After 11 Year Absence, Reba McEntire Returns To Perform at 2007 CMA Music Festival

After 11 Year Absence, Reba McEntire Returns To Perform at 2007 CMA Music Festival

McEntire Joined by an Impressive Slate of Stars Including Carrie Underwood, The Wreckers, Sugarland, Martina McBride, Little Big Town, Jason Aldean, and More

"The Sixth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament" Returns in Chevy Sports Zone

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- CMA Music Festival, winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association's 2006 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year, 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 more than 161,000 fans add up to one major musical charity event: 2007 CMA Music Festival, held Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, in Downtown Nashville.

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 36 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. Proceeds from the Festival are donated on behalf of the artists to CMA's charity campaign, "Keep the Music Playing," to support music education in Metro Nashville's public schools.

"CMA Music Festival is a unique experience that could only take place in Nashville," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "Thousands of people come to Music City USA from around the globe to hear the music that made our city famous and interact with the artists who create it through autograph signings and one-of-a-kind events. We welcome all fans of America's music to Nashville's signature music event."

Music, Broadway, television, and film superstar Reba McEntire make her highly-anticipated return to the Festival after an 11-year absence. She last participated in the event in 1996 when Fan Fair was still at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds and audiences were capped at 25,000 people due to space limitations.

"I am thrilled for the opportunity to perform at the CMA Music Festival," said McEntire. "It's been eleven years since I've had a chance to be in Nashville for this amazing week, and the CMA has done a great job of growing the event during that time. I'm looking forward to being a part of it all once again."

"Reba McEntire is a true trailblazer, having elevated Country Music's profile throughout her career while being a successful actress, charitable spokesperson, and respected businesswoman," said Genovese. "We are excited to welcome her back to CMA Music Festival."

The growing lineup of artists participating in CMA Music Festival also includes Jason Aldean; Little Big Town; Martina McBride; Sugarland; The Wreckers, in their debut appearance at the Festival; and current CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and Horizon Award winner Carrie Underwood.

Other artists scheduled to perform include Bomshel, Catherine Britt, Luke Bryan, Sonny Burgess, Carolina Rain, Eric Church, Cole Deggs & the Lonesome, Heartland, Jypsi, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Blaine Larsen, The Lost Trailers, Neal McCoy, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O'Neal, Jake Owen, Danielle Peck, Pirates of the Mississippi, Pam Tillis, and Chris Young. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

"The Country Music industry first welcomed me into their community at the CMA Music Festival in 2005 and since then my peers and my fans have been so gracious," said Underwood. "I cannot wait to see my fans and meet and create new ones at this year's event. See you in June!"

"Last year's stadium performance during CMA Music Festival was one of the true highlights of my summer," says Aldean. "The energy from all the fans was electric. I look forward to doing it again in 2007."

"Country Music fans are so loyal and CMA Music Festival is the greatest way for us to reach them -- the most dedicated fans in the world," said Kimberly Roads of Little Big Town. "We look forward to that special week in June every year when we get to say 'Thank you' to them personally for their support."

"We have such great fans who stayed through the rain last year to see us play," exclaimed Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland. "This year we are excited to have a chance to play a full set in good weather for all those fans who stayed AND those who were rained out!"

"As a kid, my mom always brought me to Fan Fair when it was at the Fairgrounds and it was one of my most influential introductions to Country Music," said Young. "The artists interacting with the fans were so memorable to me as a kid and it's the reason why I have participated in the CMA Music Festival for the past four years and hope to continue to participate for years to come."

CMA also announces today that Country Music artist Andy Griggs will return to host one of the Chevy(TM) Sport Zone's most popular competitions, "The Sixth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament," on Thursday, June 7, at 4:00 PM. Celebrity participants will be announced later.

"Man, I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed doing this Tournament and now again for the sixth time," said Griggs. "It seems like yesterday that we first had this dream. I don't play golf too well, but I do enjoy shooting the bow and all that surrounds it. Hoss, I'm excited!"

All of the artists and celebrities participating in CMA Music Festival donate their time and are not compensated for the hours they spend signing autographs and performing. In appreciation of their continued support, CMA created "Keep the Music Playing," a charity program in partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education (NAPE), which donates half the net proceeds from CMA Music Festival to music education for Nashville's 73,000 public school students. More than $300,000 was donated from the 2006 CMA Music Festival.

"It was important to the CMA Board of Directors that the artists be recognized and thanked for donating their time to CMA Music Festival. At the same time, the Board wanted to give back to the great city of Nashville where most of us live and work," said Genovese. "Music education is something we all believe strongly in, as do our artists, many of whom benefited from music education opportunities while they were growing up. Studies show that music education has amazing benefits for students that carry over into all areas of their lives. We are proud to supplement the music education opportunities in the Nashville public school system."

Prior to the "Keep the Music Playing" program, CMA donated net proceeds from CMA Music Festival to charities designated by the participating artists as part of CMA's "Cause for Celebration!" charitable benefit program. From 2001-2005, CMA donated more than $800,000 to hundreds of charities on behalf of the artists participating in CMA Music Festival.

