iReports: Best of the Fest

Thursday, June 11

Pool Rafts and New Hats at Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall

Rain and lightning couldn’t extinguish the excitement inside the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall, where fans lined up to see and collect autographs from their favorite Country stars.

Lauren Clements and her friends from Pensacola, Fla., were near the head of the line that waited for the doors into the Hall to open at 10 AM. Eager for an autograph from Carrie Underwood, they’d camped outside on Commerce Street since 8:30 PM on Wednesday, getting just an hour of sleep.

Emma Dubrowski and Alyssa Tringale, high school students from St. Louis, Mo., understood that kind of dedication. Aware that rain was in the forecast, they’d slept for a couple of hours beneath ponchos on pool rafts – an innovative arrangement that helped to stimulate conversation with others sharing the experience.

Fans streamed into the building at 8:30 AM, as rain began to pour. They filled the first and second floors, where River County was among the artists who greeted them. Then at 10 AM precisely, the sound of fans rushing into Fan Fair Hall drowned out now distant rumbles of thunder. One attendee even lost her shoe in the rush but never missed a step as she began her autograph safari.

More than 85 exhibitors were up and running inside. Familiar artists as well as newcomers appeared at their own booths. Others appeared as guests of sponsors, such as Jason Aldean at the Wrangler booth and Bomshel, who signed autographs at the Greased Lightning booth. Other artists welcoming their fans included Caitlin & Will, Amanda Marsh, Ricky Skaggs, Jimmy Wayne and Chris Young, to name a few.

Rodney Atkins, Bucky Covington, Reba McEntire, John Michael Montgomery, Carrie Underwood and Chuck Wicks were among the biggest draws. Haley Steele of Atlanta, who has followed Underwood since her “American Idol” ascension, was impressed with how down-to-earth the artist appears. “It’s really neat about the Country community,” she insisted. “All the stars are so personable and easy to talk to, even though you’re starstruck.”

Alexis Houser, 8, of Johnstown, NY, is already an old Festival hand, having attended on two previous years and committed herself to returning as often as she can. Signatures from Jason Aldean, Kellie Pickler, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift and many other stars adorn her pink velvet cowgirl hat. Asked how she’ll deal with inevitably outgrowing this precious headgear, she replied, sensibly, “Well, I’ll have to get a new hat!”

-- Amanda Lynn Brown, Michael Chapman and Campbell Glenn

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Neal McCoy Brings Sunshine on Cloudy Morning

The line stretched long from the double glass doors at the Nashville Convention Center early on a gray Thursday morning, June 11. In just an hour, at 8:30 AM, they would open, though another 90 minutes would pass before the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall, inside the Convention Center, would open as well, allowing these fans to collect autographs from the artists waiting to greet them inside.

Five young women were at the head of the line. They were rooming together at the Renaissance Hotel and came here to Commerce Street the night before, sleeping beneath blankets on the sidewalk and then taking turns showering and changing inside. This was their first CMA Music Festival; prior to their arrival in Nashville, they’d known each other only as members of the Carrie Underwood Fan Club.

“We were definitely dedicated to being the first in line,” said Jennifer Kardell, 23, from Lincoln, Neb. “A lady here in line was saying that there were always these same two guys in front; that was their goal as long as they’ve been coming here. And she was like, ‘They’d better watch their back!’ We’re the new competition!”

Enthusiasm ran high, but it took an unexpected artist visit to ramp up the energy level to match. With camera crews trailing him, Neal McCoy ambled toward the line from down the street. Easy to spot in a USO ball cap and pink t-shirt reading “Tough Guys Wear Pink,” he bantered with fans who rushed up to meet him.

Going up to a boy in his early teens, McCoy stuck out his hand and said, “Hey, buddy. What’s your name?”

“It’s Aaron,” he replied. “I was named after Aaron Tippin.”

“Really?” McCoy said, with a grin. “Why didn’t they name you Neal?”

Then, turning to the women at the head of the line, he said, “What are y’all doing out here so early? Waiting on Taylor Swift?”

“No,” answered Kardell. “Carrie Underwood.”

“She’s not even coming! She just called and told me!” Then, laughing and getting ready for a photo with the group, he said, “No, I’m kidding. But tell Carrie Underwood I said hello!”

-- Bob Doerschuk

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Spirits Soar at Durango Acoustic Corner

Known as “the Flying Cowboy,” Jimmy Kish opened the Durango Acoustic Corner series, within the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall at CMA Music Festival. The veteran entertainer and his band drew the audience into their performance with charming wit and classic tunes that included “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” and “Tiny Bubbles.”

