More Artists Announced for 'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock' on the ABC Television Network Monday, July 23

More Artists Announced for 'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock' on the ABC Television Network Monday, July 23

Additional Performers Include Alan Jackson and The Wreckers

Kellie Pickler Sets Early Wake-Up Call on ABC's "Good Morning America" July 23

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The summer's hottest concert special just got hotter with the announcement that Alan Jackson and The Wreckers have been added to the star-packed list of performers for "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" -- a two-hour network primetime special airing Monday, July 23 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Actually, the excitement starts with an early morning wake up call with Kellie Pickler performing her single, "I Wonder," on ABC's "Good Morning America" and continues throughout the day with on-air segments featuring Country stars and ABC daytime actors in segments that were taped at the legendary Festival in June.

"From start to finish, America's network will feature America's favorite music and performers on July 23," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. "If you love Country Music and stories that will melt your heart, you should set your dial and leave it on ABC."

"I Wonder" from Pickler's Gold debut album, Small Town Girl, is a reflective song that Pickler wrote about her absent mother, who left Pickler as a child. The song is Top 15 and climbing the Country singles charts.

"It's a very personal song and I cry almost every time I sing it," admits Pickler. "So, I better make sure I'm wearing the waterproof mascara that day."

In addition to performing "I Wonder" on "Good Morning America," Pickler will also give viewers a preview of the CMA Music Festival special, which includes just announced performances by Jackson and The Wreckers and previously announced performances by Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Pickler, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire in a duet with "American Idol" Kelly Clarkson.

In addition, the special captures the heart of CMA Music Festival, which is the unique bond between Country Music artists and their fans. Taped exclusively for the special, the cameras follow the stories of several Festival attendees who had their dreams realized when they were granted surprise, personal encounters with their favorite Country Music stars, including a segment with Pickler, where she gave an aspiring record label executive a tour of her Nashville label and backstage access to CMA Music Festival.

Other segments feature Dierks Bentley with George Jones at the Country Music Hall of Fame; Big & Rich jamming with two, young musicians; Brooks & Dunn returning to their honky tonk roots at an impromptu club concert; Martina McBride presenting a new truck to a Kansas family who lost everything in recent tornadoes; and "Dancing with the Stars" two-time champion Cheryl Burke, who granted a once-in-a-lifetime meetings between fans and their favorite stars Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes and Sugarland.

The CMA Music Festival network television special first aired in 2004. This marks the third consecutive year the special will air on ABC. "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" is a CMA production. Robert Deaton is the executive producer, and 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 annual CMA Music Festival is unlike any other, taking place over four days and featuring more than 100 hours of concert performances, 30 hours of autograph signings with more than 400 artists and celebrities participating. The 2007 CMA Music Festival was the biggest in history with more than 191,000 attendees representing every state and 21 foreign countries.

2008 CMA Music Festival will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville, and tickets are selling fast. Music enthusiasts, 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. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free.

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.

ABC News' "Good Morning America" is anchored by Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts. Chris Cuomo is the news anchor and Sam Champion is the weather anchor. The morning news program airs live from 7:00-9:00 AM/EDT, Monday through Friday on the ABC Television Network. Jim Murphy is the senior executive producer and Tom Cibrowski is the executive producer of ABC News' "Good Morning America."

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. Mary Kay(R) is the Official Beauty Sponsor. Fan Fair(R) is a registered trademark of CMA.

Source: Country Music Association

CONTACT: Wendy Pearl or Scott Stem, +1-615-244-2840, both of CMA; or
Mozell I. Miley of ABC, +1-212-456-6444; Wes Vause, Sony/BMG, +1-615-301-4373

Web site:

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

NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, media outlets should visit www.CMApress.com. The site contains information and downloadable photos for media use only. The site is password protected and not meant for public use. The public should be directed to www.CMAfest.com.

-------
Profile: intent