iReports: Best of the Fest

Sunday, June 14

Crowds Make a “Swift” Entrance at Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall

Emotions ran deep through Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall early this morning. Fans played card games and read magazines. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation – and for those closest to the doors, the wait was especially intense.

While all of the stars inside would greet their share of autograph seekers, it was clear from the t-shirts worn and photos clutched that Taylor Swift was the main source of inspiration and attention throughout this line.

When the doors finally opened, a huge crowd formed immediately around Swift’s booth as security organized everyone to ensure fair access. Oryan and Britany Vinsant, along with their 11-month-old son Mason, were first in her line. The couple’s top priority, which they accomplished, was to get Mason’s photo taken with Swift.

“Her hair was tickling his head, but I think he liked it,” Britany Vinsant said.

Elsewhere in the hall, other fans were abuzz trying to get autographs from Sarah Darling, Jessica Harp, Con Hunley, LeAnn Rimes, Aaron Tippin and other artists.

Clayton Heisler of Utica, N.Y. had a list at least 10 celebrities whose autographs he had gotten since arriving at the Festival. “I just got Collin Raye’s autograph,” he said. “Earlier this week, Linda Davis did a couple of benefit shows so I got her autograph too. She’s my favorite. I think I may try to get Aaron Tippin’s now.”

-- Brittney McKenna

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It’s a Family Celebration on Riverfront Park Daytime Stage

Steamy humidity and predictions of rain couldn’t stop Gatlin Brothers fans from waiting for an hour to claim turf front and center in Riverfront Park Sunday morning.

They raced inside the gates, rapidly canvassing the hill with their blankets and towels. In only a moment the crowd was waving cardboard promotional fans, the most practical giveaway yet. Lucky onlookers on their boats bobbed nearby on the Cumberland River.

From Alexandria, Ala. and planted now in the first row before the Stage, Jeannie Maye, 41, with husband Randy, 42, was determined to take advantage of their last day at the festival. They sat in the center of the first row anxious for another great performance. “We want to get everything in,” she said. “We’re going to all the concerts that we can.”

The audience was in high spirits when Larry Gatlin greeted them, “Hello Americans, and all y’all others.” He broadened his welcome by lauding Americans, Canadians, Texans, Wisconsin “cheese heads” and several religious denominations throughout his performance.

The brothers opened with the National Anthems of the United States and Canada, followed by a harmonious “Amazing Grace.” “Y’all didn’t get to go to church this morning,” Gatlin said. “Now we’re gonna sing some Gatlin Brothers.”

He kept his fans laughing throughout the hour-long set by making light of the group’s longevity and antagonizing outspoken fans. When someone shouted out a plea for “All the Gold in California,” he answered, “I don’t remember handing out talking parts to the crowd” but then of course led the group in honoring the request.

The Gatlin Brothers also performed “I’ve Done Enough Dyin’ Today,” “Houston” and Elvis’ “Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall,” which Larry wrote. At his invitation, the crowd sang the entire chorus of “Broken Lady” on their own.

“When we do these old songs we wrote 30 years ago, these kids look at us like a goat looking at its new gate,” Gatlin said, addressing teenagers in the crowd. “We’re pretty hot for old guys, right?”

The Gatlin Brothers closed with “Americans, That’s Who,” from their upcoming album. Larry wrote the song in response to a newspaper column bashing the U.S.

“Pray for our country folks. We need it,” he called out over the final whistles and applause.

Gloriana followed a different approach for their CMA Music Festival debut. “It’s great to be home,” said singer and guitarist Tom Gossin, before they launched into “How Far Do You Wanna Go?” followed by “Almost Missed it All.” The group covered Tom Petty’s “Last Dance with Mary Jane,” after which Mike Gossin, also a singer and guitarist, told the crowd, “The guy who wrote this has been a big inspiration for me.”

“‘Last Dance with Mary Jane’ was awesome,” said Brooke Louque, 20, of New Orleans, La. “They did great for their first festival; they looked good.”

