Country Music Association » Just the Facts

CMA Awards: Voting Process & Category Criteria

Cory Chapman — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:46:43 +0000

THE VOTING PROCESS

Any mention of the CMA Awards elicits the question of how winners are selected. The answer does much to explain why the CMA Awards is the most-highly regarded and coveted award in the Country Music industry.

CMA Awards winners are chosen in three rounds of voting. Votes are cast by industry professional members of the Country Music Association – meaning Awards winners are honored by their peers in the music industry.

Awards criteria, rules of election and balloting procedures are established by CMA’s Board of Directors. Singles, albums, music videos and qualified music products for the musical event must have been first released during the eligibility period.

Three rounds of voting:

Ballot 1: Each CMA member may nominate one act in each category on the first ballot. The top 20 qualified vote recipients in each category become official nominees on the second ballot. In the Entertainer of the Year category the top 15 qualified nominees will advance to the second ballot.

Ballot 2: On the second ballot, CMA members must vote for up to five nominees in each category. The results are tabulated. The top five vote-getters in each category are the final nominees and appear on the third/final ballot.

Ballot 3: On the final ballot, members vote for one nominee in each category to determine the winners.

The entire balloting process is conducted and certified by the international accounting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP

CMA AWARDS CRITERIA

Have you ever wondered, “What does it take for my favorite artist to be nominated for Entertainer of the Year?” See below for a quick explanation of each category and what it takes to be nominated for Country Music’s Highest Honors.

45th Annual CMA Awards Eligibility Period: July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011

Category 1 – ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

This Award is for the act displaying the greatest competence in all aspects of the entertainment field. Voter should give consideration not only to recorded performance, but also to the in-person performance, staging, public acceptance, attitude, leadership, and overall contribution to the Country Music image. Award to artist.

Category 2 – SINGLE OF THE YEAR

This Award is for individual tracks only. This category will include both digital releases as well as physical releases. The track must have reached the Top 50 of Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart, Country Aircheck Chart or Music Row Country Breakout Chart for the first time during the eligibility period. If the single charted in the Top 50 on the above charts and was released prior to the eligibility period but achieved its highest chart position during the eligibility period, it is eligible unless it has previously appeared on a Final Ballot in this category.

Category 3 – ALBUM OF THE YEAR

This Award is for an album as a whole unit. The album should be judged on all aspects including, but not limited to, artist’s performance, musical background, engineering, packaging, design, art, layout and liner notes. At least 75% of the product in the album must have first achieved national prominence during the eligibility period. Award to artist and producer.

Category 4 – SONG OF THE YEAR

This Award is for the songwriter(s). Any Country Music song with original words and music is eligible based upon the song’s Country singles chart activity during the eligibility period. In this category, the Second Ballot will contain the eligible nominations from the First Ballot and the top five songs from the combined tabulation of the Country Singles Charts from Billboard’s Hot Country Singles, Country Aircheck Chart and Music Row Country Breakout Chart. Award to songwriter.

Category 5 – FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

This Award is based on individual musical performance on a solo album release. Award to artist.

Category 6 – MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

This Award is based on individual musical performance on a solo album release. Award to artist.

Category 7 – VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

A group is defined as an act, composed of three (3) or more people, all of whom normally perform together and none of whom is known primarily as an individual performing artist. This Award is based on the musical performance of the group as a unit on an album. The Award is to the group.

Category 8 – VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

A duo is defined as an act composed of two people, both of whom normally perform together and neither of whom is known primarily as an individual performing artist. This Award is based on the musical performance of the duo as a unit on an album. The Award is to the duo.

Category 9 – MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

An event is defined as a collaboration of two or more people either or all of whom are known primarily as individual artists. They must have performed together, as a unit, on a single or album released domestically within the eligibility period with each artist prominently featured. Live performance events are not eligible. Award to each artist.

Cateogry 10 – MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

This Award is for a musician known primarily as an instrumental performer. In order to qualify, a musician must have played on at least one album or single that has appeared in the Top 10 of the Country album or singles charts from Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart, Music Row Country Breakout Chart or Country Aircheck Chart during the eligibility period. Award to the musician.

