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Road To The Ram® Jam Announces Zac Brown Band As The Fourth Artist In The All-Star Country Music Series

By on July 14, 2012 in In The Press

Road To The Ram JamJune 27, 2012 – Multi platinum selling artists Zac Brown Band will join previously announced artists Kellie Pickler, Brantley Gilbert and Easton Corbin for the “Road to the Ram® Jam” series and sweepstakes.  The Road to the Ram Jam, presented by the Ram Truck brand, features five of today’s best country music artists and provides fans the opportunity to win prizes including trips for two to an invitation-only 2012 RamJam concert event December 29th in Nashville, TN, where all five artists will perform.

The Road to the Ram Jam series and sweepstakes helps bring country music fans closer to some of their favorite artists with exclusive video content, the opportunity to win prizes including collectible posters and vinyl records through participating country radio stations nationwide, and free music downloads. Fans can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win trips for two to the invitation-only 2012 RamJam concert event at www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam or on the Ram Trucks Facebook page at www.ramjamsweeps.com.

Zac Brown Band will offer fans a chance to win a free download of their new single “The Wind,” from the forthcoming album Uncaged set for release on July 10th on Atlantic Records/Southern Ground Artists, when they enter the Road to the Ram Jam concert sweepstakes. The last Road to the Ram Jam artist will be announced in August and all five participating will receive a lease on a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck. The trucks will then be auctioned off in early 2013 with all proceeds going to benefit a charity of each artist’s choice.

Proceeds from Zac Brown Band’s Ram truck will be donated to Camp Southern Ground, which is the passion project of Grammy-Award winning musician Zac Brown, set to open in 2014. Zac donated this 500-acre piece of property, set in the farmlands of Georgia, to open the camp that will be a state-of-the-art facility whose programs will serve children ages 7-17 with both typical and special needs.  The camp will have activities that will challenge, educate, and inspire children with diverse abilities and from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and religions. Among the many traditional camp activities that will foster youth development and create teachable moments for campers, plans are in place to align certain elements of the facility with the latest innovative therapies and technology for those children affected by neurobehavioral disorders.  For more information on Camp Southern Ground you can go to http://www.campsouthernground.org/.

“To me, there’s nothing more important than helping kids and it’s a great to know that with support from our friends and fans, this camp is going to make a huge difference in the lives of each and every camper,” said Zac Brown.

“Ram is excited to continue partnering with Zac Brown Band,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico. “The Ram Truck brand and Zac Brown Band both have a unifying can-do attitude and a character filled with authenticity, care, passion and pride. It is very fitting for the band to donate their Ram 1500 Laramie auction proceeds to Camp Southern Ground, as it will be a wonderful place for children.” 

The Ram Truck brand and Zac Brown Band first worked together in 2010 on “Letters to Lyrics,” a national appreciation letter-writing campaign aimed at U.S. soldiers deployed around the world.

Two-time Grammy-Award winners and multi platinum artists Zac Brown Band have become one of music’s most heralded acts. With a historic nine consecutive #1 hit singles, awe-inspiring musicianship and dynamic live shows, the Georgia six-piece is definitely built to last. Zac Brown Band’s double-platinum major label debut ‘The Foundation’ (Atlantic Records/Home Grown/Big Picture) was named one of Billboard’s Top 20 albums of 2009, and the platinum follow-up ‘You Get What You Give’ (Atlantic/Southern Ground Artists) debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2010. Since 2009, the band has garnered more than 50 combined Grammy, ACM, AMA, CMA, and CMT award nominations with wins including their 2010 Grammy win for “Best New Artist,” 2010 CMA win for “New Artist of the Year,” and 2011 ACM Top Vocal Event of the Year for “As She’s Walking Away” with Alan Jackson. No question, the past three years have been dizzying for the hardworking act. The band’s first major label release, ‘The Foundation’ was the first major label debut album in 18 years to yield five #1’s including “Chicken Fried” and “Free.” Released on November 18, 2008 on Atlantic Records, ‘The Foundation’ debuted at #17 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and #3 on the Top Country Albums Chart.

