CMA Awards 2010, 44th Annual CMA Awards

Over four jam-packed days, Nashville’s signature music event features concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more. For 38 years, the event (which started as Fan Fair in 1972) has been an unparalleled celebration of America’s music, drawing thousands of fans and media from all corners of the globe to Nashville. CMA Music Festival was dubbed the “crown jewel of Country Music Festivals” by USA Today and winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s 2004, 2006, and 2008 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year.

NASHVILLE - Fan favorite Kid Rock will bring his Country infused brand of music to the 2010 CMA Music Festival. Performing during the Nightly Concerts on the LP Field Concert Stage on Friday, June 11, the multi-platinum selling artist will join a stellar lineup of Country Music's most exciting artists.

The 2010 CMA Music Festival continues to get bigger and better. With so much to do and see at this four-day festival that it takes seven days to get it all in. And the festivities begin tonight!

International Incident
CMA Music Festival becomes an international affair with the "CMA Global Artist Party," sponsored by Four Seasons Coach Leasing, tonight, beginning at 6:00 PM at The Stage on Broadway. Hosted by Adam Gregory (Canada), the Global Artist Party will feature performances from a variety of international Country Music artists including Luke Austen (Australia), Jaydee Bixby (Canada), David Bradley (United Kingdom), Sinead Burgess (Australia), Cameron Clayton (New Zealand), Tim McKay (United Kingdom), One More Girl (Canada), and Alex J. Robinson (Canada).

On Tuesday, starting at 3:30 PM at The Second Fiddle, Australian duo O'Shea hosts the AristoMedia Global Showcase, sponsored by the AristoMedia Group, CMA, Digital Rodeo, and Four Seasons Coach Leasing. Artists participating include Travis Collins (Australia), Emma King & The Heartsets (United Kingdom), the European Highwaymen (Norway), Jessie Farrell (Canada), Jo Hikk (Canada), Steven Lee Olsen (Canada), and Ronnie Rae Rivers (Australia).

I Love a Parade
On Wednesday, beginning at 11:30 AM, "The Sixth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade" will feature Country Music artists and other celebrities riding in a wide variety of Chevy vehicles. With Country Music Hall of Fame Member Brenda Lee as Grand Marshal, other artists and celebrities participating include Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, Rodney Atkins, Sherrie Austin, Frankie Ballard, The Band Perry, Bo Bice, Big Kenny, Ash Bowers, Carter Twins, Diana DeGarmo, Whitney Duncan, Edens Edge, Fast Ryde, Brantley Gilbert, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Buddy Jewell, KingBilly, Jesse Lee, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Danielle Peck, Point of Grace, Marty Raybon, Jordyn Shellhart, Stealing Angels, Pam Tillis, Trent Tomlinson, James Wesley, and Chuck Wicks.

Other participants include the Arnold Air Force Base Color Guard, Bedford County Sheriff's Office Mounted Patrol, Boy Scouts of America, "Belle" from TPAC's production of "Beauty and the Beast," costumed character from CMT, Davidson County Sheriff's Department, the Geico Gecko, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, Mahindra Tractors, the Metro Nashville Police Department Color and Honor Guards, Minnie Pearl character, Music City Drum & Bugle Corps, costumed characters from the Nashville Children's Theater, Nashville Derby Girls, the Nashville Predators Dancers, Nashville Predators mascot Gnash, Nashville Sounds mascot Ozzie, Operation Troop Aid, cheerleaders from Prime Tyme Athletics, Tennessee National Guard Color Guard, Tennessee Titans mascot T-Rac, U.S. Army Recruiting Command Color Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Whites Creek High School Marching Band.

Beginning at the corner of Church Street and Second Avenue, the procession will travel down Second Avenue to Broadway, turn right onto Broadway, and end at Sixth Avenue.

Immediately following the parade, "The Fifth Annual CMA Block Party" will take place on the Chevy Music Stage on the Bridgestone Arena Plaza (at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway). Performers at this free concert include:

12:50 PM Bria Kelly (National Anthem)
1:00 PM-1:20 PM David Nail
1:35 PM-1:55 PM Chuck Wicks
2:10 PM-2:30 PM Jerrod Niemann
2:45 PM-3:15 PM Joe Nichols
3:30 PM-4:00 PM Randy Houser

Bring On the Night
In its third year as an official CMA Music Festival event, "Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam" takes place Wednesday (10:00 PM) at the Ryman Auditorium. Benefitting the MusicCares Nashville Flood Relief Fund, this event will feature Cowboy Jack Clement, Dallas Frazier, Ronnie Milsap, Ralph Mooney, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives, The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, Keith Urban, and more.