Category 11 – MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

This Award is for an original music video not more than ten (10) minutes in length featuring the performance of not more than one (1) song or medley. The video must have been first nationally broadcast in its entirety during the eligibility period. The video should be judged on all audio and video elements including, but not limited to, the artist’s performance, video concept and production. Award to artist and director.

Category 12 – NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

This Award is to the artist, whether individual or a group, who is known primarily as a Country artist, who has for the first time demonstrated the most significant creative growth and development in overall chart or sales activity (of a debut or sophomore album), live performance, professionalism and/or national media recognition related to the launch of their career. Any artist who has previously won a CMA Award (except Song of the Year, Musical Event of the Year and Video of the Year) or who has twice been a final nominee for the Horizon Award or New Artist of the Year Award is ineligible for nomination. Award to artist.

Filed under: CMA Awards, Just the Facts, Uncategorized

CMA Music Festival Road Trip Tips

Ben Bennett — Fri, 27 May 2011 23:44:21 +0000

1.) Check the coolant. BEFORE you head to Nashville, be sure to check your vehicle’s coolant mixture for the correct antifreeze mixture with an antifreeze tester. If you find that the coolant protection is low, now would be a good time to change your antifreeze and summer coolant. You can visit www.peakauto.com for step by step instructions directions on how to change your antifreeze/coolant.

2.) Check Your Motor Oil Level. If your getting close to your manufactures recommended oil change interval, now is the perfect time for an oil change and to perform other preventative maintenance before your trip. You can visit www.peakauto.com for step by step directions on how to change your motor oil.

3.) Consider buying a GPS. If you don’t have a GPS, you’re missing a great opportunity to head down “the road less traveled.” Nashville features many great destinations and historic landmarks that can be found with the assistance of a new PEAK GPS system. Now you can enjoy the ride and you won’t get lost again! For more information on the PEAK GPS please visit www.peakauto.com.

4.) Check the tires. Check your tires, particularly the air pressure before you head out. Low pressure can cause extra heat buildup that can lead to a blowout at high speeds. Follow the instructions for checking tire pressure in your owner’s manual. While you’re there you can also check the tire tread. Put a penny, edge on with Lincoln’s head pointing down, in one the grooves of the tire. If you can see the space above Abe’s head, it’s time for new tires. Make sure the spare is fully inflated and that the jack, wrench, and other tire-changing bits are in the trunk. If your car has wheel locks, make sure you have the adapter for the lock nut. You can use a compressed air source such as an inflator like the PEAK Inflator / Compressor. Visit www.peakauto.com for more information.

5.) Check your battery and prepare for an emergency situation. Make sure you check your battery with a battery tester like the PEAK Battery Tester. Also, you can be prepared this summer by carrying a jump-starter equipped with an inflator like the PEAK 450A Jump-Starter with Inflator. It’s always reassuring to have an inflator that can come in handy if your tires need air on the road and a jump starter just incase you have an unexpected battery failure on the trip. Please visit www.peakauto.com for more information.

Look for Peak Performance in the Fun Zone at CMA Music Festival!

Filed under: CMA Fest, Just the Facts

KA-CHING! Save $10 Off Nightly Concert Tickets

Cory Chapman — Sat, 14 May 2011 01:59:51 +0000

Of course we want everybody to join us ALL 4 days and nights at CMA Music Fest, and the best way to do that is with the 4-day Ticket option. But for the unlucky who just can’t make it down to the [AWESOME] daytime activities because they’re stuck tending to other stuff like work (those pesky bosses!), family, school and the like, well then the Single-Night Ticket option is a GREAT alternative!

And to make things a little easier still, we’ve teamed with our friends at Kroger to make a special discount available to Kroger Plus shoppers! How does $10 off the kick-butt nightly concerts sound? Well, by buying your single-night concert tickets for the shows at LP Field at Ticketmaster outlets inside Kroger stores in Middle Tennessee, plus Bowling Green and Hopkinsville, Ky., and showing your Kroger Plus Card, you’ll save $10 off the already-low price of $35. This makes the all-star lineups only $25 per ticket, plus applicable fees. Check the poster below, pick your favorite nights, and head to your nearest Kroger for instant CMA Fest savings!

See you in June!

Filed under: CMA Fest, Just the Facts, Uncategorized Tagged: CMA Music Festival, Discount, Kroger, Savings, Ticketmaster

CMA Fest Attendees Get Fontanel Tour Discount!

