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NASHVILLE – Some of the most powerful
and emotionally moving voices in music come together to celebrate the holidays
on “CMA Country Christmas,” which tapes in front of a live audience Friday, Nov. 8 (7:30 PM/CT),
at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The special, which features Jennifer
Nettles hosting for the fourth year, airs this holiday season on the
ABC Television Network.
“It’s really a joy for me to get to host ‘CMA
Country Christmas,’” Nettles said. “I have so much fun doing it! I love
the holiday season, and for me to get to be a part of this show for the fourth
year in a row is a really big honor. What I love about doing this gig is that
it’s the closest I’ve gotten to the old classic television variety shows.
It is entertainment that everybody in the family can find fun, and I hope it’s
something that keeps happening for years and years and years.”
Artists
scheduled to perform and celebrate the season with songs and stories include Trace Adkins, Luke
Bryan, Sheryl Crow, Lucy Hale, Nettles, Jake Owen, Kellie
Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, and Michael W. Smith.
“The
taping for ‘CMA Country Christmas’ is a jump-start for the holiday season
and has become a family tradition for many Nashville residents,” said CMA Board
President Ed Hardy. “Adding to the celebration is our A Gift
for All toy drive, which provides new toys for homeless children, shining a spotlight
on a worthy endeavor in a way that reflects the values and heart of our artists,
the industry, and this city.”
For the second year, audience
members are being encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the taping to help
make the holidays brighter for Nashville area children. The Nashville-based, non-profit
group Generosity, will have volunteers on site with specially marked bins to collect
the toys, which will be distributed to homeless families this holiday season.
In 2012, the group collected more than 5,000 toys.
Volunteers from
Generosity will start accepting toys Friday, Nov. 8 at 1:00 PM/CT
at the Bridgestone Arena Plaza (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, Nashville).
You do not have to have a ticket to the show to drop off a toy.
“Our
artists are extremely generous and so are our fans,” Hardy said. “It is our
goal to make sure no child goes without a present this Christmas and we are grateful
to our partners at Generosity for helping to make this a dream come true for children in Nashville.”
Tickets
for “CMA Country Christmas” are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com; by calling (800)
745-3000; or in person at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office, located at 501 Broadway
(corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, Nashville). Tickets for “CMA Country Christmas”
cost $50 for Lower and Club Level reserved seating; $25 for Upper Level reserved
seating. Ticket prices include tax, but exclude applicable service fees.
For updates
and information visit CMAchristmas.com. |