A separate ticket is required for the Late Night Jam and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets and the Ryman Auditorium Box Office.

The Fun "Officially" Begins
The 2010 CMA Music Festival officially begins Thursday and continues through Sunday with hundreds of artists and celebrities, hours of concerts, autograph signings, family activities, sporting competitions, cooking exhibitions, interactive exhibits, giveaways, games, and much more.

"CMA Music Festival is Nashville's signature event and we are so excited and proud to
have this opportunity to show the world how Music City has pulled together after the widespread
flooding to celebrate Nashville and Country Music," said Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. "This year's Festival will not only provide funds to support music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools, but will also supply much needed relief for our neighbors affected by the devastating flood waters."

Charity Begins at Home
The artists who participate in CMA Music Festival are not compensated for the hours they spend performing and signing autographs. To show its appreciation, CMA contributes half the net proceeds from the event to the "Keep the Music Playing" program which benefits music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools. To date, CMA has contributed more than $3.3 million to this fund.

This year, CMA will donate the remaining proceeds to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for flood relief.

Rollin' on the River
Superstar duo The Judds (Naomi and Wynonna) will kick off four days of concerts at the Riverfront Park Daytime Stage beginning Thursday (10:00 AM). The Riverfront Park Daytime Stage, located at Riverfront Park, is free and open to the public and will feature many of Country Music's legends and hottest rising stars over the course of the Festival.

Artists performing include Keith Anderson, Rodney Atkins, The Band Perry, The Bellamy Brothers, Big Kenny, Lee Brice, Mark Chesnutt, Bucky Covington, Diamond Rio, Eli Young Band, Emerson Drive, Colt Ford, Ashley Gearing, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, Jack Ingram, Joey + Rory, Sammy Kershaw, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Lonestar, Love and Theft, Patty Loveless, Neal McCoy, Jo Dee Messina, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan, David Lee Murphy, Joe Nichols, James Otto, Jake Owen, Point of Grace, Restless Heart, Sawyer Brown, Steel Magnolia, Josh Thompson, Country Music Hall of Fame Member Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis, Uncle Kracker, Clay Walker, Jonalee White, Gretchen Wilson, Darryl Worley, and Chris Young.

The concerts are hosted by a variety of celebrities and broadcast personalities including Razzy Bailey, WKDF/Nashville's Becca, WSIX/Nashville's Big D & Bubba, WSM/Nashville and GAC host Bill Cody, Linda Davis, Ralph Emery, and "After Midnite's" Blair Garner.

New this year at Riverfront Park is the Macanudo Lounge. Fans can stop by and enjoy America's favorite premium cigar.

Another new feature on the Riverfront this year is the PEOPLE Country Cabana. Fans can enjoy a red carpet-themed photo experience as well as free samples.

A Little Night Music
The Nightly Concerts on the LP Field Concert Stage feature the biggest names in Country Music, emerging stars and surprise guests. Four-day ticket holders can get a front-row shot from the popular Photo Line, which is in constant motion in front of the stage during the performances.

Pre-show activities opening night (7:30 PM) include a Music City welcome from Nashvile Mayor Karl Dean, the presentation of the Stars and Stripes by the Marines of Recruiting Station Nashville, and a flyover by the VMFA 251 Thunderbolts (Marines) from Beaufort, S.C. The Oak Ridge Boys will perform the National Anthem. Performers include (performance order, artists and schedule subject to change):

Thursday, June 10
Danny Gokey
Alan Jackson
Tim McGraw
Jason Aldean
Lady Antebellum
Carrie Underwood

Friday, June 11
The Band Perry (National Anthem)
Julianne Hough
Josh Turner
Miranda Lambert
Keith Urban
Reba McEntire
Kid Rock

Saturday, June 12
Jamie O'Neal (National Anthem)
Randy Houser
Easton Corbin
Billy Currington
Zac Brown Band
Martina McBride
Rascal Flatts

Sunday, June 13
Mark Wills (National Anthem)
Justin Moore
Kellie Pickler
Blake Shelton
Trace Adkins
Darius Rucker
Brad Paisley

Hosts for the Nightly Concerts include "CMT's Top 20 Countdown" host Evan Farmer, "Extreme Makover: Home Editions's" Paige Hemmis, Jillian Harris and Tracy Hutson, comedian Melissa Peterman, and GAC's "Headline Country" host, Storme Warren.