Cory Chapman — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:11:39 +0000

Hey Everybody- When our partners have special offers available, we’ll bring ‘em to you. So keep an eye on CMAfest.com, and the blog in particular.

Check out this discount offer for tours of Fontanel, the former home of legendary performer Barbara Mandrell, who just so happened to have appeared at the very first Fan Fair in 1972…

FONTANEL MANSION AGAIN PARTNERS WITH CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL
2011 CMA Music Festival Attendees to Receive Exclusive Tickets and Discount

The Fontanel Mansion and Farm, Nashville’s newest must-see destination, is again partnering with the Country Music Association to offer 2011 CMA Music Festival attendees an exclusive discount to tour the mansion and a discounted ticket for the new Music City On Stage! ”dinnertainment” show between June 6 and 13, 2011. In addition, kids 11 and under eat free with a paying adult* at the Farm House Restaurant at Fontanel, and free shuttles are available every 30 minutes from the downtown Nashville visitors center in front of the Bridgestone Arena at the top and bottom of the hour beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Originally built by Country Music Hall of Famer Barbara Mandrell and her husband Ken Dudney, the 27,000 square foot log mansion is the only former home of a country music star open to the public for guided tours.

Additionally, Fontanel will donate $1 from the sale of each CMA Music Festival attendee’s mansion tour ticket to the CMA’s Keep the Music Playing charity, benefiting music programs in Metro Nashville Public Schools. The $5.00 discount lowers Mansion tours to $16.00 for an adult, $14.00 for Active Military and Educators, $13.00 for seniors (60+) and $6.00 for Youth ages 6-15. Children under six, with paying adult, are always free. Tickets are limited and are being offered to CMA Music Festival attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for Fontanel Mansion tours or Music City On Stage! can be purchased by visiting www.fontanelmansion.com and entering code CMA2011. The discount also applies to tickets purchased in person with a CMA Music Festival credential, but advance reservations both for mansion tours and Music City On Stage! tickets are strongly encouraged.

Filed under: CMA Fest, Just the Facts, Staff Musings Tagged: Barbara Mandrell, CMA Fest, CMA Music Festival, Fontanel, Fontanel Mansion, Music City On Stage!

TIP: Registration + 2011 Ticket Renewals

Cory Chapman — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:33:55 +0000

Hey All-

Just in case you haven’t made it to the FAQs page on CMAfest.com, I wanted to get this updated information out to everybody. Take a look below, and post any comments or questions!

We can’t wait to see everybody next week! Travel safe!

-C

On-Site Event Registration

Fans who ordered tickets prior to April 12, 2010, using a domestic, physical ship-to address, should have received their ticket mailout in late May. These fans may submit their freebie voucher at Registration during the hours posted below to receive their Registration Bag, Pocket Guide Program and more.

Fans who ordered after the April 12, 2010, mailing cut-off; who ordered using a P.O. Box or international address; or who received Ticketmaster thermal tickets as part of a promotion or contest, must visit Registration to receive their four-day laminate, plus Registration Bag, Pocket Guide Program and more.

Registration occurs at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office (501 Broadway), during the following hours:

Wednesday, June 9: 9 AM – 5 PM
Thursday, June 10: 9 AM – 6 PM
Friday-Sunday, June 11-13: 9:30 AM – 6 PM

2011 Ticket Renewal Program

Whereas in the past, only select sections at LP Field were “renewable,” we’re making it so that EVERY LP Field seat can be renewed for future years! Ticket renewals for the 2011 CMA Music Festival will be available for ALL 2010 four-day ticket holders. Renewal forms will be e-mailed in July 2010, and all 2010 four-day ticket holders will have an exclusive window to renew their seats for 2011 before the nationwide on-sale later this summer. By the way, there will be an option to “upgrade” your seats. This means that if you don’t want your same seat again, there will be an opportunity to choose different seats. (Upgrade option details will be in the July e-mail.)

This really is an effort to help fans enjoy the Festival. No more waiting in line during the Fest! You get to go enjoy all the Fest activities while here and worry about next year after you have an AWESOME 2010 experience! WOOHOO!

Be sure your e-mail address is current with the Box Office. Call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378).

