News & Publications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 24, 2006
CMA Announces “Nashville Celebrates Country” A Week Of Activities Leading Up To The 2006 CMA Awards
NASHVILLE – To involve the City of Nashville in the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the CMA Awards, CMA has assembled a week of activities and events leading up to the Awards dubbed “Nashville Celebrates Country.”
“In all my years at CMA, I have never been more excited as we approach the Awards with a new venue at the Gaylord Entertainment Center, a new network home on ABC, and a new infusion of creative energy and enthusiasm from the City of Nashville,” said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. “After our successful one-time excursion to New York City in 2005, the CMA Awards will be celebrating a major milestone as well as an eagerly awaited homecoming. And we want everyone to help us celebrate.”
“Nashville Celebrates Country” will highlight private and public events and promotional initiatives throughout Downtown Nashville with live music, art, fashion, celebrity appearances, charity benefits, and more. The activities are designed to generate even more excitement and attention for the CMA Awards, which will be held Monday, Nov. 6 (7:00-10:00 PM/CT) at the Gaylord Entertainment Center and broadcast live on the ABC Television Network.
“Country Music is no stranger to Nashville, but we are going to endeavor to make sure that everyone knows that ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’ is back home in Nashville for the 40th Anniversary,” Genovese said.
Leading up to the week of activities, the public will have the opportunity to view the official artwork of the 2006 CMA Awards and meet the creator, renowned 3-D pop artist Charles Fazzino. As part of the Frist Fridays concert series, Fazzino will be on hand at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts Friday, Oct. 27 (6:00-9:00 PM/CT) to autograph complimentary art cards and personalize his artwork. The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is located at 919 Broadway. Frist Fridays is free to Frist Center members and $8.50 for the general public. Tickets must be purchased at the door.
MONDAY, OCT. 30
1. “Broadway Meets Country” (CMA ticketed event)
Off the success of “Broadway Meets Country” in New York City in 2005, this production comes to Nashville to kick-off the week of events. The hottest stars of Broadway and Country come together for one night to celebrate both genres, hosted by Barbara Mandrell. Country performers include Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Raul Malo, Lorrie Morgan, Jamie O’Neal, Joe Nichols, Phil Vassar, Clay Walker, Lee Ann Womack, Trisha Yearwood, and Chris Young. Participants from Broadway include Laura Bell Bundy, Michael Cerveris, Felicia P. Fields, Peter Gallagher, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Brian d’Arcy James, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Julia Murney, Ben Vereen, and company members from Disney’s “The Lion King” National Tour. The night will consist of duets and solo performances. “Broadway Meets Country” will benefit TPAC Education and The Actors’ Fund.
Details
Location: Tennessee Performing Arts Center, James K. Polk Theatre, 505 Deaderick St.
Time: 7:30-9:00 PM/CT
Tickets: $500 (includes VIP reception)/$35/$75/$150. Tickets are available online through www.tpac.org; in-person at the TPAC Box Office (Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in the Mall at Green Hills); at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling Ticketmaster at (615) 255-ARTS (x2787). For additional concert information, please call (615) 244-2840 or visit www.CMAawards.com.
TUESDAY, OCT. 31
Halloween
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1
1. Nashville Star Regional Finals (Free/open to public)
The 10 finalists for this seasons’ television series will be chosen from 56 contestants, who have won regional competitions. The public can watch as all contestants perform for judges Anastasia Brown and Cowboy Troy.
Details
Location: The Stage, 412 Broadway
Time: 6:00-10:00 PM/CT, doors open at 5:45 PM/CT
Tickets: Free at the door for public
2. Play It Steve 50-Year Musical Journey with Steve Cropper (Ticketed event)
Benefiting the T.J. Martell Foundation, a 50-year musical journey with Steve Cropper and special guests John Anderson, Ray Benson, T. Graham Brown, James Burton, Felix Cavaliere, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Mark Farner, John Kay, Delbert McClinton, Randy Owen, Lee Roy Parnell, Trick Pony, Danny Shirley, B.J. Thomas, and Ray Vega. Peter Gallagher will emcee.
Details
Location: Ryman Auditorium, 116 Fifth Avenue North
Time: 7:00 PM/CT
Ticket Prices: $50-$125 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets; Kroger; Macy’s; the Ryman Box Office, Ryman.com, or (615) 255-9600. VIP tickets ($300) are available by calling (615) 256-2002, including one premiere reserved seat for the concert, a pre-concert reception at Merchant’s Restaurant, an after party at B.B. King’s Blues Club and Restaurant, and a gift bag.
