Day 3- Wednesday
Our plan today was to visit some of the Honky Tonks on Lower Broad before the CMAfest crowds ascended into Nashville. We started by spending the afternoon at the Second Fiddle enjoying an "Acoustic Afternoon", sponsored by Artiso Media featuring; David Frizzell, J. Michael Harter, Royal Wade Kimes, Daniel Lee Martin , Christopher Wayne Morris, Danni O'Neil, and Sisters Wade. This was a perfect afternoon of more great music. We left the Second Fiddle inspired, invigorated and ready to enjoy some more Honky Tonkin' Nashville Style. So we strolled down Lower Broad talking about how much work, had gone into renovating the downtown area it made us glad that many of the buildings were saved, yet also sad that some were long since gone. After a few hours break, we returned to Lower Broad, with a dozen or so of our friends. This was a real treat and the first of many unexpected highlights, yet to come for CMAfest Week.
- Songwriter's Night at at Bailey's
Mary Sue England, a regional contestant for Nashville Star, was hostess to this songwriter's night at Bailey's Pub & Grille that included several of the Nashville Star contestants. Performing were: George Canyon, Jennifer Hicks,Brent Keith, Matt Lindahl, Lance Miller, and Marty Slayton
This was an incredible intimate performance by the Nashville Star Contestants. The entire Songwriter's round last well over 4 hours, with all of the artists taking time to mingle with the crowd. I don't think this night went unnoticed by music row as we spotted several heavy-hitters in the crowd, including one of Music Rows Best Songwriters ever, Mr. Kim Williams. A Special Thanks goes out to the Management of Bailey's Pub & Grille for taking the time out of their busy schedule to make special arrangements to accommodate our group for the evening. While this is not an annual CMAfest Event, this type of impromtu event happens every year during CMAfest.
- Billy Yates Fan Club Party
We also had a chance to pop over and attend Billy Yates Fan Club Party, held at the in-famous Texas Troubadour Theatre. Billy is an incredible songwriter and, better yet, an even more incredible person. This was just one of the many Fan Club Parties that take place during CMAfest Week so make sure you're not left out and join them earlier in the year so you can go the them during CMAfest week.
Review
There are several annual events that normally take place on the Wednesday at the CMA Country Music Festival and they include:
- CMA Festival "Kick-Off Parade" & Chevy Stage
The official kick-off for the CMA Festival is the annual "Kick-Off Parade" held on Wednesday afternoon on Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville that also includes several performances at the Chevy Stages located in front of the Sommet Center (formally the GAC).
Review
- City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge
Some of Country's hottest stars team up together to raise money for City of Hope, a leading research and treatment center for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. This annual event is normally held at Greer Stadium.
Review Photos
- Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam
Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam is normally held at the Ryman Auditorium on the eve of CMAfest and it benefits Musicares, an organization that provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. Marty brings a diverse assortment of artist to this show evey year and you can expect it to last well into the night as it's normally about 3-4 hours long.
Review Photos
- CMAfest Day 1: Global Artist & Party Lonestar Bowling Party
- CMAfest Day 2: Reading, Writing & Rhythm & IFCO Funfest
- CMAfest Day 3: Kick-Off Parade, Celebrity Softball Game, Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam
- CMAfest Day 4: Official CMAfest Activities Begin, Opry & Steve Azar Benefit
- CMAfest Day 5: CMA Close-up, Andy Griggs Archery & Jason Aldean Benefits
- CMAfest Day 6: CMA Close-up, Martina McBride Celebrity Auction & Leadership Music Yard Sale
- CMAfest Day 7: Sunday Mornin' Country Show & Peterson's Celebrity Tractor Race