The Nightly Concerts on the LP Field Concert Stage feature state-of-the-art production and fireworks at the conclusion of each show.

Tickets for each nightly show at LP Field can be purchased at a cost of $30 for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field (plus applicable handling fees). To order tickets, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at any Ticketmaster outlet.

Single night concert tickets will also be sold during CMA Music Festival at the LP Field ticket office beginning Wednesday. The single night concert ticket is only good for that night's performance at LP Field.

Greased Lightning® Fan Fair® Hall
The lifestyle exhibits and autograph booths in the Nashville Convention Center are a traditional favorite. Entry into the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall is exclusive to four-day ticket holders Thursday and Friday and open to the public Saturday and Sunday for a ticket price of $15. Artists scheduled to sign autographs include legends, today's hitmakers, and tomorrow's hopefuls.

Both Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts will make their return to the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall. McGraw's last appearance was in 2000, and Rascal Flatts last appeared in 2002.

The Country Music Association booth in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall will host a variety of Country Music artists meeting and signing autographs for their fans. Artists scheduled to sign in this booth include Laura Bell Bundy, Danny Gokey, Mallary Hope, Julianne Hough, Randy Houser, The Judds, Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker, Josh Thompson, and Chuck Wicks.

Other performers and celebrities scheduled to appear include Alex Aaron, Trace Adkins, Cody Alan, Jason Aldean, Suzanne Alexander, Lynn Anderson, Tara Arender, Katie Armiger, Rodney Atkins, Razzy Bailey, Tyler Bailey, David Ball, Frankie Ballard, Veronica Ballestrini, The Band Perry, Alicia Beale, Donna Beauvais, Bo Bice, Big Kenny, Abigail Blake, Blue Mother Tupelo, BomShel, Ash Bowers, Caitlin Brette, Emily Brook, T.Graham Brown, Ty Brown, Luke Bryan, Burns & Poe, Wesley Butler, Brooke Byam, Shawn Camp, The Carter Twins, Carter's Chord, Tommy Cash, Jessica Cayne, Cherryholmes, Mark Chesnutt, Terri Clark, Stephen Cochran, Bill Cody, Coldwater Jane, Scott Collier, Bucky Covington, Cowboy Troy, Candice Crain, Trent Cromier, Crook & Chase, Caitlynne Curtis, Sarah Darling, Mimi Davis, Melanie Denard, Donnie Denny, Diamond Rio, Courtney Dickinson, Divas of Daytime TV, Jaida Dreyer, Due West, Whitney Duncan, Angela Easterling, Eden's Edge, Stephanie Elli, Emerson Drive, Kelsey Emma, Don Enz, The Far City Boys, Evan Farmer, Fast Ryde, Chelsea Field, Adam Fisher, Colt Ford, Rob Frank, Anna Garrott, Matt Gary, Gary Ray and the Heartwells, Larry Gatlin, Brantley Ashley Gearing, Gilbert, Gloriana, Teea Goans, Tim Gore, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Jack Greene, Ben Gregg, Adam Gregory, Clinton Gregory, Brittany Grimes, Randy Halcomb, George Hamilton IV, Larry Hamilton, Greg Hanna, Caitlin Harrington, Amber Hayes, Wade Hayes, Billy Henson, Fidel Hernandez, Ty Herndon, Susan Hickman, Hali Hicks, Lucas Hoge, Con Hunley, Olajuwon Jackson, Mickie James, Buddy Jewell, Joey + Rory, Jason Jones, Derek Joseph, Josh Williams Band, Jet Jurgensmeyer, Cooper Kanngeisser, Celeste Kellogg, The Kentucky Headhunters, Darren Kozlesky, Lady Antebellum, David Langley, Blaine Larsen, Doyle Lawson, Jesse Lee, Scott Lindsey, Jake Littlefield, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Love & Theft, Patty Loveless, Irlene Mandrell, Kait Marsh, Bobby Maynard, Sean Patrick McGraw, Jason Meadows, Laney Meredith, Jo Dee Messina, Mishavonna, Rick Monroe, Randy Montana, Dave Moody, Moore & Moore, Johnny Moore, Lathan Moore, Craig Morgan, Mozley Rose Band, The Mulch Bros., Mustang Creek, Nash Street, Chance Neal, Jimmy C. Newman, Joe Nichols, Jerrod Niemann, One Night Rodeo, Anthony Orio, O'Shea, James Otto, Jake Owen, Jeremy Parsons, Danielle Peck, Luke Perry, Melissa Peterman, Richard Petty, Steven Petty, Point of Grace, Monica Polumbo, Ashlie Rae, Rikki Jo Randall, Nicole Rapisardi, Marty Raybon, Ivy Raye, Billy Reasons, Craig Reynolds, Will Rhodes, Bobby G. Rice, John Rich, Riders in the Sky, Julie Roberts, Mike Rodgers, Cali Rodi, Lulu Roman, Beth Roose, The Roys, Dave Russell, Sawyer Brown, Stephen Saylers, Brady Seals, Leah Seawright, Kevin Sharp, Jordyn Shellhart, Blake Shelton, Ashton Shepherd, Ricky Skaggs, Anthony Smith, Steven L. Smith, Skyla Spencer, The Spring Band, Lexi Stavinoha, Stealing Angels, Steve Hall & Shotgun Red, Harry Stinson, Doug Stone, John Stone, Bridgette Tatum, Keni Thomas, Josh Thompson, Thompson Square, Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis, Trent Tomlinson, Melanie Torress, Trailer Choir, Two Foot Fred, Donna Ulissee, Uncle Kracker, Wells Hollow Band, James Wesley, The Whites, Bryan White, Amanda Williams, Stephanie Williams, Mark Wills, Lauren Winans, Brad Wolf, Darryl Worley, Wrangler Dunda, Melissa Wray, The Wrights, Billy Yates, Justin Yates, and Chris Young. All artist appearances are subject to change.