Contest Rules

The Road to the RamRoad To The Ram® Jam Announces Zac Brown Band As The Fourth Artist In The All-Star Country Music Series ® Jam sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia, 18 years or older at the time of entry. Residents of Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are ineligible. No purchase or payment of money is necessary to win. The sweepstakes starts Feb. 1, 2012, and ends Sept. 30, 2012. Official rules and complete details are found at www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam.

About Ram Truck Brand
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they’d like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

For more information on Road to the Ram Jam and to enter the sweepstakes, go to www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam.


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Jana Kramer @ ACM Lifting Lives

By on July 7, 2012 in Special Events

Jana KramerHere’s a quick interview with one of our favorites on FOCUS on the 615 during the ACM Lifting Lives music camp here in Nashville…the always endearing, Jana Kramer.

Jana Kramer

Jana Kramer signing for and meeting the campers at ACM Lifting Lives

Check out the video below for more footage from the ACM Lifting Lives music camp and see some clips of Jana interacting with the campers during the BBQ!

About ACM Lifting Lives:

ACM Lifting Lives® is the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. With the help of country music artists, the music industry and other caring supporters, the Academy is able to give back by funding a variety of amazing organizations that are music-focused.

In addition to spontaneous and varied giving throughout the year — such as partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and providing immediate financial assistance through our Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund– ACM Lifting Lives has three official annual giving opportunities. These include the Lifting Lives Grant Cycle, the ACM Awards and the ACM Entertainer of the Year Matching Gift.

For more information, go to: www.acmliftinglives.org

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ACM Lifting Lives: A Music Camp With Heart

By on July 6, 2012 in Special Events

Starting the week of June 18th, campers from 14 states across the nation came to Nashville to participate in the ACM Lifting Lives music camp for people with developmental disabilities.  “The residential camp has the dual purpose of studying Williams syndrome and other developmental disabilities and providing music enrichment through performance and education” according to the ACM Lifting Liveswebsite.

ACM Lifting Lives

Jana Kramer and ACM Lifting Lives campers at BBQ

Campers participated in a fun-filled week of activities around Music City.  They did what many people come to Nashville try to do, they started the week off in a songwriting session with Brett Eldredge and David Lee Murphy where they created the original song “We’re Having A Party”.  This was followed by a recording session with Luke Bryan and Paul Worley 2 days later.  Then, had a fun evening out at Winners singing karaoke with Lauren Alaina. The next day they were treated to BBQ with Jana Kramer. Finally, they concluded their week with a performance with Big & Rich on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

After a week of covering these different events with the campers, I was touched by their enthusiasm, spirit, and musical talent. It was both an amazing experience for the campers and those of us lucky enough to cover it as media. I know it was for me. It was such a special experience to see these people who have to overcome so much in their lives get to live out what is a life-long dream for many that come to Nashville. To watch the expressions on their faces as they came into contact with the different country stars and see their proud faces as they stepped on the Opry stage to sing their song…it’s a memory that I won’t forget and will always treasure. I cheered for them and even shed a few tears in pride for them as I watched them perform on that legendary stage.

I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to cover the different activities of the week because I was given a small glimpse into the lives of these very special people. It is hard to put into words how special these campers were/are. I had many opportunities to interact with them and came out each time being touched by them in so many different ways. Their enthusiasm is infectious, their sweet spirits touched my heart, and the way they are moved by music along with their musical talented is astounding. It’s truly a great thing that the ACM is doing for these people each year and I hope to take part in it again next year.

For more information about ACM Lifting Lives, go to the website: www.acmliftinglives.org. The week-long camp is a partnership between ACM Lifting Lives and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

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About Williams Syndrome:

What causes Williams syndrome?