Information: Call (615) 256-2002 or visit www.TJMartellFoundation.org
THURSDAY, NOV. 2
1. “CMA Celebrity Close Up” (Ticketed event)
A lecture series that provides fans the opportunity for an in-depth glimpse into an artist's life and personality featuring artists Julie Roberts, Van Zant and Lee Ann Womack in an interview-setting hosted by GAC host and media personality Lorianne Crook. GAC, the presenting sponsor, will tape the event for a future television broadcast by the same name on the Country-themed network.
Details
Location: Wildhorse Saloon, 120 Second Avenue North
Time: 6:30 PM/CT
Tickets: Tickets are $12 and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com as well as the Wildhorse Saloon box office, which can be reached by calling (615) 902-8200 daily 11:00 AM-midnight.
2. Nashville Star Regional Finals (Free/open to public)
The 10 finalists for this seasons’ television series will be chosen from 56 contestants, who have won regional competitions. The public can watch as all contestants perform for judges Anastasia Brown and Cowboy Troy.
Details
Location: The Stage, 412 Broadway
Time: 6:00-10:00 PM/CT, doors open at 5:45 PM/CT
Tickets: Free at the door for public
FRIDAY, NOV. 3
1. Opry at the Ryman (Ticketed event)
The Grand Ole Opry returns to its original home at the Ryman Auditorium on this
special night of music. Performers include Katrina Elam, Jack Greene, Connie Smith, and more to be announced.
Details
Location: Ryman Auditorium, 116 Fifth Avenue North
Time: 7:00 and 9:30 PM/CT
Tickets: Adults $46.50/$36.50/$31.50, children ages 4-11 $46.50/$26.50/$21.50. For more information or to order tickets call (615) 871-OPRY, or (800) SEE-OPRY (733-6779), or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.
3. Nashville Star Regional Finals (Free/open to public)
The 10 finalists for this seasons’ television series will be chosen from 56 contestants, who have won regional competitions. The public can watch as all contestants perform for judges Anastasia Brown and Cowboy Troy.
Details
Location: The Stage, 412 Broadway
Time: 6:00-10:00 PM/CT, doors open at 5:45 PM/CT
Tickets: Free at the door for public
SATURDAY, NOV. 4
1. Whirlpool® Building Blocks Project (Media only, not a public event)
Reba McEntire, together with Habitat for Humanity, Whirlpool Corporation, and volunteers from the community, will share in a joint effort to build an entire block of 10 homes in Nashville. The homes will be built Nov. 5-10 in the Providence Park area, Nashville’s first all-Habitat subdivision and one of the nation’s largest contiguous all-Habitat communities. Providence Park was started in 2002 by the Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity and now has more than 85 Habitat homes. The Whirlpool® Building Blocks project is the largest multi-home build in the Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity’s 21-year history. A press conference with McEntire and leaders of the organizations will kick off the event on Sunday, Nov. 5 (1:00 PM/CT).
Details
Location: Providence Park, Nashville
Take I-24 East to the Harding Place exit, turn right onto Harding Place, turn right on Linbar, turn left on Paragon Mills, turn right on Donna Kay, turn right on Paragon Drive and the media tent will be on the left, next to the playground. Media/VIP parking is directly across the street from the tent and will be marked.
Information: Call (615) 254-4663 x223
2. Premiere Radio Networks - Radio Remote Broadcast (Private event)
Forty-Eight radio stations from around the U.S. broadcast morning and afternoon drive time from Nashville.
Details
Time: 10:00AM/CT-2:00 PM/CT and 4:00-8:00 PM/CT
3. Global Markets Showcase (CMA private event)
Hosted by Jace Everett, the event will feature performances from Bomshel, Carolina Rain, Eric Church, Everett, Megan Mullins, Gary Nichols, and Chris Young.
Details
Time: 1:30-4:00 PM/CT
Location: Cabana, 1910 Belcourt Avenue
4. Chevy Ride & Drive (Open to the public)
An opportunity to test drive the all new 2007 Silverado or feel the power in a Corvette or Cobalt SS Supercharged.
Details
Time: Noon–5:00 PM/CT
Location: LP Field Lots A and B. Shuttles available from Broadway and Fifth Avenues. Look for the “Chevy Test Drive” marked shuttles.
5. Chevy Concert Event (CMA event, free/open to the public)
Chevy will sponsor a free-to-the-public concert in Downtown Nashville with a major Country artist to build on the excitement of the CMA Awards.