A popular feature of the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall is the Durango Acoustic Corner. This area, on the second floor of the Nashville Convention Center in Room 209, offers independent artists a place to showcase their talent and will be hosted by 650 AM WSM personalities Bill Cody, Joe Limardi, Charlie Mattos, Eddie Stubbs, and Mike Terry. Open daily at 11:00 AM, the Durango Acoustic Corner is free for all Exhibit Hall guests and for the first time this year these performances will be broadcast live on "The Legend" 650 AM WSM.

Artists scheduled to appear at the Durango Acoustic Corner include Lynn Anderson, Balsam Range, Blue Mother Tupelo, The Bankester Family, Kaci Bolls, Jim Ed Brown, T. Graham Brown, Shawn Camp, Cherryholmes, Elizabeth Cook, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Angela Easterling, Chelsea Field, Larry Gatlin, Teea Goans, The Grascals, Amber Hayes, Josh Williams Band, Jim Lauderdale, Alex Mathison, Randy Kohrs Band, Marty Raybon, Riders in the Sky, The Roys, Anthony Smith, Pam Tillis, Donna Ulisse, Gene Watson, Darryl Worley, and The Wrights.

New this year in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall, artists can appear via video conference in The Country Network Presents the CMA Skype Lounge with secondary sponsor Hear the Music Live. Artists confirmed to participate include The Carter Twins, Carter's Chord, Bucky Covington, Love & Theft, Buddy Jewell, Jesse Lee, Justin Moore, and Jimmy Wayne.

Other exhibitors in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall include Lynn Anderson International Fan Club, Barnes & Noble, Big Machine Records, Carhartt, Chevy, CMT, The Country Network, Cupit Music, DigitalRodeo.com, Dillard's for the Reba Brand, Dish Network, Divas of Daytime TV, DRIVE4COPD, Duck/Buck Commander, Durango Boots®, Farm Boy® and Farm Girl® Brands, Grand Ole Opry, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products, Great American Country (GAC), Lamon Records, Microsoft®, Music City Merchandise, Nashville, Palace, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, PlayStation® Experience, RFD-TV, R.O.P.E., RoperT Apparel & Footwear, Silpada Designs®, Skaggs Family Records, Southern Belle Glamour, SPRINT, Tootsie's, Universal Music Group, VELVEETA® Shells and Cheese, Votre Vu, U.S. Air Force, Waggin' Train Dog Treats, Warner Music Nashville, and WSM-AM.