Individuals with Williams syndrome usually are missing a small piece of chromosome 7. This rare genetic disorder occurs spontaneously in 1 out of every 7, 500 births. It is not a result of an inherited characteristic from the parents. First recognized in 1961, Williams syndrome affects males and females at equal rates and has been diagnosed in all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

What are the effects of Williams syndrome?

ACM Lifting Lives

Lauren Alaina with ACM Lifting Lives campers

While every individual is unique in how they look and act, people with Williams syndrome have some traits in common. They may have some or all of these characteristics, which include:

• Small, delicate bones and features—small teeth spaced far apart
• A white star shape in the iris of the eye • High sensitivity to loud noises • Trouble nursing as a child, slow weight gain, and
colicky behavior as a baby • Anxious or nervous behavior—including “picking”
behavior • Heart, blood vessel, and stomach problems
• High levels of calcium in the blood • Learning or cognitive disabilities • Preferring to spend time with adults instead of peers • Musical talents and/or intense connection with
music—ability to learn though music • Large vocabulary,well spoken • Extremely friendly,caring behavior—cannot
identify bad intentions in other people

Can Williams syndrome be treated?

Individuals with Williams syndrome benefit from early intervention and lifelong physical and psychological therapies. Any medical problems that develop should be monitored closely by doctors experienced in working with individuals with Williams syndrome. To help alleviate maladaptive and social-emotional challenges, try to:

• Keep distractions to a minimum—manage auditory and visual distracters.
• Manage sensitivity to sound—provide comfort and explain loud noises.
• Encourage positive thinking—teach skills for reframing negative thoughts.
• Alleviate anxieties—reassure and aid transition into other activities or topics.
• Monitor sadness—be aware that depression can hide under a cheerful exterior.
• Provide social skills training—practice interaction with others, taking turns, and how to be appropriately cautious of strangers.

Children with Williams syndrome probably will have special needs in their education. The best education programs will be collaborative team approaches, and those that build on and encourage a child’s strengths. Children with Williams syndrome generally respond well—both cognitively and emotionally—to educational programs that use music as a tool. When writing is involved, allow extra time and support and recognize that using computers, calculators, and audiotape recorders may be beneficial.

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Video Highlights From CMA Music Festival 2012

By on July 6, 2012 in Special Events

CMA Music Festival

Photo credit: Courtney Davidson

Check out these fun video clips of performances and appearances during CMA Music Festival from Julie Roberts, Glen Templeton, Craig Morgan, Sarah Darling, Due West, and Jesse Lee!

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Song Review: Beer Money By Kip Moore

By on July 5, 2012 in Uncategorized

Kip MooreFinally got to listen to the new single by Kip Moore “Beer Money” and it’s been on repeat on my iPhone all day.  This new single is set to release July 9th.  Needless to say, I absolutely love this song! I enjoyed his recent hit, too, and was surprised it took a bit to catch on, but luckily it finally did.

This new song is upbeat, fun , and just the kind of song that is perfect for summertime.  People will want to roll down their windows, crank this one up, drive somewhere, and forget their worries for a bit.  It’s very catchy and you’ll be hooked on it just like me.  If “Something ‘Bout A Truck” and “Beer Money” are any indication, I think Kip Moore is destined for many more #1 hits!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

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Kellie Pickler Announces Partnership To Fight Child Hunger

By on July 1, 2012 in In The Press
Kellie Pickler

Credit: Dean Dixon/ConAgra Foods Foundation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Upon learning one in five children in the U.S. have to worry with the stress of not having enough to eat on a daily basis, country music artist Kellie Pickler was bound and determined to do something about it. Yesterday, she announced her partnership with ConAgra Foods Foundation®’s Hunger-Free Summer program at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. There, she and other local volunteers filled boxes with canned goods and other food items to be delivered to many of the 400,000 children who are in need across Middle Tennessee alone.

The Hunger-Free Summer program invites everyone with access to a computer and a Facebook account to download a free children’s activity book, The Hunger Avengers, at Facebook.com/ConAgraFoods. For every download or “share,” one meal will be donated to a child in need. Pickler, ConAgra Foods® Foundation and Feeding America hope to reach their goal of 500,000 meals provided by the swiftly approaching deadline of September 3, 2012. To participate, go to www.Facebook.com/ConAgraFoods today.

