striking Matches, Sundy Best, The Henningsens, Leah Turner, Trick Pony, Aaron Watson, Austin Webb, Drake White, Chuck Wicks, and Holly Williams.

Big Smo

             With numerous stages and many free lifestyle exhibits to explore throughout the festival footprint in Nashville, CMA Music Festival is a great, family-friendly entertainment value. The concerts at the Bud Light Stage are fun in the sun and within easy walking distance of all the festival event sites, including the AT&T® U-verse® Fan Fair X with autograph signings, concerts, lifestyle exhibits, marketplace, live broadcasts, demonstrations, and more in the state-of-the-art Music City Center.

Walk of Fame Park featuring the Samsung Galaxy Stage:

            New in 2014, Samsung Galaxy presents the Samsung Galaxy Stage in Walk of Fame Park, where fans can experience great music and activities.

            Artists participating in the daily concerts include (alphabetical order; artists and schedule subject to change) Robby Armstrong, Rob Baird, Ty Bates, Laura Bell Bundy, Dakota Bradley, David Bradley, Cam, Brandon Chase, Cowboy Troy and DJ Sinister, Heath Haynes & the High Dollars, Sam Hollyman, Joey Hyde, John Karl, Ryan Kinder, John King, Jukebox Mafia, Jenny Leigh, Cheryl LuQuire, Rachele Lynae, Brian Milson, Danielle Peck, Pierce Avenue, Stephanie Quayle, Raven Cliff, Julie Roberts, Gwen Sebastian, Canaan Smith, Phoenix Stone, The Brothers Road, The Nelsons, The Railers, The Stickers, Chad Warrix, Ryan Weaver, Jesse Keith Whitley, and Zane Williams.

Jesse Keith Whitley

            Walk of Fame Park is located on Demonbreun between Fourth and Fifth avenues. The park is free and open to the public from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Buckle:

            Covering three bustling blocks of Broadway, legions of dedicated 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 and Sunday from 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

            ASCAP songwriter artists include (alphabetical order; artists and schedule subject to change) Carlton Anderson, Kelsea Ballerini, Bonner Black, Misty Rae Carson, Karli Chayne, Steven Clawson, Courtney Cole, Hannah Dasher, Jacob Davis, GirlBilly, Ryan Griffin, Curtis Grimes, Adam Hambrick, Brett Kissell, Ryan Lafferty, Brandon Lay, Josh London, Daisy Mallory, Michaelis, Oklahoma, Carly Pearce, David Ray, Jameson Rodgers, Smithfield, Walker County, and Hailey Whitters.

Courtney Cole

            On Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., the ABC Television Network returns to the CMA Music Festival with the ABC Summer Block Party with special appearances by ABC fan favorites, musical performances, games, photos, free giveaways, and much more!

             The Buckle is located on Broadway from First to Fourth avenues. The area is open to the public from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday.

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 features concerts with Country Music’s best rising talent from Noon–3 p.m. each day.

            Performers (alphabetical order; artists and schedule subject to change) include Ballie and the Boys, Brinn Black, Cast of “Crazy Hearts Nashville,” Cerrito, Jaida Dreyer, Jordan Grassi, Marty Haggard, Lyndsey Highlander, Rachel Holder, Levi Hummon, Angie Johnson, Stevens Layne, Matt Mason, Walker McGuire, Randy Montana, Music City Doughboys, Aaron Parker, Jacob Powell, Brent Rupard, Lizzie Sider, The Danberrys, Keni Thomas, and Whiskey Rose.

Aaron Parker

            Fan Alley is located in front of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Fourth Avenue South. The area is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday.

 BMI Tailgate Party:

            Returning to the CMA Music Festival for the third time 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 and artists warming up the audience before they enter LP Field for the Nightly Concerts beginning at 4:30 p.m.

             Performers (alphabetical order; artists and schedule subject to change) include A Thousand Horses, Blackjack Billy, Chase Bryant, Adam Craig, DJ Du, Brett Eldredge, David Fanning, Sara Haze, Chris Lane, Natalie Stovall and The Drive, Michael Ray, Josh Thompson, and Whiskey Jam.

Brett Eldredge

Natalie Stovall and The Drive

          The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience began in 1972 as Fan Fair®, bringing 5,000 fans to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. More than 40 years later, the now legendary Festival has become the city’s signature music event. In 2014, CMA Music Festival will hose visitors from every state and 21 foreign countries.

