Written by: Cilene Bosch
Photo Credit: Cilene Bosch
Thousands of CMA Music Festival pass holders filled the Ascend Amphitheater Wednesday Morning for the Festival’s opening ceremony.
This year’s CMA Fest (which runs through Sunday June 12) is Mayor Barry’s first CMA as Nashville Mayor and she focused on the significance of this annual event, the work it takes for a city to put together and the impact it has with the 87,000 visitors and more than $60million in revenue which raises $10 million for music Education programs in Metro Schools. Barry said “ We welcome you and …hope you spend a lot of money…”
The party kicked off with the Fisk Jubilee Singers who delivered a rousing rendition of the National Anthem. Country superstar Chris Young was this years host and told the audience that he has attended the CMA Fest ( and it previous Fan Fair) for as long as he could remember. First as a fan with his family, then as an artist.
The McGavock High School Drum Line made a transitory performance just prior to Chris Young taking the stage to start off with his first chart-topper, :Getting’ You Home ( The Black Dress Song) He called out local American Idol finalist Tristan McIntosh to join him for “When You Say Nothing At All” an acknowledgment to Young’s musical hero, the late Keith Whitley.
Audiences were ready to enjoy the afternoon line up of artists as the festival kicked off under the sweltering heat. Chris Young did remind the audience that” if you are going to enjoy CMA Fest you have to remember 3 things… 1. Sunglasses, 2. Sunscreen and 3. Water!”
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