Details
Location: Gaylord Entertainment Center Plaza, 501 Broadway
Time: 6:30-8:00 PM/CT
6. 54th Annual BMI Country Awards (Private event)
The BMI Country Awards honor the songwriters and publishers of the 50 songs that received the most radio and TV airplay last year. Highlights of the black-tie gala include a tribute to Merle Haggard as a BMI icon and the announcements of the Songwriter and the Publisher of the Year, and the Most Performed Country Song of the Year (the Robert J. Burton Award).
Media access: Red carpet access is tight due to space limitations. Award show access is very limited. Event photos (including shots of the celebrity guests) will be posted early Nov. 5 at http://press.bmi.com. Credential requests can be filled out at http://press.bmi.com/request/.
Details
Location: BMI, 10 Music Square East
Time: Red carpet 6:30 PM/CT, gala 9:00 PM/CT
7. Opry at the Ryman (Ticketed event)
The Grand Ole Opry returns to its previous home at the Ryman Auditorium on this special night of music. Performers include Jim Ed Brown, Jimmy C. Newman, Collin Raye, Julie Roberts, Josh Turner, and more to be announced.
Details
Location: Ryman Auditorium, 116 Fifth Avenue North
Time: 6:30 and 9:30 PM/CT
Tickets: Adults $46.50/$36.50/$31.50, children ages 4-11 $46.50/$26.50/$21.50. For more information or to order tickets call (615) 871-OPRY, or (800) SEE-OPRY (733-6779), or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.
8. Miller Lite Concert (CMA ticketed event)
Rising Capitol Nashville Country artists Luke Bryan and Eric Church will perform. Concert is sponsored by Miller Beer.
Details
Location: Wildhorse Saloon, 120 Second Avenue North
Time: 8:00 PM/CT
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Wildhorse Saloon www.wildhorsesaloon.com, or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.
SUNDAY, NOV. 5
1. Premiere Radio Networks - Radio Remote Broadcast (Private event)
Forty-Eight radio stations from around the U.S. broadcast morning and afternoon drive time from Nashville.
Details
Time: 10:00 AM/CT-2:00 PM/CT; and 4:00-8:00 PM/CT
2. Star-Spangled CMA Fashion Show “Rhinestones & Roses” (CMA private event) Artists and models will work the runway sporting couture from designer to the stars – Manuel. Some of the collection of classic Country couture is from Marty Stuart’s private collection. Artists participating include Lynn Anderson, Janie Fricke, Josh Gracin, Heartland, Little Richard, Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, Gary Nichols, Julie Roberts, Tanya Tucker, and more.
Details
Location: War Memorial Auditorium, 301 Sixth Avenue North
Time: 10:30 AM/CT VIP Reception at the Tennessee State Museum
12:00-1:30 PM/CT Fashion Show at War Memorial Auditorium
3. Music City Walk of Fame (Open to public)
Six musical luminaries will be inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame, which begins at the Hall of Fame Park and works its way up Demonbreun Street toward Music Row on the music mile. The 2006 class of inductees includes Felice and Boudeleaux Bryant, Fisk Jubilee Singers, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, Roy Orbison, and Kenneth Schermerhorn.
Details
Location: Hall of Fame Park, Demonbreun St., between Fourth and Fifth Avenues
Time: 3:00-4:00 PM/CT
Information: Contact Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, (615) 259-4730
4. CMA Awards Reunion (CMA private event)
A reception at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum honoring the tradition and legacy of the CMA Awards over the past 40 years.
Details
Location: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Fifth Avenue South
Time: 4:00-5:30 PM/CT
5. Hartmann’s Cocktail Reception with the NCVB (Private event)
Hosted by Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn, Sara Evans, Phil Vassar, Hartmann Inc., and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, this cocktail reception celebrates 40 years of the CMA Awards with the local business leaders and representatives of the Country Music industry.
Details
Location: The Bellsouth Building, 333 Commerce Street
Time: 5:30-8:00 PM/CT
Information: Contact Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau at (615) 259-4730
6. “Songs of the Year” Concert Presented by Cracker Barrel (Private event)
The “Songs of the Year” concert will be produced by Cracker Barrel at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The event features artists participating in the Songs of the Year CD project, which will be available through Cracker Barrel. The event will be taped for broadcast on Great American Country. Artists confirmed to participate include: Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Deana Carter, Billy Currington, Heart, Jack Ingram, Jypsi, Lonestar, Michael McDonald, Jo Dee Messina, Ronnie Milsap, Jamie O’Neal, Blake Shelton, Hank Williams Jr., and Trisha Yearwood, among others.