Zone Out
The Sports Zone is the place to be for sporting fun, friendly competitions between celebrities, athletes, and artists. Located on Broadway between Third and Fourth Avenues as well as in the parking lot to the north of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and east of the Hilton Suites Nashville Downtown, the Sports Zone is open Thursday through Saturday (10:00 AM-6:00 PM) and Sunday (10:00 AM-4:00 PM). Admission is free to the public.

The Sports Zone Stage will host a variety of cooking demonstrations and other activities throughout the Festival.

All Things BBQ Ribs will host demonstrations on how to trim, rub, and cook ribs Thursday through Sunday (11:00 AM-12:00PM).

Join Chef John "Chappy" Chapman from Chappy's on Church for the "Chap Dat! Country Creole Cooking Show" on the Sports Zone Stage. Taking place Thursday through Sunday (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM), Chef Chappy will have celebrities helping in his onsite "kitchen" including Lynn Anderson, Danielle Peck, Marty Raybon, and Pam Tillis.

Also taking place Thursday through Sunday (2:00 PM-2:30 PM), Whole Foods will give fans tips on creating healthy meals with "Whole Foods Market Health Starts Here."

Aspiring singer-songwriter Michael Nelson, will perform a song on the Sports Zone Stage on Thursday (3:45 PM), followed by "Giddy On Up and Dance with Laura Bell Bundy."

On Friday (4:00 PM), Country songbird Patty Loveless will sign autographs in the DRIVE4COPD booth in the Sports Zone.

Saturday (3:00 PM), Jamie O'Neal hosts the Manwich Open Mic Contest Finals on the Sports Zone Stage.

On Saturday (4:30 PM) and Sunday (3:00 PM), Reserve Generation, the band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve will perform on the Sports Zone Stage.

The Chevy Stage in the Sports Zone will feature a variety of activities, appearances, meet and greets and performances. Slated to appear are Rhett Akins, Realtree's David Blanton, Corey Cox, Cracker Boys Outdoor cooking demo, FLW pro angler Anthony Gagliardi, Josey Greenwell, Jolie Holliday, FLW pro angler Jimmy Houston, Sean Patrick McGraw, Bone Collectors' Nick Mundt, Sons of Eden, and Bone Collectors' Michael Waddell.

Visitors to the Sports Zone can also cool off with a free ice cream sample from Blue Bell Creameries; check out the new Chevy Silverado HD and Camaro; win prize packages from DRIVE4COPDT; check out the GAC tour bus; take a tour of the Jack Daniel® traveling experience; learn about the No. 1 selling tractor brand in the world at the Mahindra Tractors booth; register to win prizes from Margaritaville; cool off with Mello Yello; get free samples and purchase limited edition "Dogs Rule" merchandise at the Pedigree booth; visit the Texas on Tour exhibit for an experiential virtual trip to the Lone Star State and a chance to win a free Texas vacation; visit the TNT "Memphis Beat" Lounge for free barbeque, live music and a chance to win VIP concert tickets; and visit the USDA's Food Safety Discovery Zone - an educational mobile exhibit that highlights how you can fight bacteria and prevent food borne illness.

The Sports Zone at Fort Nashboro (First Avenue North at Church Street, adjacent to
Riverfront Park) will host three exciting events. On Friday (12:00 PM-3:00 PM) the Field & Stream Celebrity Total Outdoorsmen Challenge pits artists and celebrities against each other testing their skills in fly casting, archery, and air rifle shooting. Participants include Bo Bice, Rhean Boyer, Jason Brown, Matt Dame, Lucas Hoge, Julie Ingram, Rusty Tabor, Keni Thomas, James Wesley, Trent Willmon, and Mark Wills.

On Saturday (10:00 AM), the Field & Stream Total Outdoorsmen Challenge Regional Qualifier will take place. Fifty pre-qualified sportsmen and sportswomen will compete to move on to the National Championship, to be held in Springfield, Mo. in September.

Also on Saturday (2:30 PM), the Outdoor Life Celebrity Save-A-Stream Pro-Am sponsored by Primos Game Calls, will offer artists and celebrities an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in game calling. Participants include Julie Ingram, Trent Tomlinson, and James Wesley.

The Family Zone is designed for the young as well as the young at heart. This free area, located at the Walk of Fame Park at Fifth Avenue South and Demonbreun Street in front of the Hilton Suites Nashville Downtown is open Thursday-Saturday (11:00 AM-5:00 PM); Sunday (11:00 AM-4:00 PM).

