ABC Television Network to Air CMA Music Festival Special

ABC Television Network to Air CMA Music Festival Special

'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock' Will Be Celebrated By Viewers Nationwide In Two-Hour, Primetime Special Monday, July 23

Brooks & Dunn, Kelly Clarkson, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, and Carrie Underwood Scheduled To Appear

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Country Music's hottest concert event of the summer -- CMA Music Festival -- is bound to be television's hottest summer special when "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" airs Monday, July 23 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"If you love great music, the high-voltage energy of a stadium concert, and behind-the-scenes stories that will melt your heart and affirm everything that is wonderful about Country Music and our artists, then this is the TV special for you," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese.

The special was taped Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, during CMA Music Festival in Nashville. The annual Festival, which began in 1972 as Fan Fair(R), is a one-of-a-kind celebration of Country Music with 30 hours of organized autograph signings, 100 hours of concerts, more than 400 artists and celebrities, and a party list of 191,000 screaming, singing, picture-snapping, dance-till-dawn fans from every state and 21 foreign countries.

Several of today's top hit makers are already scheduled to appear on the special including Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire in a duet with Kelly Clarkson. More artists will be announced soon. This is the third time ABC will broadcast this special, which invites the whole country to America's biggest Country Music celebration.

"The fans and their relationship with the artists and their passion for the music is the cornerstone of the Festival," said Genovese. "That relationship and our artists' ability to deliver an unbeatable stage performance is what sets this special apart. It is a terrific platform for reaching music enthusiasts with a front-row seat to some of today's most dynamic entertainers."

Both the concerts and the interaction between the artists and fans will be captured in the special with heart-pounding performances interspersed with heart-warming encounters between the artists and their avid admirers. Taped exclusively for the special, cameras will follow the stories of several Festival attendees, who will have their dreams come true when they are granted surprise, once-in-a-lifetime meetings and personal encounters with their favorite Country stars.

The special is a CMA production. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Gary Halvorson is the Director. The special was shot in high definition and will be broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

The 2008 CMA Music Festival will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville and tickets are available now. Fans who want to experience the excitement of the Festival firsthand, can order tickets by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visiting www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; or visiting www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

The Gold Circle section is already sold out and tickets are selling at a rapid pace -- up 25 percent over 2006, and 76 percent over 2005. Fans are encouraged to order early for best available seating. Four-day ticket packages correspond to a different level of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free.

2008 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL FOUR-DAY TICKET PACKAGE PRICES
LEVEL ADULT 12 & UNDER
Gold Circle (Floor) SOLD OUT N/A
Floor Level $165 $116
Lower Level $145 $102
Club Level $135 $95
Upper Level (GA) $110 $78

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artists appearing at 2008 CMA Music Festival and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for CMA Exclusive, a periodic e-newsletter with exciting artist features and Country Music news.

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. Fan Fair(R) is a registered trademark of CMA.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Country Music Association

CONTACT: Wendy Pearl, Scott Stem, both of CMA, +1-615-244-2840; or
Mozell Miley of ABC-NY, +1-212-456-6444

Web site:

http://www.cmaworld.com/
http://www.cmafest.com/
http://www.ticketmaster.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: For information, downloadable logos and photos of CMA Music Festival, visit our media Web site CMApress.com. The site is password protected and not meant for public use.

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