Also touring in support of her new album 100 Proof, fans can catch Pickler out on the road performing new music and talking about how to become a part of ConAgra Foods Foundation®’s Hunger-Free Summer program. For a full list of tour dates and events visit www.KelliePickler.com.

For more information on ConAgra Foods Foundation® and Hunger-Free Summer program, visit www.ConAgraFoodsFoundation.org.

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Musicians Corner Partners with American Artisan Festival for Three-Day Event

By on June 19, 2012 in Special Events

Musicians Corner

Three straight days of Musicians Corner… what could be better? How about pairing it up with the American Artisan Festival, which took place in Centennial Park last Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The structure was slightly different from the typical Saturday: Forgoing the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage, each act played acoustically on the main stage. Some went solo; some opted for accompaniment; all were terrific.

The American Artisan Festival is held each year in Centennial Park on Father’s Day weekend, and features fine arts, crafts and food from around the country. This year marked the first time Musicians Corner partnered with the festival to bring free music to its patrons.

Musicians Corner

The Cumberland Collective

Day one featured the likes of Jameson Elder, Anthony Snape, Jessica Campbell and Robby Hecht. Musicians Corner friend Holley Maher was set to close the day out; however, a sudden downpour forced her and her accompanying vocalist Merry Ellen Kirk to postpone until Saturday.

With the weather turning gorgeous for Saturday’s event, Musicians Corner saw a substantial number of regulars in addition to the festival goers, making it a large and rambunctious crowd. After Holley and Merry Ellen were able to kick things off, we saw performances by Sarah Siskind, Blue Mother Tupelo, The Cumberland Collective, Liz Longley, and the first ever Musicians Corner writer round featuring Danny Myrick, Kimberly June and Kendal Marvel.

Father’s Day on Sunday was a more relaxing day with Perrin Lamb, Sam Lewis, the Hogslop String Band, Ferrier and David Mead. A great way to end the weekend and a great place to bring dad.

Each artist brought something unique and enjoyable to the table. Standouts for me were the writers round (although I love writers rounds) when we were able to hear songs from the songwriters themselves such as Don’t Think I Can’t Love You cut by Jake Owen and She’s Country, the huge hit for Jason Aldean. I also loved The Cumberland Collective, which is made up of several extremely talented individuals that come together to jam and sing an eclectic mix of songs. They take turns singing their own songs with the accompaniment of everyone else on stage. Refreshingly original and incredible music as well.

Musicians Corner

You just never know who you'll run into...

We should give a special thanks to the Musicians Corner volunteers who showed up all three days. This sort of thing depends on them, and they are truly incredible. Next week (although those volunteers may not show up out of exhaustion) is another great lineup. The Kopecky Family Band, Halfbrass, The Rebecca West, SHIROCK, Nick Flora, Charity Vance and Michael Castro will all take the stage while Musicians Corner is back to the same place and time.

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The spring season of runs every Saturday through June, and features great artists, special guests and fun activities. For additional information and the entire spring schedule please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com.

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Little Big Town’s 6th Annual Ride For A Cure Raises Over $55,000 For The T.J. Martell Foundation

By on June 15, 2012 in Special Events

Little Big Town

Photo credit: Randi Radcliff L-R: Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Lauren Alaina, Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook

NASHVILLE TN (JUNE 13, 2012) – Little Big Town’s 6th annual Ride For A Cure event took place this past Sunday, June 10th in Franklin and Columbia, TN. The annual motorcycle ride portion of the event was cancelled due to inclement weather but the pre-ride Jam Session at Mickey Roo’s and All-Star Jam Session at the Harley-Davidson Columbia Superstore continued as planned.

In total the highly anticipated event raised over $55,000 for the T.J. Martell Foundation, which specializes in finding cures for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS. This increases the total amount of money Ride For A Cure has raised since inception to over $310,000.