            For all the latest info on CMA Music Festival, visit www.CMAfest.com. To stay connected with CMA visit www.Facebook.com/CMA, www.Twitter.com/CountryMusic, and www.Instagram.com/CMA or text FESTIVAL to 66937.

            CMA Music Festival will once again be filmed for a national television special to air on the ABC Television Network. This is the 11th consecutive year that the event has been filmed for a network television special, a feat no other music festival has achieved. "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" will be executive-produced by Robert Deaton.

            CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA. Chevrolet™ is the Official Ride of Country Music. Bud Light is the Official Beer of the CMA Music Festival. Pepsi is the Official Soft Drink of the CMA Music Festival. Bad Boy Buggies are the Official UTV of the CMA Music Festival. 

'Tin Pan South' Offers Unforgettable Shows on First Night

'TIN PAN SOUTH' REPORT

Day One: April 2, 2013

            "Tin Pan South" is in full swing, with several hundred songwriters performing at various venues around the city. Choosing which shows to attend on the first night was a challenge for MCAU's two writers. We finally opted to take in the 6 p.m. show at the Rutledge (featuring Jim Brickman, Richie McDonald and Victoria Shaw); the 9 p.m. show at The Listening Room Cafe (featuring Dave Barnes, Kevin Griffin, Charles Kelley, and special guest Emerson Hart); and the 9 p.m. show at the Rutledge (featuring BMI writers Brett Eldredge, Natalie Hemby, and Luke Laird). (Scroll down to the bottom for photos.)

April 1 (Monday):

'TIN PAN SOUTH' OPENING PARTY:

            A standing room-only crowd of songwriters filled the lobby of the Regions Roundabout office tower on Music Row. Excitement was definitely in the air as tunesmiths from across the nation renewed friendships (or made new ones) and talked about the upcoming shows. Per usual, the NSAI staff did a marvelous job with food and beverage... and greeting the attendees. Check out photos from the event at http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2013/04/normal-0-0-1-95-542-whiting-publicity.html .

-- Chuck Whiting, MCAU Editor

April 2 (Tuesday):

THE RUTLEDGE (Early Show):

            Where else can music lovers see three songwriting/artist legends like this performing together on the same stage? Jim Brickman, Richie McDonald and Victoria Shaw all agreed that it was wonderful performing together (reuniting) in a casual atmosphere (without all the bells and whistles we're used to). The mesmerized crowd wholeheartedly agreed. Victoria Shaw opened the show with the clever, upbeat "There's A Song In There Somewhere". Jim Brickman followed with a stirring performance of the instrumental  "Angel Eyes". By the time Richie MacDonald began singing "Just the Rain", everyone knew it would be one of the finest "Tin Pan South" shows in recent memory.

            Victoria Shaw transitioned into the Garth Brooks classic "The River", mentioning that the song was "all about shopping." As the appreciative crowd laughed, she explained that her songs are "folkier" when she writes with Garth. She then joined Jim on the holiday favorite "The Gift". Their vocal harmonies were both surprising and moving. Victoria continued with beautiful renditions of "Never Alone" and "I Love The Way You Love Me", a tune she first sang at her own wedding 20 years ago. Victoria and her 14-year-old daughter Ruby stole the show with a rousing, tongue-in-cheek performance of "The Girl With The Fishing Rod".

            Jim Brickman is known for his instrumental talents and showmanship, but did you know he used to be a jingle writer? Egged on by his fellow artists, he reluctantly played musical snippets from Pontiac, Puppy Chow and Cheerios commercials. It was fun to observe his playfulness in a laid-back atmosphere. Making his electronic piano sound like a grand, he performed heart-tugging songs about romance and the weather. The Northerner quipped that "the weather" was a common theme for young tunesmiths who grew up in Cleveland. Audience members sang along softly as he performed "Without You In My Life" (from his album "Believe"), "Love Of My Life", and the unforgettable "Valentine".

            Richie McDonald is quite the jokester, admitting that he used to take away microphones from Southwest Airlines stewardesses to sing a parody version of the Lonestar hit, "I'm Already There" ("We're Almost There"). He once donned a large Lucy head mask (from "Peanuts") to interrupt a Jim Brickman performance. Richie's vocals were in top form as he sang popular songs on piano and guitar such as "Mr. Mom" and "My Front Porch Looking In". Richie, who recently celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary, added groove with a bluesy performance of the cover, "Walking in Memphis". He aptly closed with an amazing, "living room" rendition of the hit, "Baby I'm Amazed By You".