John Carter, a Marine Corps veteran with a winning sense of humor, charmed the crowd by playing six songs and prefacing “Lonely Man” with a story of how he and some fellow Marines had written it while stationed in Japan.

Laughter also paved the way for the next act, TelluRide, through jokes and taking video footage for their Web site. The quartet had everyone singing and clapping along with “Pencil Marks,” “Stay” and four other songs.

Response to each performance was warm, particularly among listeners who appreciated the venue’s proximity of performer and listener. Though she suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Joyce Russell, 66, made it a point to show up for her fifth consecutive CMA Music Festival. Her impression of Kish’s set was especially positive.

“We used to listen to this kind of music on the back porch,” she said. “It’s just like being home.”

-- Kelly Jones

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Jimmy Wayne Launches “Be Instrumental” Campaign

It’s no secret that CMA donates half of the profits from its Music Festival to encourage music education in Metro Nashville schools through its “Keep the Music Playing” program.

Adding to this is the Be Instrumental initiative, through which Festival attendees were invited to donate new or gently used band instruments to further facilitate music education in Metro public schools.

As an added incentive to those who gave on Thursday, donors had the opportunity to meet Jimmy Wayne, who spent part of the afternoon posing for and autographing photos as well as helping to spread awareness of the program.

“Everybody needs music in schools,” observed Patty Fingerhut of Fort Smith, Ark. “It’s one area lacking in funds, so it’s great – and it was really neat to meet Jimmy Wayne.”

To donate or learn more about this program, visit nashvillealliance.mnps.org or CMAfest.com.

-- Amber Garner

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Chef Jon Ashton Celebrates Country Cuisine

Balloons, prizes, games, vendors and especially sunny skies contribute encouraged a festive mood among children while a slightly older culinary crowd gathered before the Main Stage at Family Zone to watch celebrity chef Jon Ashton in action.

Chicken tortilla soup was the decadent, tasteful treat on the afternoon menu. Bobbing his head from ingredient to ingredient, tossing garlic cloves, cumin and chilies into the chicken broth and hominy playfully toward members of the audience. Then, with microphone in hand, he moved into the crowd to interview people about their favorite foods.

Applause broke out when Ashton’s guests Joey + Rory came to the stage. As enticing aromas wafted through the air, Joey shared her dream of one day being able to sing with Dolly Parton. Rory responded by recounting his pleasure at singing with his wife. They shared a kiss, after which Rory joked, “My wife is holding onto my leg because I wiggle a lot.”

No one disagreed when Ashton offered his own observation: “CMA Music Fest, it’s got all the right ingredients.”

-- Michelle Lorge

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Snakes and Smiles Share Space at Dr Pepper-McDonald’s Family Zone

Not surprisingly, the Dr Pepper-McDonald’s Family Zone is the place in CMA Music Festival to catch the magic show executed by the legendary Ronald McDonald himself, where young spectators serve as special helpers and then head to the McDonald’s tent for some Apple Dippers.

Other kids got their fingerprints made or tried to walk a straight line with DUI goggles on – a feature created not just to entertain but also to introduce the idea of safety to kids.

“It’s just bringing awareness to people while they are out to be careful during this busy time,” confirmed Rick Gentry, Director of Outreach for the Davidson County Sheriff’s Department, which oversaw the event. “As far as fingerprinting, nine kids in the United States go missing every single day, so it’s very important that parents get this information for their kids and take it with them in case anything ever happens to their child.”

Snakes, turtles and monkeys drew Marley McClary, 9, and his 6-year-old brother Joshua Cole, both of Nashville, into a line at the Family Zone on Thursday afternoon. Their half-hour wait was made worthwhile when the boys received their balloon snake.

Excitements and surprises slithered from the corners of the Family Zone and made time pass quickly as Junie B. Jones, the central character in the Random House series authored by Barbara Park. “Look!” Cole shouted, jumping up and down and waving at Junie B. Jones. The popular character responded with a hug and the gift of a free kazoo.

-- Amber Garner and Michelle Lorge

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Family Zone Hosts Planetary Adventures

Holding court at the Dr Pepper-McDonald’s Family Zone in her blue astronaut suit, spunky Janet Planet handed out prizes for correct answers from children in response to questions about the sun, stars, planets, moon and other fixtures in outer space.

“I love to learn about the sun,” said Jasmine Lipscomb, 12, of Nashville, the recipient of a CD she hoped to have autographed by the lady in space attire.

Janet Ivey created the Emmy Award-winning series of short television spots designed to stir curiosity about the sciences among young viewer. But her impact in person is as strong as on the screen, judging from the reaction this Thursday afternoon.