One of the most coveted auction items of the day was an autographed Epiphone Guitar signed by Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts and Edens Edge and was purchased by Mike Wolfe from The History Channel’s successful reality show, American Pickers.

Little Big Town

Little Big Town interviewing with Good Morning America

About the T.J. Martell Foundation
The T. J. Martell Foundation is the music industry’s largest foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research was founded in 1975 by music industry executive Tony Martell and his colleagues, in loving memory of his son, T.J., who died of leukemia. The Foundation has provided over $250 million dollars for research at top research hospitals in the United States including the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. For additional information on the T.J. Martell Foundation, visit TJMartellFoundation.org.

About Little Big Town
Critically acclaimed group Little Big Town—consisting of members Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook—first entered the music scene over 14 years ago with hits such as “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” and “Good As Gone.” The group recently finished recording their fifth studio album with producer Jay Joyce and released the albums first single “Pontoon” to radio in April. Collectively, the group has earned over 25 award show nominations and has taken home the award for ACM Top New Vocal Group. The foursome has played in front of over 4 million people and will be joining Rascal Flatts this summer on their “CHANGED” tour that launches June 15th in Hartford, CT. In early 2011 Little Big Town created an online video series called “Scattered, Smothered & Covered” where they tackle the challenge to make any song country. Presently their videos have had over 2 million views. For more information on Little Big Town and the release of their upcoming fifth studio album please visit www.littlebigtown.com.

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Musicians Corner Entertains During CMA Music Fest Week

By on June 14, 2012 in Special Events

The Country Music-Themed Week Keeps The CMA Party Going In Centennial Park

Bo Bice at Musicians CornerIn the midst of CMA Music Fest, Musicians Corner continues to thrive. Another beautiful day in Centennial Park led to another packed house (lawn) as Carter’s Chord, Lighter Ray, The Henningsens and Bo Bice graced the stage. To compliment our country line up was Ryan Griffin, Brinley Addington, and Channing Wilson on the Lightning 100 Acoustic Stage.

Carter’s Chord are Musicians Corner favorites, having played last year and also at the Music City Unsigned Tin Pan South show. The three sisters never cease to amaze, especially throwing in their World Vision-inspired Love A Little Bigger.

Following Ryan Griffin on the Acoustic Stage was the hot new country duo Lighter Ray. The sisters Lauren Leiter and Chynna Rae (see how they came up with the name?) are full of spunk and energy with dynamic songs and beautiful harmonies.

After Brinley Addington serenaded the crowd on the Acoustic Stage, complete with a summer time anthem about boats, it was time for The Henningsens. This family trio from Illinois has had recent success with cuts by The Band Perry (You Lie, All Your Life), and has recently been recording with producer and Musicians Corner friend Paul Worley. Debuting a couple new songs, they kept the good-spirited crowd singing and clapping along.

Channing Wilson was the final Acoustic Stage act with a Jamie Johnson vibe and gritty southern country swag. He made way for the headliner of the day, Bo Bice. Bo was runner up in season four of American Idol to none other than Carrie Underwood, and he still has the fan base to prove it. Directly in front of the stage is usually reserved for casual dancers, wandering children and Rico, but for Bo, a crowd gathered up close to get a photo op. Showing just why he deserved to be in the Idol finale, Bo performed with all his energy, even covering (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction and Sweet Home Alabama.

This week is a very special Musicians Corner partnering with the American Artisan Festival for a THREE DAY EVENT! That’s right; three days of Musicians Corner: Friday 4-7, and Saturday and Sunday 2-6, all in Centennial Park. Get the complete schedule here: http://musicianscornernashville.com/#/calendar.

Musicians Corner is a non-profit program of The Conservancy for the Parthenon & Centennial Park. The spring season of runs every Saturday through June, and features great artists, special guests and fun activities. For additional information and the entire spring schedule please visit www.musicianscornernashville.com.

