CMA Announces First Round of Artists Appearing at 2006 CMA Music Festival: 'Country Music's Biggest Party'

CMA Announces First Round of Artists Appearing at 2006 CMA Music Festival: 'Country Music's Biggest Party'

Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Terri Clark, Billy Currington, Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and More Welcome Fans to 35th Anniversary Event

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- CMA Music Festival is the ultimate destination for music lovers. Four days, 30 hours of autograph signings, 70 hours of live music, 400 Country Music artists and celebrities, and 145,000 fans add up to one major musical charity event: 2006 CMA Music Festival "Country Music's Biggest Party(TM)," held Thursday through Sunday, June 8-11, in Downtown Nashville, Tenn.

"CMA Music Festival has become a world-class event mixing music stars with celebrities from sports and television," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. "This uniquely Nashville event to benefit charity is enjoyed by thousands of visitors from around the nation and around the world. And they are all here for one thing -- to celebrate the music."

It is a party with something for everyone. The music spans the genre and the activities appeal to all ages -- from children in the Family and Fun Zones to the party-hardy, club hoppers during CMA Music Festival After Hours(TM). And the opportunities to meet and interact with the artists -- a hallmark of this event for the past 35 years -- continues in 2006 with numerous activities for every taste and interest, from sports to cooking, cars to boats.

"CMA Music Festival is a four-day, non-stop celebration of America's music for people of all ages who love great songs, great artists and a great time," Genovese said.

Dubbed the "crown jewel" of Country Music festivals by USA Today, CMA Music Festival builds on the reputation of Fan Fair(R), which was created exclusively for the fans in 1972. And 35 years later, the unique relationship between Country Music artists and their admirers remains at the heart of CMA Music Festival. Each June, the artists take time out of their busy touring schedules to play for free, meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos, to give back to the people and community that have supported them throughout the year.

Returning in 2006 are Brooks & Dunn, Terri Clark, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley and LeAnn Rimes. Artists making a repeat appearance include Trace Adkins, Jessica Andrews, Steve Azar, The Bellamy Brothers, Lane Brody, Sonny Burgess, Billy Currington, Linda Davis, Emerson Drive, Sara Evans, Jace Everett, The Fox Brothers, Andy Griggs, Hot Apple Pie, Con Hunley, Buddy Jewell, Miranda Lambert, Brice Long, Montgomery Gentry, Oak Ridge Boys, Ray Scott, Blake Shelton, Keni Thomas, Carrie Underwood, Mark Wills, Trent Willmon, Darryl Worley, Chely Wright and Michelle Wright. Newcomers Susan Haynes and Danielle Peck will be participating in their first CMA Music Festival, and additional artists will be added in the coming weeks.

"I think the Festival is great for the music and for the fans," said Paisley. "It's a great way for everyone to come together, and I know everyone who comes has a blast. It gives a real lift to Country Music because it's such a positive event, and it's fun for everyone."

"Nashville was so great in welcoming me to CMA Music Festival last year, and I am so excited to be coming back again this year," said Underwood.

"I love playing the CMA Music Festival each year because it's one of the very best audiences you could hope for," said Adkins. "It's one of the places you can perform where you know everyone there is a big Country Music fan."

"I have always been amazed by the fans who come to CMA Music Festival," said Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry. "This is a huge part of their lives, and we are very honored to be a part of it."

Montgomery's partner, Troy Gentry, remarked, "The connection between Country Music fans and artists is what makes Country Music unique among all genres of music. No other format has this personal touch."

"I can still hardly believe that I performed last year on the same stage that I watched the Country icons perform on so many times growing up," said Lambert. "I have had an amazing year since the release of Kerosene last March. Being asked to perform at The Coliseum again this year is icing on the cake! When you are on that huge stage it hits you that you are singing for the people who truly love Country Music -- it's a little intimidating but exciting at the same time. I am so thankful that CMA has enough confidence in me to give me a great time slot again. Playing the arena tours with Keith Urban and George Strait has helped develop my show and I'm ready to give them the best I've got this year!"

"Anytime I get to be around the fans it's always a good time, especially during Music Fest," said Currington. "CMA puts together an event that allows artists to make that personal connection with the fans and it's wonderful. I look at it as our chance to give back to them and let them know we appreciate their support."

All of the artists and celebrities participating in CMA Music Festival donate their time. They are not compensated for the hours they spend signing autographs and performing.

In appreciation of their continued support, CMA donates half the net proceeds from the event to charities designated by the participating artists as part of CMA's "Cause for Celebration!" charitable benefit program. In 2005, 247 artists selected 114 separate charities as beneficiaries of the annual program. To date -- on behalf of the artists -- CMA has donated more than $800,000, including an additional $200,000 in 2005 to aid hurricane victims.

The donations are appreciated, but this bottom line has always been about the fans and their relationship with the artists and their passion for the music. And this year is no exception with myriad activities and events to offer capped by the nightly, star-packed concerts at The Coliseum with state- of-the-art production, two huge stages for continuous entertainment, the popular CMA Music Festival Photo Line and giant video screens capturing all of the excitement.

In addition to the Nightly Concerts, fans will enjoy four days of non-stop music at the Greased Lightning(R) Daytime Stages with an eclectic lineup of artists performing on dual stages, including Country hit-makers, rising stars, legends, bluegrass performers and surprise guests. Music can also be heard in Acoustic Corner at the Nashville Convention Center, the site of the Wrangler(R) Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall), which features daily autograph sessions, shopping and lifestyle exhibits from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Thursday through Sunday during the Festival.

