The bond between country musicians and their fans is one of the strongest relationships in show business. Die-hard country fans can recite all kinds of personal facts about their favorite stars-height, eye color, overall fashion sense-and then illustrate those points with stacks of photos they've taken at Fan Fair over the years.
The CMA Music Festival (formerly called Fan Fair) will be held June 10-13 in Nashville. Organized and produced by the Country Music Association, this massive festival includes many events, but it is centered around concerts and autograph sessions. Among the dozens of acts scheduled to appear are Clint Black, Brooks & Dunn, Glen Campbell, Terri Clark, Diamond Rio, Sara Evans, Vince Gill, the Oak Ridge Boys, LeAnn Rimes, Marty Stuart, Keith Urban and Wynonna.
Nightly concerts will take place in the Coliseum (home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans), and daily concerts will also be held outdoors at the Riverfront Park Stages, located along the Cumberland River. The air-conditioned Nashville Convention Center will be the site for the daily autograph and photo sessions. The Coliseum concerts wrap up around 11:00 p.m., and fans who have the stamina for more music can attend special "After Hours" shows at intimate clubs downtown.
Other attractions include the Family Zone (with activities and games for all ages) and the Sports Zone (which includes friendly competitions, appearances by professional athletes, and a celebrity archery tournament). Actors from the NBC daytime dramas "Passions" and "Days of Our Lives" will also make appearances and sign autographs throughout the festival.
Terri Clark, above, is scheduled to appear at this year's CMA Festival |
Here are some tips for making the most of your trip to Music City:
Bring a camera. Photography is allowed at all the official festival events.
Wear comfortable shoes. Festival events are clustered in downtown Nashville, so fans can walk between locations. (Shuttle service is also available, and several buses are equipped for special assistance.)
Be prepared. Bring sunscreen and a rain poncho because the weather can be unpredictable. Umbrellas are not permitted at the festival.
Join a fan club in advance. During festival week, many artists appear at meetings that are only open to fan club members. Some artists also arrange for fan club members to have priority placement in the lines for autograph sessions.
Bring a Sharpie. For posterity, autograph-seekers should have CD booklets (or any glossy photo) signed with a fine point permanent marker, such as the Sharpie brand.
Have realistic expectations. Hordes of people attend the festival (more than 124,000 in 2003), so it is impossible for every fan to meet every star. Long lines at autograph sessions are the norm for superstars. When getting an autograph or posing for a photo with your favorite singer, be polite and keep in mind that other folks are waiting in line behind you.
Keep an open mind. The festival provides a great opportunity to meet new artists and to see terrific concerts by the stars of tomorrow.
Take a look around. Fans can check out these other wonderful events and attractions, which require separate tickets: the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (online information at www.countrymusichalloffame.com), the Grand Ole Opry (www.opry.com), the historic Ryman Auditorium (www.ryman.com), the International Fan Club Organization Fun Fest (www.ifco.org), and the popular celebrity softball challenge fundraiser, which takes place on June 10 (www.cityofhope.org/softball).
Plan ahead. Visit www.CMAfest.com or phone 1-800-CMA-FEST to get additional information, register for the festival, and learn about discounted tickets.
Nitty Gritty
What: Country Music Association Music Festival
When: June 10-13, 2004
Where: Nashville, Tenn.
Cost: Four-day passes range from $86-$145
More info: Go to www.cmafest.com or call 1-800-CMA-FEST