Thursday (11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM), Friday (11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM), and Saturday (11:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM), the "Ultimate K9 Sports Show presented by Waggin' Train Dog Treats" will entertain fans in the Family Zone. These furry athletes from K9s in Flight put on a show full of cutting edge, high flying acrobatics. And they have all been rescued or adopted from shelters all over the country. Country artists will be asked to help put these pups through their paces, and participants include Lynn Anderson, Sherrie Austin, The Band Perry, Jason Meadows, Randy Montana, Danielle Peck, and Julie Roberts.

Family friendly entertainment is available at the Family Zone Main Stage. Fans can enjoy a variety of performers and storytelling. Slated to appear are the Junie B. Jones Stupid Smelly Bus Tour; Nashville Zoo "Wildlife on Wheels"; Prime Tyme Athletics Cheerleading Competition; Random House Children's Books Celebrity Storytelling with Katie Armiger, Whitney Duncan, Jesse Lee, and Jamie O'Neal; and the Ronald McDonald Magic Show.

On Thursday (2:00 PM) on the Family Zone Main Stage, Josh Turner will host a dance contest. Registration for the contest begins at 11:00 AM under the main tent.

Also on Thursday (11:30 AM), McDonald's will host a free family picnic lunch for the first 500 people featuring McDonald's Southern Style Chicken Sandwiches, Apple Dippers, Apple and Cherry Pies, and Dr Pepper.

On Sunday (11:00 AM-3:00 PM), the 27th Annual YWCA Celebrity Auction with Martina McBride will take place on the Family Zone Main Stage. Hosted by Martina McBride and "Headline Country's" Storme Warren, with appearances by Bo Bice, Big Kenny, and The Roys, this popular event will feature items donated by Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts, and Keith Urban.

Also on Sunday (12:00 PM), the Mahindra Tractors Bull Riding Challenge will showcase artists attempting an eight-second ride. Participants include Bo Bice and Jason Meadows.

Other things to see in the Family Zone include learning knot tying skills with the Boy Scouts of America; meet artists and register to win autographed guitars at the Carl Black Chevrolet booth; have your child fingerprinted by the Davidson Country Sheriff's Department, get free samples from Dr Pepper; decorate and sample cookies with the Girls Scouts of Middle Tennessee; visit the Lunchables Project Potential Tour and take part in fun activities that inspire kids to explore their world; sample McDonald's new fruit Smoothies; meet authors and costumed characters in the Random House Children's Books booth; and visit with costumed characters from the Tennessee Aquarium.

The Fun Zone, located on Broadway between First Avenue South and Third Avenue South, will keep families excited and busy. Enjoy fun giveaways from the BC/Goody's Headache Powder booth; check out Bicycle Playing Cards 125th Anniversary Tour's custom-designed double-decker bus; stop by the Coke Zero "Taste What's Possible" Tour; register to win one of three $25,000 "Zone Sweet Home" prize packages and get free samples from COMBOS® Snacks; donate to flood relief at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee booth; stop by the GEICO booth to meet the Gecko and enter to win a $500 gas card; stop by Manwich's Backyard BBQ for Thick & Chunky Sloppy Joe's and enter the Country Music open mic contest; register to win great prizes at the Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville booth; visit the Mobil Performance Zone for a unique Mobil 1 experience and interactive elements; drink in the newest Ocean Spray juice and juice drinks and sample new Craisins dried cranberry flavors at the Ocean Spray Refreshment RV; visit the Sunny D booth to find out how you can enter to win $10,000 and a chance to meet Martina McBride; vote for the Super 8 Top 8 performers at the Super 8 booth and be entered to win an autographed guitar; cool off at the Tasti D-Lite Fun Zone tent with a delicious, healthier frozen treat; learn how to strike it rich at the Tennessee Lottery booth; check out an operational M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank from the United States Marine Corps; register to win a private concert from Rodney Atkins at the VELVEETA Shells & Cheese Side Shack; and get free dog treats from Waggin' Train Dog Treats.