"Personal interaction remains a cornerstone of CMA Music Festival and Fan Fair is the epicenter," Genovese said. "Country legends, newcomers and other celebrities meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos. For many of our visitors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to make a personal connection with someone they admire. For others, it is an opportunity to establish an early bond with a new artist on their way to stardom."

CMA Music Festival offers many other opportunities for fans to interact and see their favorite stars in unique settings, whether asking questions during the CMA Celebrity Close Up series; or standing clear as the artists fire arrows at targets during the "Fifth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament" in the Sports Zone.

The Sports Zone, which is free of charge and open to the public, offers fans the opportunity to participate in sporting activities plus see some of their favorite artists and professional athletes go head-to-head in friendly competitions. A strong relationship exists between sports personalities and Country artists, and it is a proven winner with fans, too. In 2005, the Sports Zone featured appearances by top BASS anglers, NASCAR drivers, professional wrestlers and football stars.

For a deeper look into the lives of some of our musical heroes and their road to stardom, there is the CMA Celebrity Close Up, with two question-and- answer sessions one on Thursday, June 8 (4:30-6:00 PM), and the second on Friday, June 9 (4:30-6:00 PM), hosted by media personality Lorianne Crook at the historic Ryman Auditorium. CMA Celebrity Close Up gives fans an opportunity to submit questions for celebrity panels moderated by Crook. In 2005, participants included Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn, Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, Sugarland, Travis Tritt and Trisha Yearwood. The lineup for 2006 will be announced soon. A separate ticket is required. Tickets go on sale March 1. Call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for advance, reserved-seating tickets for $12 each ($17 at the door).

Country artists aren't the only ones making appearances at CMA Music Festival. The event has a long history of attracting artists and celebrities outside of the format such as Bryan Adams, the Beach Boys, Paul McCartney, Brett Michaels of Poison, Uncle Kracker, and actors Danny Glover, Maureen McCormick, Verne Troyer and more.

Night-owls will find many, late-night activities that are part of CMA Music Festival After Hours -- because the party doesn't stop after closing fireworks at The Coliseum. Clubs and bars in Downtown Nashville keep the party rolling until the wee hours with exclusive specials and entertainment for Festivalgoers.

Introduced in 2001, the Family Zone is popular with young children and the young at heart. Free to the public and open daily at the park across from the Country Music Hall of Fame(R) and Museum, the Family Zone is the place for children and adults to kick back and have fun with games, hands-on educational exhibits, storytelling with Country artists and more. In fact, CMA Music Festival is very family friendly with discounts for fans 14 and younger, and children 3 and younger are admitted free -- making it an attractive family vacation value

Two new elements added in 2005 are back in 2006: the Fun Zone and the Crisco(R) Country Favorites Corner, with celebrity chefs and cooking demonstrations. The Fun Zone, located on Broadway between First and Second Avenues will once again bustle with activities for fans of all ages including interactive displays, games and product sampling. Access to these popular attractions is free and open to the public.

Tickets for 2006 CMA Music Festival, Thursday through Sunday, June 8-11, in Downtown Nashville, are available now with proceeds benefiting charities selected by the artists.

To order tickets for the 2006 CMA Music Festival call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit http://www.cmafest.com/ to download an order form to fax or mail; visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/ to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600.

Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of reserved seating at The Coliseum. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free. Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum; Daily Concerts the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Wrangler Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; Family Zone; Crisco Country Favorites Corner; Fun Zone; Sports Zone; 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 are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

2006 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL FOUR-DAY TICKET PACKAGE PRICES

LEVEL ADULT 14 & YOUNGER
Gold Circle (Floor) SOLD OUT n/a
Floor Level SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
Lower Level $135 $95
Club Level $125 $86

* 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 The Coliseum are available by phone order only. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) to order. The price is $28 for cars; $60 for vans/shuttles; and $120 for RVs/motor coaches. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited and no overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at The Coliseum must pre- purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event locations.

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

Shuttle service from outlying areas of Nashville to CMA Music Festival events will be available from several park-and-ride locations with unlimited access on the Gray Line Satellite Shuttle. To purchase a separate pass and to make advance Gray Line Satellite Shuttle reservations, call 1-800-251-1864 or (615) 883-5555, or visit http://www.graylinenashville.com/.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances and more, visit http://www.cmafest.com/ and sign up for e-news.

Once again in 2006, CMA Music Festival will be filmed for a two-hour, ABC Network Television special that will air later this summer. The special is produced by Robert Deaton and directed by Gary Halvorson.

2006 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. Promotional partners include Crisco, Greased Lightning and Wrangler. Fan Fair is a registered trademark of CMA.

For information, logos and downloadable photos, visit our media-only website, http://www.cmapress.com/. You may also register on this site beginning March 1 for media credentials to cover activities during the 2006 CMA Music Festival.

Source: Country Music Association

CONTACT: Wendy Pearl or Scott Stem of Country Music Association,
+1-615-244-2840

Web site: http://www.cmaworld.com/
http://www.cmapress.com/
http://www.cmafest.com/
http://www.graylinenashville.com/
http://www.musiccityusa.com/

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