As she pumped up the music, kids rose to their feet, dancing to a hip-hop beat. Suddenly learning had become a priority for younger attendees at CMA Music Festival.

-- Michelle Lorge

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Music City Zone Debuts

As the last raindrops fell and the clouds wisped away late Thursday morning, sound checks began to echo on the GAC Stage at CMA Music Festival’s new Music City Zone. Visitors and workers emerged from the Metro Courthouse and City Hall smiling as music and the aroma of Backyard Burgers greeted them. Other attractions included an Air Temp Cool Tent, in which fans blew mist-cooled air, and a Yazoo Beer Garden offering ice-cold, locally brewed beer.

The sun was beginning to shine as the Grandstaff duo took to the stage in the afternoon. After a few chords echoed off the sides of Downtown Nashville’s high rises, Wil Reid looked to his cousin Langdon and asked, “You going to kick it off?” Landon gave him a quick nod, and Wil exclaimed, “All right, get it on!” With that, they broke into “She Don’t Love Me More Than NASCAR,” from their album Live and Well. They continued with “Lay You Down,” serenading a different female fan in the audience for each verse. As they took turns, the cousins kept lowering the vocal melody to the point that, at the end, Langdon called out, “Man, he got so low, I thought it started thundering again!”

They finished with “The Statler Brothers Song,” a nostalgic piece they wrote to honor their fathers, Don and Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers, members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

“They’re great,” enthused Tom Stengel of Nashville. “They’ve got a really good aura and good communication with the crowd. I really like their music and their personalities.” Stengel subsequently joined the line for Grandstaff signatures at the new Zone’s Autograph Tent.

-- Campbell Glenn

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Country Rocks in Sommet Center Plaza

The Sommet Center Plaza Stage hosted Jeff Cook, fastryde and Steve Holy midday Thursday, with the action broadcast live over the Sirius Satellite Radio program “The Highway.”

Cook, a founding member of Alabama, opened as the morning rain began to clear; in fact, he arrived for his set just after a quick visit to Gruhn Guitar a few blocks away to deal with water damage to his guitar. He played new solo material, added the Alabama ballad “If I Could Just See You Now” and closed with the Commodores’ funk classic “Brick House,” to the crowd’s delight.

Up-and-coming Country rockers fastryde riveted the younger audience with their fast-paced, contemporary style. Lead singer James Harrison spoke for his Nashville-based band with a proud welcome: “If you came from out of town, I’d like to welcome you to my beautiful city.” The Universal Republic act played music appropriate to the day, with songs that included “Make It Rain” and “Livin’ in Nashville.”

Steve Holy’s performance incorporated the crowd and its enthusiasm. His band opened with the riff from AC/DC’s “Back in Black” and went straight to the high-energy song “Wrap Around.” His easy-going stage presence was evident as he addressed the crowd frequently and made them a part of the show. After singing his first Number One hit “Good Morning Beautiful,” including lyrics that were omitted from the album, Holy played an unreleased song and invited the audience to ask his label to include it on his next album. Closing with “Brand New Girlfriend,” Holy expressed his approval for the dancing in the crowd and left to a standing ovation.

But nothing upstaged Margie Lokey, 52, of Nashville. Decked out in orange hat, sunglasses, tennis shoes and duffle pack, this veteran of 15 CMA Music Festivals sported multiple buttons with pictures of her alongside Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and many others.

“I just love Country Music,” she stated. That, plus a bracelet that read “Keepin’ It Country for 20 Years,” said it all.

-- Michael Chapman and Michelle Lorge

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Stud Finders, Marines and Karaoke Stars Mingle at Fun Zone

A heavy downpour heralded the Thursday morning opening of the Fun Zone at CMA Music Festival.

Country Music fans, decked in colorful rain ponchos, evacuated the sponsor tents and huddled beneath shop awnings along Broadway like shy kids at a middle-school dance.

Once the weather cleared, the area began to buzz with crowd-drawing activities, including auditions for the job of hosting DIY Networks’ “Stud Finder,” a popular program on the Home Improvement network.

“They can choose an option from a project they want to work on,” said DIY Marketing Manager Stacey Eubank. “If they want to nail a board, they can. They’re reading cue cards and so forth, just to see how they are on camera.”

The United States Marines also had their own booth, where fans who completed a pull-up contest were awarded free t-shirts. Christine Inman, 27, of Rhode Island was one winner.
“After a while it gets hard, you know, but it’s a pride thing,” she insisted as she clutched her prize.