Gloriana concluded with their first single “Wild at Heart,” before heading to an autograph signing.

Later in the afternoon, signs popped up throughout the crowd, welcoming The Eli Young Band with messages such as “Denton, Texas Rocks!” and “Texas Loves Eli Young!” The Lone Star-based band opened with “When It Rains,” followed with “Enough is Enough,” and by the time they hit “Radio Waves” there were plenty of couples dancing together in the grass.

After the band finished up with “Small Town Kid,” a group of excited girls in matching outfits walked through the photo line. “I want to marry you!” shouted one of them. “We are huge Eli Young fans,” explained Amber Burkhalter, 18, from Nacogdoches, Texas. “We’re from Texas!”

Burkhalter and her friends were just getting acquainted with some shirtless guys a few feet away on a boat when, to their surprise and excited delight, The Eli Young Band walked over to the fence separating the crowd from the stage, introduced themselves and offered to sign autographs. Immediately a rush of fans began holding souvenirs over the fence as well, which band members kept signing even after their tour managers had reminded them multiple times that it was time to go.

Next up came Darryl Worley, opening up with “Honky Tonk Life.” He quickly noticed fans holding a sign that read “Savannah, Tennessee Loves Darryl Worley” and gave a quick shout-out to his hometown.  After singing “I Miss My Friend” and his new single “Sounds Like Life to Me,” he brought his wife Kimberly and new baby girl, Savannah, to the stage. “Here’s Country’s newest superstar, ya’ll!” he proudly announced.

While Worley was dedicating “Have You Forgotten” to not only troops but also to firemen, policemen and hometown heroes, a group of fans waving American flags hung a September 11 sign on the fence by the stage. The crowd was clearly energized by the mood of the song. Worley’s response to the final line of the song being sung by the crowd was “I don’t think so!”

“We were just getting warmed up!” said Worley as he ended his set with “Awful Beautiful Life.”

By late afternoon, with fans sitting on blankets or standing together, the atmosphere at Riverfront was more like a big family picnic than a concert. “It’s been awesome, amazing. Everybody is friendly, it’s been a great time,” said David Bilderback, Marshall, Ill.

That homey feeling was strengthened when Joey + Roy, who had taken to the stage at 4 PM, kissed in the midst of their set, as if in the company of trusted friends. Their songs included the in-your-face hit “Cheater, Cheater,” followed with “Play the Song” and “Red.”

When they finished, Restless Heart picked up the pace with “Why Does It Have to Be.” And when Colin Raye joined them, he made it clear right up front: “There will be no kissing during this set.” Still, once the band got going it was like watching old friends get together and jam. The audience didn’t stop singing from the beginning of “If You Get There Before I do” to the end of the ZZ Top cover, “Sharp Dressed Man.”

The down home feel continued when John Michael Montgomery opened with “Life’s a Dance.” Everyone remained on their feet for the rest of the concert; some even started line dancing. After tearing through “Letters From Home,” “Forever” and “Sold,” he challenged the crowd to “See if ya’ll can keep up.”

“I thought it was really good,” said Corbyn Paine of Dixon, Tenn. as the show came to its conclusion. “Everything is really awesome it’s been cool this year.”

-- Rachel Carden, Ashley Day and Amber Garner

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Free Food for 500 at McDonald’s Family Picnic

Upbeat tunes by The Bummkinn Band welcomed kids of all ages to the Family Zone on Sunday morning. As children roamed from the arts-and-crafts tent to the inflatable obstacle courses, the line lengthened for the Dr Pepper-McDonald’s Family Picnic. The picnic promised free eats from McDonald’s and cold Dr Pepper to wash it down for the first 500 in line. Appetites and balloon animals in tow, hundreds of people waited for their chance at a free lunch.

