CMAfest Greased Lightning Riverfront Stages

Today's riverfront stages show was one I was eagerly anticipating. I love the new country, but love the roots of country also. Two Food Fred from the Muzik Mafia hosted the first segment. Fred is an excellent emcee and introduced the first act of the day, the Fox Brothers. They are a gospel act that includes jokes and different styles of music. They had me laughing so hard I though my sides were going to split. It goes to show that you can still be funny without making fun of anyone or using objective language. During my favorite number of theirs, "Amazing Grace", they spotlighted all their musical skills and had their trumpet player blowing strong and clear from behind the crowd on the grass.

Con Hunley also announced he has a new cd available now. Remember the tenor from the Statler Bros? Jimmy Fortune was the next artist. He is wonderful in his own right and performed Elizabeth, which is one of my favorite songs of all times. He also did a couple gospel numbers and a new patriotic song he dedicated to our service personnel. Earl Thomas Conley was a superb treat to the ears with "Hardest Thing I Ever Had to Do" and many many other major hits. John Berry showed he is truly in excellent form. Several years ago, John suffered from a brain tumor and was out of music for a few years. John is still belting out those hits like there was no tomorrow.

Lane Brody both hosted and performed in the next segment. She opened the show by introducing Catherine Britt from Australia first. She then showcased some international talent winners. Jason McCoy from Canada won the CMA Global Artist Award with his band The Roadhammers performed trucking songs including "East Bound and Down". Irish Talent Winner Eileen Flannagan performed Coal Miners Daughter and "Your Good Girl is Going To Go Bad". Australian Telstra Road to Tamworth winner Nick Kingswell blew me away and made me sit up and take notice. This young man has major superstar written all over him. I would love to see him do a full show.

The next show started with Buddy Jewell showing the stuff that made him the winner of Nashville Star One. He also did "Help Pour Out the Rain" and dedicated "Sweet Southern Comfort" to our troops. Hot Apple Pie took the stage next with their upbeat vocals. Jack Ingram and Rockie Lynne were good performers and BlackHawk sang their hearts out. Whitney Duncan, I am sorry to say I missed and cannot review them. Restless Heart sang " The Bluest Eyes in Texas. Their tight harmonies are missed on mainstream radio.

Next came Jimmy Wayne with his "I love you This Much" and "Stay Gone'. Jimmy is a wonderful musician and crowd pleaser. Aaron Tippin is still tops in my eyes with his patriotic songs and actions. He is again going to perform for our troops. Shane Owens is a newcomer that is opening eyes on music row. Sammy Kershaw is still Cadillac Style and Gary Nichols made the gals swoon. The next act is Little Texas with their new lead singer Porter Howell. Porter is one of the best lead guitarist in Nashville, if not the best. His vocals are just as good. His also co-wrote the big hits of Little Texas including "God Blessed Texas", Texas 101 and "What Should Have Been".

This was the end of another wonderful 4 days of the CMAfest Greased Lightning Riverfront Stages Riverfront Stages…til next year.

Article Written & Submitted by Lisa Young