Be sure to check out Musicians Corner on:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

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CMA Music Festival: Another Perspective

By on June 14, 2012 in Special Events

Well, another CMA Music Festival has come and gone! Can’t believe the week flew by so fast, but it was a fun one and actually not as hot as it usually is, too. Very thankful for that, let me tell you!

Started off the week of CMA Music Festival with the annual CAA (Creative Artists Agency) BBQ in their brand new, beautiful offices located in the penthouse of the Suntrust building next to the historic Ryman Auditorium. Had the chance to stop by for a little while for some great food, drinks, and enjoyed running into friends while out there. Mixed in with the crowd were Kip Moore, Jesse Lee, Jennifer Wayne of Stealing Angels, Jana Kramer, Hot Chelle Rae, Chase Rice, and sure many more I didn’t see. It was crowded! Thanks to CAA for the invitation to join them and see their new offices!

Thursday

First thing this morning, headed over to Tin Roof on Music Row for the A.M. Jam by our friends at Black River Entertainment! Craig Morgan started out introducing the first artist, Glenn Templeton, followed by Sarah Darling, and long-time friends, Due West.  Each gave a short acoustic performance.  Great performances by all!

CMA Music Festival

Julie Roberts performing

Next, headed out to the festival to see Julie Roberts perform on the Bud Light Stage in front of Bridgestone Arena.  Loved seeing Julie “do her thing” on the stage in front of hundreds of fans. Love the traditional sound that she is known for!

Then, we were off to the “You’ve Been Sentenced” celebrity/charity event at Hard Rock, which featured celebrities like: Buddy Jewell, Julie Roberts, Jeff Bates, LoCash Cowboys, Keith Burns, and many more.  I still have NO IDEA how to play that game, what the rules were, not a CLUE! It was a card game and formed sentences.  Nope, not a clue what was going on, but everyone seemed to be having a good time! If anyone wants to explain it to me, maybe I will understand now! Ok, probably not…

CMA Music Festival

Heidi Newfield

Caught Neal McCoy’s show at Riverfront stage.  That guy is always full of energy, entertaining, and even climbed up the side of the stage to the very top.  Fun show!

From there, I headed over to Jana Kramer’s CD release party at aVenue off of 3rd ave.  She did an acoustic set of most of the songs from her album.  Jana’a always entertaining and charming on stage.  Many One Tree Hill fans were present, that was obvious! The place was packed and Jana gave a great performance.  She’s another one of our favorites on here, if you couldn’t tell! Be sure to look for her album in stores and you can buy it right now on iTunes, too, if you don’t want to wait! You won’t regret it, it’s a great album

Then, I caught Miss Willie Brown at the Bud Light stage.  They were ok.  Not really that crazy about their music, but they were energetic on the stage and others seemed to enjoy them.

Friday

This was my favorite day out of all of them because it featured performances by a some of my favorites: THE FARM, Jesse Lee, and Gloriana.

CMA Music Festival

Gloriana performing on Riverfront stage

Caught Gloriana at the Riverfront stage.  Loved seeing their full set and their harmonies were flawless, as usual.  Great to hear that their new single that was recently featured on The Bachelorette is doing so well for them on the charts.  Highest ranking single of their career and almost top 10 right now.

Then, headed over to the Hard Rock to catch another friend, David Bradley, on the acoustic stage.  David’s always charming with his British charm and never disappoints with his performances.

Went over to the convention center for a bit to see what was going on over there with the artists signing before heading back over to the Hard Rock to catch another friend and favorite, Jesse Lee, do an acoustic performance.  It was short, but sweet! LOVE Jesse who is always fun to watch perform! She’s got lots of personality and the vocals to match.  I just want to be able to catch her doing a full band show one of these days soon.  I’m sure it’s amazing!

