I first attended CMA Fest in Nashville in 2017. I gladly returned for 2018 & 2019. No one could have predicted that the next two years would be cancelled, a first in the history of the event. It was definitely a long wait, and my country music loving self was happy to return to Nashville for CMA Fest 2022. The pace seemed a bit slower this year, or maybe that was just me. (Ha!) Many fans stated that they were a bit disappointed with the lineups this year; however, I was more than okay with easing my way back into the craziness.
Fan Fair X is held in the Music City Center, and as always, the A/C is a welcome refuge from the summer heat. In here you can find the CMA Close Up Stage, where there is a different artist featured each day. I caught Kelsea Ballerini as she sat down with Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson, hosts of Amazon’s Country Heat Weekly Podcast. The hosts asked Ballerini if she feels like her rise to stardom happened as quickly as it feels like it did to her fans. Check out her response here. Other artists featured included Russell Dickerson, Jimmie Allen, Lainey Wilson, and more.
(photo by Stefanie Richardson)
Other than the A/C and Close Up Stage, Fan Fair X also houses artist meet and greets. This gives fans up close and personal interaction with their favorite artists. If you plan to go to CMA Fest, be sure to check out the lineup for these meet and greets!
(photo by Stefanie Richardson)
Once you’ve cooled off enough inside Music City Center, head out to catch one of the many performances happening around downtown. Shows start at 10am each day and run through approximately 5pm. The Chevy Riverfront stage hit capacity, I believe, every day. (That isn’t exactly surprising, considering an estimated 80,000 fans attended this year…) It’s always the busiest of the daytime stages, so be sure to get there early! I’d have to say my favorite was Chris Bandi‘s 90s country medley which he performed on the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage!
(photo by Stefanie Richardson)
Each year, CMA Fest proceeds benefit the CMA Foundation. Their site states, “The CMA Foundation began investing in music education in 2006 and was birthed from the passion of our artists and industry professionals who first fell in love with music within the four walls of a classroom. Thanks to their teachers who believed in them, they were able to go after their dreams. For us, it’s not just about raising up the next generation of musicians, but leveraging the impact that music has on students.” Filmore brought out a group of students from Chattanooga to sing on stage with him during his song, “Other Girl.” Check out this clip of their collaboration.
After the daytime shows wrap up, fans who want more live music from their favorite stars can head to either Ascend Amphitheater or Nissan Stadium. I attended the show at Ascend on Friday night, which Chris Janson headlined. Good lord, that man knows how to entertain a crowd!! This was my first year covering Nissan Stadium, and it absolutely will not be my last! Sure, it makes for a longer day, but it’s beyond worth it! Helpful hint – 4 day Nissan Stadium ticket holders can take advantage of buses that will bring you from various locations downtown and across the river to the stadium. (They run until 1am.)
One of my favorite things about the stadium shows was the surprise guests! I missed Wynonna‘s performance with Carly Pearce on Friday, which I’m still bummed about! However, Sunday night brought fans surprise appearances from Elle King, Billy Ray Cyrus, Breland, and Ashley McBryde! Carrie Underwood took fans to church early on Saturday night with her goosebumps inducing rendition of “How Great Thou Art” & ended the night with “Before He Cheats.” Luke Bryan brought his signature moves. Luke Combs blew the crowd away with his first hit, “Hurricane.” (Pun intended) Dierks Bentley brought out Billy Ray Cyrus for “Achy Breaky Heart,” and later Elle King for “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and their new duet “Worth a Shot.” Old Dominion‘s Matthew Ramsey showed that even the pros forget the words sometimes as he started their hit “Snapback.” After some help from fellow member Brad Tursi, they started over and played it perfectly. Needless to say, Nissan Stadium is a do not miss if attending CMA Fest!
(photo by Stefanie Richardson)
You can catch the CMA Fest TV special on ABC on August 3. The dates are already set for next summer, June 8 – 11, 2023. The event will be the 50th CMA Fest, so expect BIG things!! Hope to see you there!
Matthew Ramsey of Old Dominion, Lady A, Elle King
Ashley McBryde, Randy Houser, Jon Osborne of Brothers Osborne
Matthew Ramsey of Old Domion
(All photos by Stefanie Richardson)
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