Other fans sought a taste of what it’s like to perform before a crowd at Tetley Iced Tea’s karaoke tent. “You just go up and pick your song – it’s a rush!” said Lindsey Presswood, 25, of Mt. Vernon, Ill., who chose Patty Loveless’ “Blame It on Your Heart.”

Still more enjoyed their meet and greet with Canadian Champion Bull Rider Tyler Thomson, including some who may not be completely familiar with the sport. “I’m just excited to meet everybody here. Now I’m going to be a bull riding fan,” said Amanda Morris, 20, of Lincoln Park, Mich., after receiving her autograph.

-- Amanda Brooks

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Beating the Elements on Riverfront Stages

The rain still poured and seats were soaked, but after a 50-minute rain delay at the CMA Music Festival opening ceremonies on the Riverfront Daytime Stage, Gretchen Wilson kicked things off with a performance that left spectators feeling sunny and warm.

Performance had been delayed when security staff evacuated the stands overlooking the stage. Working quickly and inventively, road crews built wooden ramps over muddied ground into the backstage area. As artists and musicians made this crossing, CMT personality Cody Alan joked with audience members. “You guys don’t have ponchos!” he said as laughter stirred. “What happened?”

Moments later, another downpour broke, eventually easing up enough to allow Wilson to open with “Here for the Party.” She followed with “Homewrecker,” continued with “Politically Uncorrect” and “Work Hard, Play Harder,” and brought the crowd to a high pitch of excitement with “All Jacked Up.”

“I don’t really think I would make it out of her alive if I didn’t play this song,” she said just before ending with “Redneck Woman.”

The sky was clearing as Phil Vassar delivered a set that included “I’ll Take That as a Yes,” “Just Another Day in Paradise” and “Love Is a Beautiful Thing,” while tossing in a golden oldie, “Oh, What a Night,” as well.

Cameras flashed as Chuck Wicks made his entrance. Screams broke out as he opened with “All I Ever Wanted.” And he drew laughter by recalling his appearance on “Dancing with the Stars” by observing, “Ladies, summer has got to be hell for you guys. When I got in a leotard, the first thing I thought about was, does my butt look too big? Is the strap going to come undone?”

After “Man of the House,” Wicks performed the Eddie Rabbitt hit “Drivin’ My Life Away” and then thanked the crowd for the success of his closer, “Stealing Cinderella.”
-- Amanda Brooks, Kelly Jones and Rachel Carden

By 2:15 PM, Riverfront Park was alive with color and flavor. Sun tanners in bathing suits, guys crowned with mullets, and every other manner of people crammed each available inch. Those who had the umbrellas they’d used to shield themselves from rain in the morning used them now for protection from the hot summer sun. And those not so fortunate found respite when an occasional cloud covered the sun or cool breeze blew in from the Cumberland River.

Introduced by comedian Cletus T. Judd, James Otto came out with a bang and brought the audience immediately to its feet to cheer, clap and sing along. Otto also offered comic relief when he sang the Nelly rap song, “Hot in Here” before closing with “Just Got Started Lovin’ You.”

The Bellamy Brothers followed, with a set that had Baby Boomers joining in on “Old Hippie,” “Redneck Girl” and their smash from 1976, “Let Your Love Flow.” They were followed by Heidi Newfield, Diamond Rio and Neal McCoy.

-- Amanda Brooks

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Rhean Boyer Wins Field & Stream Celebrity Total Outdoorsman Challenge

Rhean Boyer, lead singer of Carolina Rain, won first place in the Field & Stream Celebrity Total Outdoorsman Challenge, held Thursday afternoon at Fort Nashboro, overlooking the Cumberland River across from LP Field.

“It just fits Country Music,” said Boyer, whose winning score was 8. “The outdoor sports are just something that’s special and close to me. It means a lot to me to be a part of this.”

Boyer, along with 17 other contestants, participated in three tests of outdoor abilities: archery, air rifle shooting and bait casting. The lower a competitor’s score, the higher their ratings. Those who finished first in a particular event received one point; whoever took second earned two points.

“It’s like golf – whoever has the fewest points wins,” explained Anthony Licata, Editor-in-Chief, Field & Stream magazine, who finished the competition in 10th place. “It’s like the magazine come to life. Our readers are Country Music fans, and the artists are outdoorsmen as well. So it’s kind of a natural fit to come down here and have the artists competing.”

Second place went to Matt Dame of the duo Tabor Dame, taking part in the competition for the first time, with 11 points. He and Boyer were tied going into the bait casting event, which Boyer won, clinching top honors overall. Scot Marcin, a past Total Outdoorsman Challenge winner, placed third with 14 points.