As 11:30 AM rolled around, the line began moving and meals were handed out. Keeping with the theme of Southern cuisine, McDonald’s distributed hundreds of Southern-style chicken sandwiches and baked cherry pies. Still, the line didn’t stop growing until the pile of sandwiches and pies started to dwindle.

After lunch, parents and children visited the “musical petting zoo,” where pint-sized instruments offered kids a chance to create their own tunes. A cheerful clown delighted the kids with balloon animal creations, Adam and the Couch Potatoes provided songs to sing along to and Ronald McDonald strolled around the Family Zone, handing out hugs.

-- Campbell Glenn

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Daniel Smith Takes Acoustic Corner Visitors to the Islands and Back for Hot Wings

After meeting Daniel Smith at his booth in Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall, Pam and Ray Lee along with their friend Alan Bradburn, all from Liverpool, England, took seats to see him play at the Durango Acoustic Corner.

Smith performed eight original songs, starting off with “What U See Is What U Get” and “Welcome to My Reality.” He took the audience to the islands with everything but the tropical drinks as he sang “Living the Good Life.” In “Ain’t No Place Like Home” he crooned of destinations he had traveled to, though his “heart lays in Tennessee.” Smith’s next song, “Thank You,” a tribute to all the servicemen and women, won a standing ovation.

Whether singing about gaining unintended weight and having cholesterol problems in “What’s Wrong with That” or relationships in “Right Side of Love,” Smith forged a connection with listeners who could relate easily to his narrative.

As Smith introduced his final song, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happy Hour,” the audience laughed, cheered, and clapped at the playful nature of the title. He crooned about consuming hot wings and cold beer as “exercising our God-given constitutional right… to throw back a long neck.” Though listeners spilled in throughout Smith’s set, most settled down, enjoyed the air-conditioning, and remained for the set. Upon exiting, Pam and Ray Lee raved that Daniel Smith sounded “just like the record” and were absolutely glad that they were able to see such a great musician in such an intimate setting.

-- Alyssa Smith

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Sidewalk Signage Spreads Artist and Album Awareness

More than a few CMA Music Festival attendees walked along the streets of Nashville, looked down and find themselves stepping on a large album cover. Many who stopped to read the inscription walked away enlightened about an artist they may not have encountered before.

“I hadn’t heard of Jonathan Singleton & The Grove before I stepped on his face!” laughed Jessica Hart, 21, of Brentwood, Tenn. “The ad intrigued me, and I’m definitely going to check out their music.”

Moments later, Jessica luckily stumbled upon the band’s video shoot for “Livin’ in Paradise” and “Look Who’s Back in Love.” Doubly excited, having just stomped on Singleton’s face, she stayed to watch … and was even asked to be an extra.

Among the artists similarly announced on the sidewalks of Music City is newcomer Lewis Copeland. In addition to seeing his debut album cover on the ground, he performed popular Country songs for the dining patrons, from Jamey Johnson’s “In Color” to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishing in the Dark,” as diners at Big River Grille listened and enjoyed a brief retreat from the streets.

Copeland also performed original songs from his upcoming debut album, to the delight of longtime fan Gabrielle Keenan, 21, from Franklin, Tenn.. “I go to The Stage every Thursday and Saturday to see Lewis!” she said, listening as he sang one of her favorite songs of his, “Honky Tonk Princess.”

Chalk graffiti for The Eli Young Band, Joe Nichols and Phil Vassar also adorned the busy sidewalks.

-- Alyssa Smith

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New Holland Celebrity Tractor Race Raises Funds for Charity

In its fourth CMA Festival appearance, the New Holland Celebrity Tractor Race took place in the Chevy Sports Zone, hosted by Michael Peterson.

Winning the race for the second year in a row, with a time of 48.31 seconds, was Darby Ledbetter, a singer/songwriter and decorated National Guard solider. Ledbetter’s new single, “I Won’t Let My Guard Down,” will release in August and be played prior to film showings in theaters throughout the United States.

Coming in second place with a time of 48.34 was Stephen Barker Liles of the band Love and Theft.