(The 2011 Ticket Renewal program does not apply if you order from a tour group. See your tour operator for its specific policy.)

To Follow Cory: www.Twitter.com/ChappedMan

Filed under: CMA Fest, Just the Facts, Staff Musings Tagged: CMA Fest 2011 tickets, CMA Fest Registration

CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade: New Route, Debut Attractions, More Stars and Plenty of Excitement

kaitiemcd — Mon, 31 May 2010 22:07:50 +0000

For five years, fans who didn’t want to wait for Thursday morning have begun the CMA Music Festival party one day early. The Festival’s Kick-Off Parade does that and more, with veteran and fast-rising new artists riding classic Chevy vehicles through the streets of Downtown Nashville.

This year, though, visitors can enjoy fresh perspectives on the action along a new route. From the corner of Second Avenue North and Church Street, the all-star procession winds two blocks past the restaurants and businesses that line Second Avenue and then turns right. From there, it rolls down Broadway toward an afternoon of great – and FREE – music at the Chevy Music Stage on the Bridgestone Arena Plaza.

Following right behind a huge inflatable musical note, signifying the start of the Parade, Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee leads the way as Grand Marshal. Dozens of artists follow in an array of vehicles supplied by Carl Black Chevrolet and members of the Nashville Corvette Club. The lineup this year includes Lynn Anderson, Katie Armiger, Rodney Atkins, The Band Perry, Bo Bice, Ash Bowers, Carter Twins, Jeff Cook, Diana DeGarmo, Fast Ryde, Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, The Harters, Buddy Jewell, KingBilly, Jesse Lee, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Jerrod Niemann, James Otto, Danielle Peck, Point of Grace, Marty Raybon, Pam Tillis, Trent Tomlinson and Chuck Wicks (artists participating subject to change).

Many favorites from past parades are back this year, from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to the Nashville Sounds, Nashville Predators and Tennessee Titans mascots. But new participants will join the fun too, among them the Pryme Tyme Athletics cheerleaders, young members of the Nashville Children’s Theater, the Color Guard and Honor Guard from the Metro Nashville Police Department and more. In total, there are approximately 20 more units in this year’s Parade than in 2009, according Parade Coordinator Dell Courtney.

“Part of our task was to increase the efficiency of how the parade moved down the street, by making sure everything was in the right order and to make sure our volunteers are properly informed of what needed to be done and when it needed to be done,” said Courtney, who owns VisionWorks, a Louisville-based company that specializes in planning major events such as parades, festivals and trade shows. “Then we added elements to make the parade a little different – for example, we have a very strong patriotic element this year – without taking away from what the fans come to see, the artists in Corvettes and Silverado trucks.”

The Chevy vehicles, the Big Kenny, Luke Bryan and Wrangler/George Strait trucks, the Music City Drum & Bugle Corps, the rowdy Nashville Rollergirls and ever-civilized Geico Gecko and all their parade-mates hit the road at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, June 9.

Filed under: CMA Fest, Daily Highlights, Just the Facts, Must-See Music Fest, Staff Musings Tagged: Ash Bowers, Big Kenny, Bo Bice, Brantley Gilbert, Buddy Jewell, Carter Twins, Chevy, Chuch Wicks, CMA Music Festical, Colt Ford, Danielle Peck, Diana DeGarmo, Fast Ryde, George Strait, Gloriana, James Otto, Jeff Cook, Jerrod Niemann, Jesse Lee, Josh Gracin, Katie Armiger, KingBilly, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Luke Bryan, Lynn Anderson, Marty Raybon, Pam Tillis, Point of Grace, rodney atkins, The Band Perry, The Grascals, The Harters, Trent Tomlinson, Wrangler

TIP: Laura Bell Bundy Offers More Fan Fair® Hall Help

Cory Chapman — Sat, 29 May 2010 14:11:13 +0000

Ever wondered how to navigate CMA Music Festival’s Fan Fair® Hall? Wonder no more, ’cause with Laura Bell Bundy and hilarious alter ego Euneeda Biscuit on the case, you’re all set!

Seriously, everybody, this video is worth 7 minutes of your time. It’s great info, plus it’s FUUUUUNNNNNY! Kudos to Laura Bell. She’s one talented lady!