Details
Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center, One Symphony Place
Time: Red carpet starts at 5:00 PM/CT, show starts at 7:30 PM/CT
7. Miller Lite Concert (Ticketed event)
A concert at The Wildhorse Saloon featuring Midas Records Nashville artists Emerson Drive. Concert is sponsored by Miller Beer.
Details
Location: Wildhorse Saloon, 120 Second Avenue North
Time: 8:00 PM/CT
Tickets: $10 and can be purchased at the Wildhorse Saloon, www.wildhorsesaloon.com, or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.
MONDAY, NOV. 6
1. Premiere Radio Networks - Radio Remote Broadcast (Private event)
Forty-Eight radio stations from around the U.S. broadcast morning and afternoon drive time from Nashville.
Details
Time: 6:00-11:00 AM/CT and 2:00-7:00 PM/CT
2. “Good Morning America” (Open to the Public)
ABC’s “Good Morning America” will broadcast live from Nashville the morning of the CMA Awards with special performances by CMA Awards nominee Sugarland along with special guests Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora of CMA Awards nominated Bon Jovi.
Details
Location: Chevy Stage at Gaylord Entertainment Center Plaza, 501 Broadway
Time: 7:00-9:00 AM
3. The CMA Awards Red Carpet (CMA credentialed media only)
Hundreds of international and domestic photographers and media talk to the stars and capture all the excitement of the artists arriving for “Country Music’s Biggest Night.”
Details
Location: Corner of Fifth Avenue and Demonbreun Street
Time: 4:00-6:45 PM/CT
4. “The 40th Annual CMA Awards” (CMA ticketed event)
Brooks & Dunn host “The 40th Annual CMA Awards” live from the Gaylord Entertainment Center on the ABC Television Network.
"Tickets for “The 40th Annual CMA Awards” are now on-sale to the general public, and can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com; calling (615) 255-9600; or in-person at the Gaylord Entertainment Center box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in Nashville). The ticket price is $150 for Bronze level seating; $200 for Silver level seating; and $350 for Gold level seating (excluding applicable service/handling fees).
Details
Location: Gaylord Entertainment Center, 501 Broadway
Time: 7:00-10:00 PM/CT
“The 40th Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Walter C. Miller is the Executive Producer; Robert Deaton is the Consulting Producer; Paul Miller is the Director; and David Wild will script the ceremonies. Premiere Radio Network is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2006 CMA Awards. Chevy, an American Revolution, is the official ride of the 2006 CMA Awards. Additional promotional partners include aolmusic.com, Camping World®, Carl Black Chevrolet, Coca-Cola®, Country Music Television, Inc.®, Crisco®, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products®, Hallmark Cards®, Miller Brewing Company®, Prilosec OTC®, Purity Dairies®, T.G.I. Friday’s®, The Biography Channel, and Yankee Candle®. Charles Fazzino is the official artist of the 2006 CMA Awards.
For Non-CMA events, please contact:
54th Annual BMI Country Awards
Kay Clary
BMI
(615) 401-2728
“Broadway Meets Country”
Adriana Douzos
Shaffer-Coyle Public Relations
(646) 733-5300
CMA Celebrity Close Up
Elle Butler
GAC
(865) 560-3951
Global Markets Showcase
Bobbi Boyce
CMA
(615) 587-1166
Hartmann’s Cocktail Reception with the NCVB
Heather Middleton
NCVB
(615) 259-4767
Miller Lite Concert
Vanessa Parker-Davis
Splash! Public Relations
(615) 321-1383
Music City Walk of Fame
Heather Middleton
NCVB
(615) 259-4767
Nashville Star Regional Finals
Carrie Simons
BWR Public Relations
(310) 248-6104
Opry at the Ryman
Jessie Schmidt / Darlene Bieber
Schmidt Relations
(615) 846-3878
Play it Steve 50 Year Musical Journey with Steve Cropper
Cathy Gurley
Gurley & Co.
(615) 269-0474
“Songs of the Year” Concert Presented by Cracker Barrel
Kirt Webster
Webster PR & Associates
(615) 777-6995
Star-Spangled CMA Fashion Show “Rhinestones & Roses”
Kirt Webster
Webster PR & Associates
(615) 777-6995
Whirlpool® Building Blocks Project
Lisa Davis
Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity
(615) 254-4663 x223