While I won't say that my trip is a horrible failure, the number one thing that I wish I would have done is plan for a few extra days before the CMA Music Festival (formerly known as Fan Fair) starts so that I had time to see some of the sites of Nashville, as well as attend a few other events that are happening prior to my arrival.
If you haven't been to Nashville before, and can afford it, you will most definitely want to arrive the Monday or Tuesday before Fan Fair starts. Even if you have visited the city, there are several events that you may want to plan to see prior to the official start of Fan Fair.
On Tuesday (June 8th) there are several events happening, so you'll have to decide which one you want to see. At 7pm at the Grand Ole Opry House catch the Tuesday Night Opry show. The show lasts 2 hours and tickets are from $27.50 - 42.50 for adults. Child prices are also available. For more info go to Opry.com.
At 7:30 pm on Tuesday night (June 8th) Robert K. Oermann hosts the IFCO Fun Fest at the Ryman Auditorium. The show benefits St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. At this time the only stars confirmed are Tracy Byrd and Andy Griggs, with others to be added. Tickets are $38.00 and can be purchased at IFCO.org.
At 8:00 pm on Tuesday night (June 8th) Chely Wright hosts her Reading, Writing & Rhythm benefit concert at the Wildhorse Saloon. Joining Chely on stage will be Martina McBride and Jimmy Wayne. Tickets are $25.00 with proceeds going to benefit music education in schools. You can buy them online at the Wildhorse Saloon website.
On Wednesday night (June 9th) Marty Stuart will host his Late Night Jam at 10:00 pm at the Ryman Auditorium. Terri Clark is the only one announced so far, but there will be others announced as well. Tickets are available through the Ryman Auditorium box office or at Ticketmaster.
Fan Fair itself starts on Thursday, June 10th and runs through Sunday evening, June 13th. During the days, get up bright and early to get in line to meet your favorite artists that are signing autographs at the Convention Center. Also during the day at the Riverside Stages you can see a multitude of shows from some of the best independent label artists. Then, in the evening major labels hold their artist shows at the Coliseum.
On Thursday night, (June 10th) at 11:00 pm at the Ryman check out the Superstar Spectacular, which benefits the Opry Trust fund. Artists haven't been announced yet, but it's sure to be a great show. Tickets can be purchased at the Opry.com website.
Besides the events above, many of the artist-sponsored Fan Club parties take place the week of Fan Fair, so that is yet another reason to arrive early in the week.
I hope this information along with my email course will help you plan your trip this year to the CMA Music Festival.