Ended the day with THE FARM.  I loved seeing THE FARM do a full set on the Riverfront stage, which is where I mainly stayed during the festival.  If you haven’t heard or seen them, check them out if they pass through your town and you can also hear their single “Home Sweet Home” on the country charts right now.  It’s broken into the top 20 and still climbing! LOVE these guys! Good people and incredibly talented! Their show is high energy, too, with Damien even doing a backflip on the stage.  Loved the whole thing and these guys are going to continue to WOW audiences as people get a chance to see them this summer touring, I’m sure of it!

CMA Music Festival

Krista from THE FARM

Highlight of the day:  Seeing THE FARM and Jesse Lee perform!

 

Saturday

Started out the morning at the Riverfront stage seeing Love and Theft followed by Kip Moore.  Enjoyed both of these shows.

Love and Theft are always good to see, plus enjoy their music.  Stephen is always entertaining to watch and shows a lot of personality.  Just a really fun guy!  Eric? Not so much.  He always manages to look bored on the stage and like he’d rather be anywhere but there at the moment.  Like their music, but would like to see them both be equally as entertaining.

Then, they were followed by Kip Moore.  He seems very at ease on the stage and was fun to watch.  Love his music and glad that he’s now experiencing some success with his chart-topping single.  Hope it continues for him!

Spotted in the front row of the crowd were a whole bunch of girls dressed in red sundresses hoping to capture the attention of Kip.  Watched his video a few too many times, I guess!

Wandered off out into the festival a little and then back to see Casey James for the first time.  First off, best hair out there and such a cutie! Glad to get THAT off my chest.  He was highly entertaining and great musicianship!

Following Casey was Heidi Newfield on the Riverfront.  Loved her performance! She’s always high energy! I was afraid she was going to have a wardrobe malfunction in that peacock dress, though! I don’t imagine the guys would have minded that so much! She had on a peacock dress with fishnets.  High octane attire for a high octane show, I guess! lol

Finished up the day at the convention center.

 

Sunday

Started out Sunday at the TJ Martell Ride for a Cure event.  It started off with breakfast at Mickey Roo’s in Franklin.  I was thinking was going to be able to get some interviews like last year, but with the actual ride being cancelled due to the rain, things were thrown off a bit for everyone.  Couldn’t be helped and no one’s fault, just bad weather throwing things off for everyone and making the best of it. The pre-jam was going on in there and I got to LISTEN to an interview by Good Morning America just too busy in there to conduct any myself.  So, for me, it was kind of a let down, but the breakfast was nice and it was fun running into Lauren Alaina, Dean Alexander, and Little Big Town out there.  I just opted out of the concert since it was raining and would be out in the mud.  Just wasn’t quite up for that.  I am glad to hear that the event was still a success for the charity raising over $55,000!

CMA Music Festival

Photo credit: Randi Radcliiff/Little Big Town and Lauren Alaina


Back to the Riverfront stage at CMA Music Festival I went (See? I said I spent most of the week there!) and saw Sunny Sweeney do her thing! I just love her Texas attitude and her whole Texas sound.  She’s a lot of fun on the stage and just shows a lot of sass!

Then, off to see Jason Michael Carroll perform at the Bud Light Bridgestone stage.  I had a hard time keeping up with him on stage with my camera because he moves so much! Love his voice and he puts on a great show!

Followed by Mandy Barnett at the same stage.  Mandy’s both an incredible vocalist and a class act all around.  Very gracious and down-to-Earth.

CMA Music Festival

Kip Moore

Then I was off to see Jana Kramer perform a full band show at the Riverfront stage.  Jana’s both sassy and classy! Such a sweet person and dynamic performer.  Only wish great things for her!

Well, that is a wrap for me! I ended up letting Courtney, who you’ll be hearing from on here, use my nightly LP stadium passes.  She got some great shots and since she was gracious enough to help us out for the week, thought she’d enjoy them.  Me? I was WORN after those long, hot days! So, you’ll be hearing more about those nightly shows and seeing some great shots soon! Plus, I’ll be putting together a little video of highlights from the week for you all to enjoy and post more pictures.  Now, I guess I’m still recovering from all the fun of CMA Music Festival! WHEW!

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