            What more could you ask for in a songwriters show? My words can't adequately tell you how great this "Tin Pan Show" was. You had to be there.

Editor's Note: I've always wanted to tell Victoria an interesting story. Some years ago, two friends and I (totally by chance) met an interesting lady while strolling an overlook in beautiful Cortona, Italy. We were amazed when the lovely stranger told us she was the mother of Nashville songwriter Victoria Shaw. After a fascinating conversation, we all parted ways (taking away lasting memories). I think there's a song in there somewhere.

-- Chuck Whiting, MCAU Editor

THE LISTENING ROOM (Late Show):

            I worked at Ernest Tubb Record shop when I first moved to Nashville 20 years ago. I remember the women in the mail order department complaining about the state of country music and how pop it sounded.  But I loved it…  

            You could feel the excitement in the cold air standing in line for the second show at the Listening Room. We were all anticipating seeing top writers Dave Barnes, Charles Kelley (one third of Lady Antebellum), Emerson Hart (from the band Tonic), and Kevin Griffin. Most of the tables were full when I got in, so I took a seat at the bar. Soon the place was Standing Room Only.

            Dave Barnes started the set with “Until You” (recorded by Billy Currington).  Charles Kelley explained that he was really a drummer and agreed to do tonight's show after too many glasses of wine, and then he segued into “I Run to You”. 

            The wine and alcohol was flowing at The Listening Room, too. A long line formed at the bar, and people were happily chatting at their tables as the show progressed. I was having a little trouble figuring out the titles to some of the lesser-known songs. I turned to a friend to ask if he knew, but he didn’t either.  

            I enjoyed Kevin Griffin’s “Collide” (which he co-wrote with Howie Day) and Emerson Hart’s “Flying”. Maybe the room was too big (or maybe I’m getting old and out of touch), but for some reason none of the songs were stirring any emotion in me. The crowd seemed happy though. Drinks continued to pass around. Suddenly, the guy at the bar next to me (who had been a little shaky for the last half hour) was splayed out on the floor. Then I got it! People were here tonight at the Listening Room to party and have a good time. I grabbed my coat and headed over to the Rutledge, hoping to redeem the evening. 

-- Wil Comstock, MCAU Writer

THE RUTLEDGE (Second Show):

            Crossing the few blocks to The Rutledge’s BMI show, I was kicking myself for not going to that show in the first place. Plus I dragged a friend to that other event!   

           

            When I entered the club an hour and 20 minutes into the set, Brett Eldredge was singing “One Mississippi... two Mississippi...  counting down the seconds... standing in the wreckage of love...  on a cold, grey Jackson dawn”.  Now that’s songwriting. I squeezed through the Standing-Room-Only crowd and found the one remaining space by the wall upstairs as Luke Laird began singing “Beat This Summer”, his hit with Brad Paisley (also written with Chis Dubois).

            By the time Natalie started singing “I’m A Tornado”, I was in songwriter heaven. I continued to be moved and entertained the remainder of the evening. Highlights included Brett’s “Raymond”, which he co-wrote with Shane McAnally describing the effect Alzheimer’s had on his grandmother and his response to her. Natalie’s “Pontoon”, which went to number one for Little Big Town, was a real crowd pleaser. And Luke’s (the guy has had 12 number ones!) “Put A Drink In My Hand” had us all singing and raising our longnecks, real or imaginary. 

            As I looked around, I saw a crowd that was inspired and elevated. I didn’t see one person passed out on the floor.

-- Wil Comstock, MCAU Writer

Do you have a "Tin Pan South" story/experience to tell.  Please send it to us at Info@MusicCityArtsUpdate.com .

"Tin Pan South" Schedule: http://www.tinpansouth.com/2013/schedule.html

Photo: Jim Brickman performs.

Photo: Richie McDonald and Jim Brickman perform.

Photo: Victoria Shaw greets fans after the show.

Photo: Kevin Griffin, Emerson Hart and Charles Kelley at The Listening Room.

Photo: Luke Laird and Natalie Hemby perform at The Rutledge.

Photo: Brett Eldredge, Natalie Hemby and Luke Laird perform at The Rutledge.