By the way, remember to check out GIDDY UP & DANCE with Laura Bell Bundy in the Sports Zone Thursday, 6/10, at 4:00!

To Follow Cory: www.Twitter.com/ChappedMan

Filed under: CMA Fest, Just the Facts, Must-See Music Fest, Staff Musings Tagged: CMA Fest video, Euneeda Biscuit, Fan Fair Hall, laura bell bundy

TIP: Single Concerts Discount @ Middle-Tennessee Kroger Stores!

Cory Chapman — Wed, 26 May 2010 18:02:41 +0000

Can’t make it to all 4 days of this year’s CMA Music Festival? Well, then make plans to join us for the nights of your choosing for some GREAT music at Nashville’s LP Field! For a limited time, and while supplies last, Kroger stores throughout middle-Tennessee are offering $10 off the $30 nightly concerts at LP Field!

HOW TO REDEEM:
Visit any in-store Ticketmaster outlet at middle-Tennessee Kroger stores (plus 2 stores in Bowling Green, Kentucky). Show your Kroger Plus Card, and ask for your special CMA Music Festival savings!

Kroger shoppers at 66 Middle-Tennessee and Bowling Green, Ky., stores get special ticket savings for nightly LP Field concerts!

To Follow Cory: www.Twitter.com/ChappedMan

Filed under: CMA Fest, Just the Facts, Must-See Music Fest Tagged: CMA Fest discount, Kroger

TIP: Getting the most out of the Fan Fair® Hall

Cory Chapman — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:45:42 +0000

(A BIG thanks to Kris in our Events Dept. for outlining all this helpful info about the Hall!)

About the Greased Lightning® Fan Fair® Hall

The Greased Lightning® Fan Fair® Hall is THE ultimate experience for fans – your chance to get autographs and photos with some of Country Music’s celebrities! So, what do you need to know so you don’t walk around like a sad, confused little puppy while everyone else is having the time of their life? Check it!

Josh Turner and fan (2007)

Wynonna with fans (2009)

Admittance
Venue admittance to the Greased Lightning® Fan Fair® Hall in INCLUDED in Four-day Tickets! Woohoo! This year, the Hall will also be open to the public Saturday and Sunday. If you don’t have Four-day Tickets but want to access the Hall, hit up the Info Booth inside the Nashville Convention Center (601 Commerce) for passes. Price is $15. Cash only. (Remember all 2010 event proceeds benefit music education and 2010 flood relief!)

Helpful Hints and Guidelines:

Wear comfortable shoes – sandals and flip flops are not recommended. You’ll be slidin’ and glidin’ while others are whizzin’ by!
Useful items to have on hand – a Sharpie (for autographs), an item for stars to sign, a camera (with extra batteries in case you run out of power), a map of the Fan Fair® Hall and a bag to carry all of your personal items.
Three survival items to have – your ID, a Four-day ticket or daily pass (Sat-Sun) to get inside, and cash/credit card
A bonus survival item to bring with you is a good attitude
Don’t ever run, push or shove – both for safety reasons and out of courtesy to your fellow fans!
Provide only one item for an artist sign. (The Hall is a greed-free zone, Chuck!)
Remember that the CMA Event Staff are your friends and helpers. Use ‘em for their expertise. Ask questions, as they’re there to help make your experience great!

Jason Aldean with a group of fans (2009)

Chuck Wicks and Jake Owen make a fan's day (2009)

The Biggest Question…and the Answer!

Q: How do I obtain autographs?

A: Most of the Exhibit Booths use a ticket system. Note: Not ALL exhibitors use this system, but most do. As in life, there are few absolutes.

With that in mind, here are a few helpful hints to help you meet some of your favorite stars!