One second behind Ledbetter with a time of 49.31, Joey Feek, from the musical duo Joey & Rory, edged out her husband and musical partner Rory Feek, who had a score of 54.82 seconds. She had finished ahead of him in the 2008 race as well.

The New Holland Boomer 3040 tractor used in the race will be auctioned later in 2009, with half the proceeds donated to Ledbetter’s charity of choice and the rest going to the Future Farmers of America.

Though barred from participation in the race, host Peterson took the challenge and finished out with a time of 49.16 seconds.

“This was an exciting race,” said John Jones, visiting from Minnesota. “It was a shame that Joey beat Rory, but my wife sure loved it. She’ll be rubbing that in all night long.”

Other racers included Megan Munroe; Joe Jobe, CEO, National Biodiesel Board; Preston Burst and Chris Lucas from LoCash Cowboys; veteran session keyboardist Chuck Leavell; and many other artists, sports figures and celebrities.

-- Amanda Lynn Brown

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Festival Fans Go Fishing for Autographs

An important facet of the Country lifestyle was celebrated Sunday in the Sports Zone.

The FLW booth was a popular spot for fishing fanatics who were eager to ask a pro angler to sign their hats, t-shirts and other items.

“I got them for my grandson and my husband,” said Marsha Taylor, 55, of Bowling Green, Ky. “They love fishing. They’re on TV for fishing tournaments and bass tournaments.”

Visitors also had an opportunity to try out the new Bass Pro simulated ride by sitting in a life-sized fishing boat and building their score through maneuvering past several checkpoints on a video screen.

“It was interesting,” said Asefew Solomon, 47, who came to CMA Music Festival from Eritrea in Africa. “You navigate through and try and get some points. I did my best! Fishing games and Country just go together.”

-- Amanda Brooks

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Fans Wield Fans throughout Hot Afternoon at Hard Rock Stage

Despite sweltering heat beneath partly cloudy skies, spectators streamed to the Hard Rock Outdoor Stage on Sunday. Attendees donned sunglasses and hats while cooling themselves with the cardboard fans that had been handed out all weekend.

Straight out of southern Louisiana, the Williams Riley trio’s set included “I Wish I Would’ve Said That,” “Country Livin’,” their single “I’m Still Me” and a cover of The Eagles’ “Life in the Fast Lane.” As audience members fanned themselves, frontman Steve Williams reminded them, “It may be hot but I’ll tell y’all, it feels better if you’re dancing!”

Most of the crowd was wielding their Brittini Black promotional paper fans when she entered the stage, toting a mandolin and pleasantly acknowledging the sight of her multiple images waving from the crowd. As a row of young girls in cowboy hats beamed up at her, the upbeat blonde sang a string of feel-good songs that included “Life Is Good,” which she also announced was chosen to be in the upcoming Reese Witherspoon movie “New in Town,” “I’m So There” and “Good Happens.” Black emphasized the importance of positivity, telling the audience, “I think it helps us through when we can listen to something that lifts us up.” Black wrapped up her set with Keith Urban’s “Somebody Like You,” “Be Brave,” a tribute to our troops, and her new single, “America.” With her dedication to the “America’s Adopt a Soldier” program, she pledged that for ever CD she sold, she would donate one dollar to the organization.

While the heat felt like a sauna, it didn’t keep the fans away. Robin Stombaugh, 27, and Kaylynn Mayhle, 24, drove over ten hours from Florida to see Julie Salter and Margaret Rogers, better known as The Two Timers. They have been fans of the Country duo since their stint on season one of CMT’s “Can You Duet?”

The twosome used their tight vocal harmonies and flashy image, including a pink Fender Stratocaster guitar, to keep the crowd dancing nonstop. They sang two original songs and covered “My Girl Lollipop,” laughing that everyone was having a “hot time” with them. Rogers explained the next song, “Little Devil” was about “all of Julia’s ex-boyfriends,” alluding to the personal experience to their songwriting.

