IT’S ALMOST TIME…

IT’S ALMOST TIME……

by S. Parks

You’ll soon be able to visit the “Wagon Wheel” (Darius) on Broadway with the “Boys ‘Round Here” (Blake) and “Get Your Shine On” (FL/GA Line) and “Beat This Summer” (Brad) when you “Crash My Party” (Luke) until you’re “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” (Randy) because “Love is Everything” (King George). That’s country hit song code for “The CMA Fest is almost here”.

The
dozens of “60 for 60” signs that lined Music Row every few feet brought
a warmth and appreciation for not only George Strait but for what we do
– country music.  The display seemed to open the door for the busy week
to come when Music City welcomes thousands of fans from around the
world.  

As
George was celebrating being the first music artist in history to
achieve sixty number one singles at the age of sixty, the entire city
was celebrating along with him.  At the Grammy Block Party at Owen
Bradley Park on Music Row, Storme Warren welcomed Will Hoge, Kristen
Kelly, Rhett Walker Band, Kip Moore and other artists, several of which
were thankful for being in the show after watching from the audience
last year.  Downtown, the CMT All-New Hot 20 Countdown TV Show was in
production followed by a video taping event of performances by Darius
Rucker, Kasey Musgraves and Jason Aldean close by at Centerstage. Then,
of course, the hit TV series, “Nashville” is always filming all over
town.

Love
and Theft joined David Nail at The Tin Roof, concerts were being held
at Centenniel Park, the Johnny Cash Museum finally opened, the streets
of lower Broadway magically turned into Margaritaville in honor of Jimmy
Buffet’s visit and the Music City Guitar Show at the Fairgrounds
brought treasure-hunting pickers and players from all over..  

Covering
sixteen acres in the middle of downtown, the grand opening of The Music
City Center, under construction for three years, was next on the list
of celebrations. Housing the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and
massive space for events of all types, the final touches were being
added to welcome the CMA Fest attendees to the upcoming “Fanfair meet
and greet” section of the CMA Fest.  

Of
course, every venue in town is hosting a country artist in anticipation
of the CMA Festival to come. Tents are going up, streets are being
closed, parties are being planned, artists are in rehearsal, food
vendors are stocking up, shops are putting out souvenirs and Nashville
will be ready to become “Fanville” for the next week. If you’re going,
email me, the CMNI Nashville correspondent, and we may use your comments
in Country Music News International!  After all, it’s all about the
fans, and that’s you!     email S. Parks in Nashville at musicmusicmusic100@hotmail.com

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