2009 CMA Music Festival Artist Lineup Grows with Star-Powered Concerts on the Daytime Stage at Riverfront Park

2009 CMA Music Festival Artist Lineup Grows with Star-Powered Concerts on the Daytime Stage at Riverfront Park

Bill Anderson, Jason Michael Carroll, Eric Church, Bucky Covington, Emerson Drive, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Jessica Harp, Jo Dee Messina, Lorrie Morgan, Heidi Newfield, Oak Ridge Boys, James Otto, Phil Vassar, Clay Walker, Chuck Wicks, and More Will Perform

NASHVILLE, April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The excitement is building for 2009 CMA Music Festival, Thursday through Sunday, June 11-14 in Downtown Nashville, as the first artists performing on the free Daytime Stage at Riverfront Park are announced.

"The Daytime Stage at Riverfront Park is one of our most popular events at CMA Music Festival," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "We have an outstanding lineup of performers, ranging from current radio favorites to beloved, legendary artists. It is a great place for families and individuals alike to come and hear great music."

To make it easier on families trying to stay afloat during the current economic climate, this year CMA is offering all four days of the Daytime Stage performances for free to the public. Fans can enjoy great musical performances while relaxing on the sloping bank of the Cumberland River. The concerts are fun in the sun within easy walking distance of all the Festival event sites, with food vendors, activities, and more. Four-day ticket holders will enjoy early access and exclusive use of the popular Photo Line at Riverfront.

The first performers to be announced for the Daytime Stage at Riverfront Park are listed below in alphabetical order:

Thursday, June 11: Bellamy Brothers, Diamond Rio, Neal McCoy, Heidi Newfield, James Otto, Randy Rogers Band, Ashton Shepherd, Phil Vassar, and Chuck Wicks

Friday, June 12: John Anderson, Eric Church, Bucky Covington, "The Honky Tonk Tailgate Party" (featuring Trent Willmon, Jeff Bates, Mark Wills), Randy Houser, Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O'Neal, Aaron Tippin, and Clay Walker.

Saturday, June 13: Bill Anderson, Keith Anderson, Tracy Byrd, Jason Michael Carroll, Emerson Drive, Lost Trailers, Jo Dee Messina, Lorrie Morgan, and Chris Young.

Sunday, June 14: Eli Young Band, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, Jessica Harp, Joey & Rory, Joe Nichols, Collin Raye / Restless Heart, and Darryl Worley.

More artists will be announced soon. Artists and schedules are subject to change. Visit www.CMAfest.com for updated performance schedules.

The Daytime Stage at Riverfront Park is just one of several free areas at CMA Music Festival, which include the Dr Pepper(R)-McDonald's(R) Family Zone in Hilton Park; Chevy(TM) Music Stage at the Sommet Center; Chevy Sports Zone; Fun Zone; the new Music City Zone in the Public Square; the Fifth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade; and more.

For those fans wanting the complete CMA Music Festival experience, great four-day tickets are still available. In addition to the free areas, the four-day ticket package includes the Nightly Concerts on the VAULT(TM) Concert Stage at LP Field; exclusive access to the Greased Lightning(R) Fan Fair(R) Hall, featuring Durango(R) Acoustic Corner (located in the Nashville Convention Center); exclusive access to the Photo Lines at LP Field and Riverfront Park; exclusive access to the event shuttle between venues; admission to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts (between June 8-June 15); and a registration bag with collectible pin and 2009 souvenir program book.

For four-day and single concert ticket prices, performance schedules, and more, visit www.CMAfest.com. To order, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; or visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

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. Partners include: Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music; CMT; Dr Pepper(R); Durango(R); Greased Lighting(R); Great American Country (GAC); McDonald's(R); VAULT(TM) Citrus Soda; and Wrangler(R): The Exclusive Jean of the CMA Music Festival. Fan Fair(R) is a registered trademark of CMA.

For information, logos and downloadable photos, visit our media-only
website, www.CMApress.com. You may also register on this site for media
credentials to cover activities during the 2009 CMA Music Festival.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Country Music Association

CONTACT: Wendy Pearl (CMA) or Scott Stem (CMA), +1-615-244-2840

Web Site: http://www.cmafest.com/

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