Their final song, “Country Girl Diva”, included two special guest performers who won the “Country Girl Diva” contest at Best Buy. Isis Carson, 10, of Whites Creek, Tenn., and Skyler Senn, 5, from Clarksville, Tenn., eagerly sang the final chorus of the song into the microphones and danced hand-in-hand with The Two Timers. Afterwards, all four came into the audience to meet fans and sign autographs, giving Isis and Skyler a taste of what it's like for rising Country stars.

“It was exciting, and I never expected to be on stage here!” said Carson. The two girls, along with all who tried out for the contest will be included in the upcoming music video from the Two Timers.

-- Michael Chapman, Campbell Glenn and Alyssa Smith

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Samples and Games Mark the Festival’s Final Day at Fun Zone

On the last day of the CMA Music Festival looked a lot like the first in the Fun Zone. Lower Broadway wa barricaded to give Festival goers full ownership of almost two blocks all the way down to the riverfront, with historic Downtown Nashville as the backdrop. Games and gifts enticed audiences to keep moving from one booth to the next. Lined with food and drinks, the two-block stretch invited visitors to chit-chat, relax and get to know each other.

Among promotional booths, prize wheels and giant inflatables, crowds queued to sample Blue Bell Ice Cream, Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, Nancy’s fresh-squeezed lemonade, Smoothie King and Tetley’s Iced Tea.

Brian Blakenship, 47, from St. Stephens, Ala. brought his 14- and 20-year-old daughters with tickets won through a radio contest.

“They’ve done all of it,” Blakenship said. “They’re fixing to sing karaoke again. Watching all the different stars all at one time has been neat. For people who like Country Music, this is the thing to do.”

Kristie Newcom, 32, from Heber Springs, Ark., brought her two daughters as well. “They love it,” she said of Dove, 5, and Sky, 3. “They love the misting tents, but we’ve enjoy the ice cream the most. I recommend it as a family event.”

In addition to product sampling, fans participated in events throughout the Fun Zone. The DIY Network invited onlookers to audition to host its “Stud Finder” home improvement show through on-the-spot tapings.

Arena Cheney, a 34-year old from Belleville, Ill. volunteered. “I may not look like it, but I’m a structural engineer,” he said. “I had some time to kill and figured, ‘Why not?’ I think it’s a great opportunity. It’s fun.”

Next door Votre Vu lured potential brand ambassadors with mobile makeovers from their bus. The skincare company provided back-of-the-hand facials, a beauty beverage and pampering to promote their program.

“They can fall in love with the products and get paid,” said Mary Johnson, 44, from Greensboro, N.C. “We’re just making them feel good and letting them relax.”

Between dodging water gun shots and perfume sprays, fans couldn’t deny a sample or promotion as they pass through the Fun Zone one last time.

-- Michael Chapman, Amber Garner and Michelle Lorge

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Celebrating “the Jumpy Place” and Other Family Zone Treats

Sunday’s cooler morning weather set the stage for adults and children to enjoy one last CMA Music Festival morning at the Dr Pepper-McDonald’s Family Zone.

The Bummkinn Band opened the morning show with their cute, friendly Country as children bobbed and bounced to the music. The nostalgia and innocence of “You Broke My Heart on the Swing Set” and “Woke Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed” got laughs from everyone, including the adults.

Two lucky Tennessee girls, Samirh Dwaidar, 8, and Anna Engebretson, 9, graced the stage during the band’s song “Crab Bit My Toe” and got to sing their own special part. It’s no wonder that when she was asked what her favorite part of the Festival was, Dwaidar replied, “Getting to be onstage and then getting interviewed!”

Following the Bummkinn Band was the amusing Adam and the Couch Potatoes. Dressed in goofy attire and even juggling during the middle of a song, they kept kids amazed and parents delighted. They didn’t even miss a beat when the McDonalds Free Lunch program at the back of the stage. During their rendition of “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” Adam ad libbed, “If you’re happy and you know it, eat some McDonalds!”