Find out the Artist Signing Schedule in advance by texting SCHEDULE to 66937. This will ensure you’re on the text distribution list to get Hall updates. Note that all details, including artists and signing times are always subject to change.
Determine which artists you want to meet each day and the location of the booth they are signing in on the Fan Fair® Hall Map.
The Fan Fair® Hall is located in the Nashville Convention Center. The building opens at 8:30 a.m. each day. Some fans choose to line up outside the building much earlier than that to get an autograph. Building admittance is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once building doors open at 8:30 a.m., fans are lined up inside the building to enter the Fan Fair® Hall (bottom level of Nashville Convention Center).
The doors to the actual Fan Fair® Hall open at 10:00 a.m. Fans are REALLY excited to get an autograph. However, running, pushing and shoving is not permitted. Please respect your fellow attendees.
Check with the Exhibit Booths to confirm signing times and to see if there are any specific instructions. Unless otherwise communicated, tickets to artist signings are given out on the day Artist is signing when doors open. (Again, there are no absolutes!)
Most exhibitors operate using a ticket system to meet artists. A ticket is a GUARANTEE that you will meet the artist – as long as you show up during the specified signing time. A limited number of tickets are handed out at each booth, so you need to create a plan in order to collect tickets at multiple booths.
Only one ticket will be given out to a person at a booth. Fans may not collect additional tickets for companions.
Grab & Go – Fans can literally “grab” a ticket to see their Artist of choosing and “Go” do something else. What a great thing! There are so many things to do and see in all parts of the CMA Music Festival. A ticket provides fans freedom to experience other parts of Music Fest while waiting for your artist to arrive.
Keep in mind that artist schedules are quite full during CMA Music Festival week and thus some artists do not have a long period of time available for their autograph times. Unfortunately not everyone will get an autograph. But still make plans to come by the exhibit to wave to your favorite artists and take their picture. You’ll have a great time no matter what!
If all the tickets are given out before you arrive at the booth, you may have an option to get into a Hopeful Line. Fans are welcome to stand in the Hopeful Line for their favorite artist; however note there is NEVER a guarantee that folks in these lines will get to the meet the artist.

Rodney Atkins charms a fan (2007)

Carrie Underwood and fan smile big (2009)

5 More Reasons to Hit the Hall:

There are lots of great entertaining booths with activities and free giveaways.
Get a history lesson with great signs that tell the Fan Fair story!
Check out the Durango® Acoustic Corner performance venue, broadcast by WSM-AM, with live shows daily and Q&A sessions with stars!
New in 2010: The Country Network presents the CMA Skype Lounge! Not all artists are in Nashville for the Fest, but the CMA Skype Lounge lets fans and artists connect in a whole new way. Learn more and get tickets at The Country Network Booth (#235).
It’s air conditioned. Trust us: it’s reason enough! J

Knowing these great things will definitely enhance your Fan Fair® Hall experience – and your CMA Music Festival vacation overall. Have any other questions? Any vets out there want to share some helpful hints?

We can’t wait to see y’all! Only 15 more days!

To Follow Cory: www.Twitter.com/ChappedMan

Filed under: CMA Fest, Just the Facts, Must-See Music Fest Tagged: 2010 CMA Fest, CMA Music Festival

Hotel Options for CMA Music Festival

Cory Chapman — Fri, 07 May 2010 01:14:58 +0000

To all the fans who had intended to stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort during your time in Nashville for the 2010 CMA Music Festival, you know by now that the hotel has been ravaged by the recent flooding and will, unfortunately, NOT be operational next month. We wish our friends at Gaylord Opryland the very best as they begin their cleanup efforts.

Given the hardship Opryland faces, our partners and friends at VisitMusicCity.com are helping accommodate all the fans traveling in for this year’s Festival. They’re making it easier for each of you to find alternate hotel accommodations in June, using the link below for some TERRIFIC hotel options. As more resources and information become available, we’ll continue to keep you posted.

http://www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/cmafesthotels

Also, we just wanted you to know that we announced today that 100% of 2010 CMA Music Festival proceeds will go to charity – with 50% being directed to flood relief for middle Tennessee and the remaining 50% honoring our commitment to fund music education through CMA’s Keep the Music Playing program. We ALWAYS value the amazing fans and tremendous artists who make CMA Music Festival happen each year, and it’s thanks to each of you that the 2010 event will prosper and will ultimately help rebuild and revitalize Nashville — our city and our home that we hold so dear. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for attending this year’s Festival. It’s going to be a special celebration, to say the least.

To Follow Cory: www.Twitter.com/ChappedMan

Filed under: CMA Fest, Just the Facts Tagged: CMA Music Festival, Keep the Music Playing, Nashville flooding, Opryland, VisitMusicCity.com