CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Concert at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage to be Curated by SiriusXM and to be Hosted by SiriusXM On-Air Talent
Patriotism Soars with National Anthem Singers Announced for Chevrolet Riverfront Stage and LP Field; CMA Adopts “See Something Say Something” Public Awareness Safety Program; Enhanced CMA Music Festival App Available N
he day before gates open to the 2015 CMA Music Festival, CMA is throwing a FREE kick-off concert to get Nashville and every fan that flocks to Music City for the Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience into the spirit of the Festival.
Today CMA announced the performers for the CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Concert at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage featuring SiriusXM Highway Finds. The event, curated by SiriusXM and hosted by SiriusXM The Highway’s on-air talent, will include performances by artists who are featured on The Highway’s Highway Finds, the SiriusXM channel’s ongoing initiative to introduce new Country artists to SiriusXM listeners and will take place Wednesday, June 10 (10:15 AM-7:00 PM/CT).
“The CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Concert has been extremely popular with our fans and adds another day of free music to the event,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “It is just another way we can thank the local fans for supporting the Festival while also welcoming Country Music fans from around the country and world to Nashville.”
“We are excited to be working with the CMA for the first time on the official kick-off event for CMA Music Fest featuring SiriusXM Highway Finds. We’re looking forward to curating a lineup of Highway Finds artists and putting together a great stage to kick off the week’s festivities,” said John Marks, CMA Board Member and Senior Director, Music Programming, SiriusXM.
The FREE Kick-Off Concert is bigger than ever and features performances by SiriusXM Highway Finds artists, including A Thousand Horses, Greg Bates, Annie Bosko, Ruthie Collins, Jessie James Decker, Clare Dunn, Haley Georgia, Haley & Michaels, Sonia Leigh, LoCash, Jackson Michelson, Logan Mize, Jess Moskaluke, Old Dominion, James Otto, Outshyne, Parmalee, Carly Pearce, Adam Sanders, Canaan Smith, Dallas Smith, and Sundy Best (lineup subject to change).
The CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Concert at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage featuring SiriusXM Highway Finds will take place at the foot of Broadway and First Avenue. Gates open at 9:00 AM/CT for SiriusXM invited guests and 9:30 AM/CT for the general public.
CMA also announced this year’s National Anthem singers for the 2015 CMA Music Festival. Katie Armiger will perform the National Anthem on Thursday, June 11 at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage. Each night a special guest will be performing the National Anthem at the Nightly Concerts at LP Field. Thursday night it will be Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, followed by Restless Heart on Friday, Kellie Pickler on Saturday, and Lee Greenwood on Sunday.
CMA is taking numerous steps in 2015 to protect the safety of fans, artists, and workers, so everyone can fully enjoy The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience including safety shelters for severe weather and water stations for quick relief from the heat.
CMA also utilizes the “If You See Something, Say Something” program from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “If You See Something, Say Something” is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness and to emphasis the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper local law enforcement authorities. All of those in attendance at CMA Music Festival are asked to be vigilant in reporting suspicious behavior and situations and are encouraged to call the numbers posted throughout downtown and at LP Field.
On the west side of the Cumberland River fans can report suspicious activity by calling (615) 880-1515. The number will be manned continuously during the Festival beginning Thursday, June 11 (7:00 AM/CT) until the last LP Field performance on Sunday, June 14.
At LP Field for the CMA Music Festival Nightly Concerts, fans can utilize the stadium’s text number by texting the situation and location to 69050. The phone number to call at LP Field is (615) 565-4494. The numbers will be monitored from the time the gates open until the end of the Nightly Concerts.
Medical tents and roving medical teams from Vanderbilt Medical Center are also readily available for Festival goers needing attention for a variety of ailments including treatment of blisters and sunburns.
For full lineup and to plan their schedule, maps, activities, trivia and more information fans can go to CMAfest.com and download the CMA Fest app for iPhone or Android presented by AT&T U-verse.
For the most up to date Festival information, fans can stay connected with CMA on CMAfest.com, Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, Instagram.com/CMA, and sign up for CMA Exclusive, CMA’s e-newsletter.
CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA.
**Suggested Tweet**: .@CountryMusic’s newest artists kick off #CMAFest 6/10 on the @Chevrolet Riverfront Stage curated by @sxmthehighway! CMAfest.com