Ronald McDonald himself showed up to perform a hilarious magic show. Kids were allowed to join him on the stage and assist in antics that brought just as many gasps of wonder as it did laughter.

In between the acts, Kimber Breaux of the Bummkinn Band invited children on stage to answer trivia to win CMA t-shirts and other prizes. Children like Cole Doerschuk, 4, from Nashville, got to sing their favorite songs in front of the entire audience.

“Going in the ‘jumpy place’ was my favorite!” said Cole, referring to the inflatable attractions throughout the Family Zone. His mother, Jacie, thought the Family Zone was perfect for families during the Festival. “This is a really neat option for families during the CMA fest. There’s so much to do!”

Later in the afternoon, Megan Mullins read The Lorax by Dr. Seuss on Sunday afternoon on the Family Zone Main Stage, with the help of two special guests.

Mullins had her niece Chloe, 2, with her to help read and turn pages. And the Lorax himself made a special appearance, walking around before the  reading to hand out copies of the book along with special bookmarks containing tree seeds, and then joining Mullins up on the Main Stage halfway through the story.

Mullins has been in the music business since she was 18 months old, performing with her family band and playing a variety of instruments from mandolin to cello.

--Amanda Lynn Brown and  Michael Chapman

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CMA Music Festival Offers All-Star Finale to Country Loyalists

A starry sky welcomed Country Music lovers to the last event of the CMA Festival – The LP Field Concert, featuring musical performances by Jack Ingram, Heidi Newfield, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert, John Rich, Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, and surprise guests Cowboy Troy and Sugarland.
Caitlin Tyree held up a sign before the show that read “Taylor Swift Rox My Sox” and had her actual socks stuck to it. “All of Taylor Swift’s songs are relatable,” she said. “You have to love her. She’s just so sweet.”

Tyree traveled to CMA Fest with her husband Michael from Scott Air Force Base, where Michael is stationed, for the couple’s honeymoon. “We’re huge Country Music fans,” Caitlin explained.

The stadium came alive at 6:30 PM. Fans filled the empty seats; security guards steadied themselves and vendors yelling “get your ice-cold lemonade” whipped up the level of excitement.

Following the National Anthem and a fighter-jet flyover, Wendy Davis and Sally Pressman, known as Lieutenant Colonel Joan Burton and Roxy LeBlanc, respectfully, from the Lifetime hit show “Army Wives,” opened the concert by introducing Jack Ingram. Virtually everyone that was sitting down jumped to their feet. Glow sticks started swaying. Beach balls started flying. Couples got ready to dance.

Kicking his performance off with “Wherever You Are,” “Barbie Doll,” and “Barefoot and Crazy,” Ingram had the crowd singing from the get-go. He screamed, “Let me see you stand up. It ain’t no Festival if you all ain’t standing.” The crowd promptly followed, and according to Ingram, the Festival began. He left the crowd after performing his smash hit, “Love You.”

Following Ingram were hosts for the evening Melissa Peterman from CMT’s reality show “The Singing Bee” and Lance Smith from CMT’s “Top 20 Countdown.” The duo kept the fans engaged while stage crews prepared for Heidi Newfield.

Originally from band Trick Pony, Newfield had the crowd clapping above their heads with song “Cry Cry (‘Til the Sun Shines).” With camera lights illuminating the field, Newfield encouraged anyone who had lighters, cell phones or glow sticks to hold up the extra light while she sang smash hit “Johnny and June.” Yellow, green, orange and white lights filled the stadium as Newfield thanked the crowd and left the stage.

Peterman followed by introducing Montgomery Gentry. They came out screaming, “Are you ready to rock?”  The crowd went wild and the group began with “What Do You Think About That?” Montgomery Gentry followed with “Roll with Me” and “One in Every Crowd.” With astounding stage presence, the Country duo had the entire stadium standing, clapping and singing with final song, “Gone.”