On Saturday, (12:30 PM), Jamie O'Neal fans can meet and get an autograph in the Manwich Backyard BBQ booth.
The Music City Zone returns for its second year in 2010. Located at Courthouse Park and sponsored by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Music City Zone is the place to beat the heat in the Cool Tent, grab a cold beer from Coors Light, try the cuisine from Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, shop for goodies at Music City Marketplace, and shout out to your friends on YouTube, and connect with all things Music City in the Nashville Interactive tent.
The Music City Zone is open Friday (12:00 PM-5:30 PM), Saturday (10:00 AM-6:00 PM) and Sunday (12:00 PM-5:30 PM).

The GAC Music City Zone Stage will host a variety of talent. Artists scheduled to perform include David Ball, Frankie Ballard, Mandy Barnett, Miss Willie Brown, Carter Twins, Charmaine, Elizabeth Cook, Brett Eldredge, The Good Hands Band, The Grascals, Ty Herndon, The Invite, Matt Kennon, Country Music Hall of Fame Member Charlie Louvin, The McClymonts, Chuck Mead, O'Shea, Point of Grace, Randy Kohrs Band, Riders in the Sky, Sam & Ruby, Jordyn Shellhart, Sunny Sweeney, and Rhonda Vincent.

On Saturday in the Music City Zone, the St. Jude Music Fest Road Race will take place. Hosted by Jo Dee Messina, this 5K and one mile fun run will allow Country Music Fans to walk and run in support of patients at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® who are battling cancer and other deadly diseases. Registration will begin at 6:00 AM with a 7:30 AM start for the one-mile fun run and an 8:00 AM start for the 5K.

More Free Music
The Chevy Music Stage on the Bridgestone Arena Plaza, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, is always a fan favorite and a great place to check out some of Country's hottest acts. Artists participating in the daily concerts include Katie Armiger, Steve Azar, Bo Bice, Jason Boland, Bomshel, Ash Bowers, Jason Michael Carroll, Carter's Chord, Classic Country Show featuring Lynn Anderson, Jim Ed Brown with Helen Cornelius, Jeannie Seely, and Gene Watson, Confederate Railroad, Tyler Dickerson, Whitney Duncan, Fast Ryde, Brantley Gilbert, The Harters, Mallary Hope, Jaron and the Long Road to Love, Chris Janson, Kentucky HeadHunters, KingBilly, Blaine Larsen, Jesse Lee, LoCash Cowboys, Randy Montana, Gary Morris, Julie Roberts, Brady Seals, Shel, Stealing Angels, Doug Stone, Thompson Square, Trent Tomlinson, Trailer Choir, James Wesley, Emily West, and Mark Wills.

ABC Block Party
Scheduled for Friday and Saturday (11:30 AM-5:00 PM), the ABC Block Party hosted by Brandon Barash ("Johnny Zacchara" on "General Hospital") and Rossi Morreale (host of "Dating in the Dark"), will feature music, games, autograph sessions, and giveaways. Held on the Family Zone Stage, fans can test their knowledge of ABC shows with trivia games including "Castle Clues," "ABC Modern Family Feud," "Name That ABC Tune," "Daytime Drama," "ABC Password," and "ABC Trivia Wheel."

There will be plenty of music too, including the Divas of Daytime: Kathy Brier and Kassie DePaiva (Marcie McBain" and Blair McBain," respectively, from "One Life to Live"), and Bobbie Eakes ("Krystal Carey" on "All My Children") and Port Chuck: Bradford Anderson, Brandon, Barash, Steve Burton, and Scott Reeves ("Damien Spinelli," "Johnny Zacchara," "Jason Morgan," and "Steve Weber," respectively, from "General Hospital").

There will be special musical performances by Country artists as well including Chris Janson and Emily West.

Other ABC talent scheduled to appear includes Melissa Archer ("Natalie Buchanan Banks" on "One Life to Live"), Jillian Harris ("Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"), Paige Hemmis ("Extreme Makeover; Home Edition"), Tracy Hutson ("Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"), Kelly Monaco ("Samantha McCall" on "General Hospital"), Bree Williamson ("Jessica Brennan" on "One Life to Live'), and Laura Wright ("Carly Corinthos Jacks" on "General Hospital").

Getting Around
A limited number of on-site, pay parking spots ($10 per vehicle) will be available each night at LP Field in Lots E and F, just across the Woodland Street Bridge. This parking lot is not available for pre-purchase. It is available for purchase on-site, on a first-come, first-serve basis Thursday and Friday (after 5:00 PM); and all day Saturday and Sunday. Ample paid surface lots and parking garages are also available in Downtown Nashville, conveniently accessible to LP Field via the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge.