"It was decided by our Artist Relations Committee and Board that our contribution would have more impact if we earmarked the entire donation to one cause everyone believed in. Music education was a natural and obvious choice," Genovese said.

Nashville students will receive the long-term benefits of the Festival, but at the heart of the event, it is still about the fans and their relationship to both the artists and the music they love. Four days filled with activities and events, building up to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field with state-of-the-art production and non-stop entertainment, the fan-favorite CMA Music Festival Photo Line, and giant video screens showcasing all the fun.

Surprise artist appearances are also a hallmark of CMA Music Festival. Last year, Kenny Chesney and Dierks Bentley gave unannounced performances during the Nightly Concerts while Keith Urban was a surprise guest during Brooks & Dunn's set. As plans come together for 2007, surprise performances and unique collaborations are always considered.

"CMA Music Festival is also a wonderful opportunity to experience the depth of Country Music," said Genovese. "Our format includes an amazing array of talented artists representing the many styles of Country Music and we are thrilled to spotlight them for the fans."

In addition to the Nightly Concerts, fans will enjoy four days of non-stop music during the Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning(R) Riverfront 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 Fan Fair(R) (Exhibit Hall), which features daily autograph sessions, shopping and lifestyle exhibits from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Thursday through Sunday.

"The heart of CMA Music Festival is the one-on-one interactions between fans and artists, and no where is that better demonstrated than at the Fan Fair exhibit hall," said Genovese. "To watch the joy on the attendees' faces when they meet one of their favorite artists or discover a new talent for the first time makes it all worthwhile."

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 Sessions or watching the artists compete in friendly competitions in The Chevy(TM) Sports Zone.

The Chevy Sports Zone, which is free and open to the public, offers fans the opportunity to participate in sporting activities plus see unique celebrity competitions and appearances from professional athletes. A strong relationship exists between sports personalities and Country artists and it is a proven winner with fans, too. In 2006, the Chevy Sports Zone also featured appearances by past and present FLW Tournament champion anglers, NASCAR Busch Series drivers, NFL football players, PGA golfers, U.S. Olympic athletes and more, and 2007 will continue that tradition.

The Crisco(R) Family Zone is a fun stop for the entire family. Free to the public and open daily at the park across from the Country Music Hall of Fame(R) and Museum, the Crisco Family Zone is the place for children and adults to kick back and enjoy games, hands-on educational exhibits, storytelling with Country artists, and more. In fact, CMA Music Festival is very family friendly with a discounted price for children age 12 and younger - - making it an attractive family vacation. The Crisco Family Zone includes the Crisco Country Favorites Corner, which features celebrity chefs and cooking demonstrations. Visit Crisco.com for recipes, tips and more.

The Fun Zone, located on Broadway between First and Second Avenues, will sparkle with activities for fans of all ages including interactive displays, games, and product sampling. Daily access to these popular attractions is free and open to the public.

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 on Thursday, June 7 (1:00-2:30 PM and 4:00-5:30 PM), hosted by GAC 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. The sessions are taped for future airing on GAC. In 2006, participants included John Corbett, Cowboy Troy, Diamond Rio, Josh Gracin, Lonestar, Jamie O'Neal, and Phil Vassar. A separate ticket is required. The artist lineup and ticket on-sale date for 2007 will be announced soon.

At CMA Music Festival, the fun doesn't end with the closing fireworks at LP Field. Night-owls will find many late-night activities that are part of CMA Music Festival After Hours(TM). Clubs and bars in Downtown Nashville offer outstanding entertainment and exclusive specials for attendees making CMA Music Festival After Hours(TM) a favorite activity.

CMA Music Festival is always in motion, constantly evolving and growing. New events are on the horizon, with more information to be announced as plans come together.

Tickets for 2007 CMA Music Festival, Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, in Downtown Nashville are available now.

To order tickets for the 2007 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 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 on the Greased Lightning(R) Riverfront Stages; daily admittance to the Fan Fair(R) (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; Crisco(R) Family Zone; Fun Zone; The Chevy(TM) Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours(TM); 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.

2007 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL FOUR-DAY TICKET PACKAGE PRICES
LEVEL ADULT 12 & YOUNGER
Gold Circle (Floor) SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
Floor Level SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
Lower Level $135 $95
Club Level $125 $86
Upper Level General Admission $110 $78

* 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 $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 LP Field 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(R) 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 the CMA Exclusive e-news.

Once again in 2007, performances at the CMA Music Festival will be filmed for a two-hour, ABC Television Network special that will air later this summer.

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. Additional promotional partners include Crisco(R), Greased Lightning Cleaning Products(R), and Wrangler(R). Fan Fair(R) is a registered trademark of CMA. Crisco is a registered trademark of The J.M. Smucker Company.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Country Music Association

CONTACT: Wendy Pearl or Scott Stem, both of CMA, +1-615-244-2840

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

EDITORS' ADVISORY: For information, logos and downloadable photos, visit our media-only website, http://www.CMApress.com. You may also register on this site for media credentials to cover activities during the 2007 CMA Music Festival.

-------
Profile: intent