During this performance, a group of people from all throughout the United States – California, Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia – posed together for a picture in front of the stage. They had become friends at this year’s Festival and bought tickets for next 2010 so they would be united once again by their shared lover for Country Music.

Miranda Lambert danced her way on up to stage with smash hit “Kerosene.” She shouted to the crowd, “Do y’all realize you are the luckiest people in the U.S. tonight?” They cheered in agreement. After “Kerosene,” the “Nashville Star” alumna performed “Famous in a Small Town” and “Maintain the Pain.” The Lindale, Texas native finished her performance by affirming that she was a “beer drinkin’, hell raisin’, redneck chick” and following with “Gunpowder and Lead.”

John Rich hosted a share of special guests during his set, and he even sang a couple tunes from his Big and Rich days. “Loud” was Rich’s first piece, which proved to be appropriate foreshadowing for what came next. The songwriter from Amarillo, Texas, soon introduced Cowboy Troy and joined the rappin’ cowboy for “I Play Chicken with the Train.”

Before singing “Shuttin’ Detroit Down,” Rich said, “I’d like to dedicate this song to all the hard workin’, tax payin’, law abidin’ people out there tonight!” And Rich’s politics didn’t stop there. “There’s no other music that honors veterans more than Country,” he said. Welcoming combat veterans on to the stage for “The Good Lord and the Man,” he said, “We have veterans all the way from Iraqi Freedom to WWII here tonight.”

During his final song, “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy),” Rich broke into a rendition of “Bringin’ Sexy Back” while his friend Two Foot Fred danced onstage.

While waiting for Taylor Swift to arrive, the sea of fans did a few rounds of “the wave.” A deafening howl soon welcomed the 19-year-old Taylor Swift as she skipped into the light.

She started with “Picture to Burn” and later performed “Our Song,” “You Belong with Me” and “Fifteen.” Next, she sat down at the piano for “You’re Not Sorry” and Justin Timberlake’s “What Goes Around.”

“My theory is that music is really just love stories put together with a melody,” she said, introducing her final piece, “Love Story.” “I love you more than I can say. Thank you.”

Surprise guest Sugarland appeared next, singing “Love,” “Settlin’” and “All I Want to Do.” The duo then slowed the tempo with a cover of R.E.M.’s “Nightswimming” and, later, “Joey.”

“I never thought a song about the other woman would turn so many heads the way that it has,” Jennifer Nettles said before singing “Stay.” She and Kristian Bush finished with “It Happens.”

The reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney closed the spectacular four-day event. Leading off with “Beer in Mexico,” Chesney led the crowd in his seasonal anthem “Summertime.”

Chesney said he hoped everyone could relate to “Out Last Night” tomorrow morning, which he sang before “Young.” After grabbing a sip of water, he asked, “Want me to play a little while longer?” A roar from the fans ensued, and the “hillbilly rock star” went on to sing “Living in Fast Forward.”

“I’m really proud to be back here this year,” he said. “Thank you for loving Country Music.” Chesney dedicated the next song, “I Go Back,” to Barry Beckett, an iconic musician and producer who passed away days earlier.

During “Don’t Happen Twice,” the Luttrell, Tenn. native sat down on the end of the stage to slap hands and shoot a photo with a fan’s camera. “Alright everybody, let’s see what you got this year,” he said. The fans instantly raised their hands, waving them from side to side in unison. Chesney capped his performance with his classic hit “She Thinks My Trator’s Sexy,” and fans exited the stadium while fireworks popped overhead.

“We just had seats together, and we’ve been here partying all four nights,” said Jackie Haynes, who traveled from Pennington Gap, Va. for the Festival.
And many fans like Haynes are already bursting with anticipation for next year’s CMA Fest and the plethora of live performances at the Nightly Concert Series.

-- Kelly Jones, Michael Stone and Ryan Vaden