Other participants included Bo Bice, Dean Brody, Dan Evans from “The Biggest Loser,” The Sportsman Channel’s Daniel Martin, Dave Robbins, the Outdoor Channel’s Ronnie Strickland, Rusty Tabor of Taylor Dame, Keni Thomas, Mark Wills and the only female in the group, Julie Ingram. Several hundred fans cheered them all on.

-- Michael Stone

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Fans and Stars Stay Up Late on LP Field

The first night of country's biggest party began with a bang -- literally. After Chuck Wicks sang the national anthem, fireworks exploded from the rear of the stadium. Four fighter plans flew overhead as the crowd cheered and pointed. Storme Warren of GAC's “Headline Country” and Sirius XM Radio's "The Highway" welcomed attendees to Nashville as "Music City and the center of the universe for country music".

Makin their 22nd appearance at CMA Music Festival, Brooks and Dunn kicked off the night with "You Can't Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl", followed by "Hillbilly Deluxe.” The duo then performed "Put A Girl In It" and "Rock My World (Little Country Girl)." Vendors danced in the aisles along with the fans to the next song, "Play Something Country." Ronnie Dunn told a story about his daughter wanting a horse, which segued into a cameo from Reba McEntire for their recent single, "Cowgirls Don't Cry". After encouraging the fans to applaud and cheer by asking, slyly, “Who was that?," they moved on to "My Maria" and "Brand New Man” before closing with "Only in America" and shouting "we love you" as they waved goodbye and headed off stage.

After signing autographs at Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall and appearing with Brooks and Dunn, Reba McEntire began her own set with "Why Haven't I Heard From You" and "The Fear of Being Lonely" and then thanked her listeners and the radio for supporting her latest single, "Strange," off her upcoming album Keep On Loving You.

But then, before she could continue her set, Storme Warren came back on stage. Joking "I didn't want to interrupt, but I just did," he held up rain ponchos, explained that Nashville was expecting inclement weather and instructed attendees to calmly evacuate the field and proceed to the covered areas in order to avoid any injuries from the potentially severe weather. Many fans progressed to the concession areas, where they huddled, trying to figure out what was in store for the night. Some left, assuming a cancelled show. Most stayed, hoping for the best. New friendships seemed to be forged on the common bond of a shared adventure and Country Music. There was even a fortuitous reunion, as Stephanie Farmer, 21, of Wilson, NC and Kaitlyn Moore, 21 of Stonington, Conn., reunited after a year apart. The two friends waited anxiously for the weather to let up, the stage to be dried off and the music to resume.

After a while, Metro Nashville officials gave permission for the music to extend past 1:00 AM. Once the fans were settled back in their seats, Warren returned and asked, "I have one question for you. Would you rather me talking to you or listening to Darius Rucker?" The answer was obvious from the cheering crowd, and Rucker came onstage to perform "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" and "Alright." He thanked the audience for taking a chance on "a boy from South Carolina", as he described himself, for buying his songs and album, and for "sticking around after the storm." He dedicated "It Won't Be Like This For Long" to the audience and closed with his what he described as his theme song, the second song Hootie and the Blowfish ever sang together: Hank Williams Jr.'s "Family Tradition," while venturing deep into the crowd, shaking hands with fans and singing along with them.

Dierks Bentley opened his high-energy set with "Lot of Leaving Left to Do." He interjected a question into the song, asking "Where the angels at tonight?" and then followed with "I know all the devils are out tonight!" He then performed "Feel That Fire" and finished his set with his latest single, "Sideways."

To close this extraordinary night, Brad Paisley opened with “Ticks,” changing the lyrics from “butterfly tattoo” to “CMA tattoo” to better fit the theme of the night. Immediately after ending the tune, at almost 1:30 AM, he yelled “Good morning, Nashville! You guys are hardcore! Half the time I say we’ll stay until 2:30 jokingly. Heck, if we play three songs, we’ll be here until 3:00 in the morning.”

Following with “American Saturday Night,” Paisley reminisced about attending his first Fan Fair in 1999, a decade earlier. “How far we’ve come together, grown up together,” he mused. “And tonight I sing this for you.” With that, he led the audience into “I Thought I Loved You Then,” followed with “Mud on the Tires,” adding that “we can find some of that tonight” in reference to the storms of earlier in the day, and encouraged the crowd to keep their spirits high, hollering, “Come on, all you rednecks!”

“Alcohol” was the final song, and playing with his lyrical riff “I’ve been known to,” he ad libbed, “I’ve been known to make Country fans sit here all night and miss work.” Dierks Bentley came out to finish the song with Paisley, pushing the end of the show to past 2:00 AM but making the wait for a spectacular finish worthwhile.

-- Alyssa Smith