CMA Music Festival activities are conveniently located in Downtown Nashville within walking distance. Plus, there is access to free shuttles at major CMA Music Festival event sites for all four-day ticket holders. Downtown shuttles run daily on a continuous loop. Handicapped-accessible shuttle buses are available with attendants to offer assistance.

Shopping
CMA Music Festival attendees can take home a little piece of the event with merchandise purchased at this year's Festival.

The official CMA Music Festival product line will be available onsite through Music City Merchandise. Booths will be set up at the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall, Riverfront Park, Family Zone, Sports Zone, LP Field, and the Bridgestone Arena. Merchandise is subject to availability. CMA Music Festival stores and store locations are subject to change without notice. For complete merchandise information, or to order online, visit www.CMAfest.com.

2010 Ticket Packages Still Available
Four-day ticket packages for 2010 CMA Music Festival are still available. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free. The four-day ticket package includes the Nightly Concerts on LP Field Concert Stage, exclusive access Thursday and Friday to the Greased Lightning FanFair Hall in the Nashville Convention Center, early access to the Riverfront Park Daytime Stage, exclusive to the Photo Lines at LP Field and Riverfront Park, exclusive access to the event shuttle between venues, and a registration bag. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices and artists are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

Tickets for each nightly show at LP Field can be purchased at a cost of $30 for general admission. Single night tickets can be purchased in advance through the CMA Music Festival Box Office at The Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville, or toll free at 1-800 CMA-FEST (262-3378). Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket price does not include applicable handling fees.

* NOTE: Please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for information on ADA seating, which may be available in Sold Out sections.

2011 CMA Music Festival Tickets
New this year, all 2010 CMA Music Festival four-day ticket holders will be able to renew their tickets for 2011 without standing in line. 2010 four-day ticketholders will be notified in July via e-mail with details on renewing for 2011. All renewals will take place before tickets go on sale nationally later this summer (renewals do not apply if your tickets were ordered through a tour group).

ABC Television Special - Wednesday, Sept. 1
As previously announced, CMA Music Festival will be filmed for a television special. This year, "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" will air on the ABC Television Network Wednesday, Sept. 1 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET). Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Gary Halvorson is the Director. This is the sixth year the special will air on ABC. The primetime special debuted on the CBS Television Network in 2004. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

The concerts and the interaction between artists and fans will be captured in the special, with heart-pounding performances interspersed with unprecedented behind-the-ropes access to the stars.

Information
For up-to-the-minute information about four-day ticket packages, single night tickets to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field, travel information, schedules, artist appearances and more, visit www.CMAfest.com to sign up for CMA Exclusive e-news and join the CMA MOB mobile community. Fans may also want to check out CMA's Facebook (www.facebook.com/CountryMusicAssociation), Twitter (www.Twitter.com/Country Music), MySpace (www.MySpace.com/cmamusicfestival), and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/CountryMusicAssoc) pages.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Partners include American Airlines; Barnes & Noble; BC® Headache Powder; Bicycle Playing Cards; Blue Bell Creameries; Carl Black Chevrolet; ChevyT: The Official Ride of Country Music; CMT; COMBOS® Snacks; Dillard's®; Dr Pepper®; DRIVE4COPDT; Durango Boots®; Farm Boy® & Farm Girl® Brands; Field & Stream®; GEICO; General Cigar Co., Inc.; Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee; Goody's® Headache Powders; Greased Lightning® Cleaning Products; Great American Country (GAC); Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville; Kraft Lunchables; Jack Daniel's®; Mahindra USA, Inc.; Makers Mark; McDonalds®; Microsoft®; MidSouth Satellite/DISH Network®; Ocean Spray®; PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs; PlayStation®; PEOPLE Country; Random House Children's Books; RFD-TV; RoperT Apparel & Footwear; Silpada Designs; Southern Belle Glamour; Sprint; SunnyD®; Super 8®; Tasti D-Lite®; TENNESSEE LOTTERY; Texas on Tour; The Country Network; TNT Memphis Beat; United States Marine Corps.; U.S. Air Force; USDA Food Safety Mobile; VELVEETA® Shells and Cheese; Votre Vu; Waggin' Train ® Dog Treats; World Vision®; Wrangler®. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA.