Celebrity Autographs And Celebrity Addresses

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Four days, 30 hours of autograph signings, 70 hours of live music, more than 200 country music artists and celebrities, and more than 130,000 fans add up to one major musical event — 2005 CMA Music Festival "Country Music's Biggest Party," June 9-12, in downtown Nashville.

"CMA Music Festival has become the must-attend event for any country music enthusiast," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson in a press release. "This is a party with something for everyone. The music spans the genre, and the activities appeal to all ages — from children in the Family Zone to the party-hardy club hoppers during After Hours. And the opportunities to meet and interact with the artists, a hallmark of this event for the past 34 years, continue with numerous activities for every taste and interest, from archery to cooking."

With hundreds of artists expected to participate and more than 70 hours of concerts at venues centrally located in downtown Nashville, CMA Music Festival is a four-day, nonstop celebration of America's music for people of all ages who love great songs, great artists and a great time.

Dubbed the "crown jewel" of country music festivals by USA Today, CMA Music Festival builds on the reputation of Fan Fair, which was created exclusively for the fans in 1972. And 33 years later, the unique relationship between country music artists and their admirers remains at the heart of CMA Music Festival. Each June, the artists take time out of their touring schedules to play for free, meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos, to give back to the people and community that have supported them throughout the year.

"We are thrilled to continue our message of 'country music without prejudice' with our first appearance at the CMA Music Festival," said Big Kenny and John Rich of Big & Rich. "We are also excited that our first Raybaw Records artist, Cowboy Troy, will be a part of the show."

"There's no place to have a better time than at the CMA Music Festival," said LeAnn Rimes. "I get to spend personal time with my fans, who I love, plus hear some of the greatest music in the world. It's country music's most exciting week of the year."

"It is always a privilege to have the opportunity to perform for so many enthusiastic country music fans all gathered in one place," said Heidi Newfield Johnson of Trick Pony. "We know that the 2005 CMA Music Festival will be the best ever and we can't wait."

"CMA Music Festival is such a great event to be involved with," said Phil Vassar. "We have the best fans in the world, and to have them all in one place and feel the energy and excitement is pretty amazing. I'm proud to be participating again this year."

Also appearing are Trace Adkins, Steve Azar, Dierks Bentley, Brad Cotter, Billy Currington, Josh Gracin, The Jenkins, Jo Dee Messina, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, Julie Roberts, Keith Urban, Jimmy Wayne, Mark Wills, Gretchen Wilson, Darryl Worley and Michelle Wright, with more artists to be added.

CMA Music Festival has a lot to offer including nightly, star-packed concerts at The Coliseum with state-of-the-art production, two huge stages for continuous entertainment, the popular CMA Music Festival Photo Line and giant video screens capturing all of the excitement.

In addition to the nightly concerts, there will be daily, nonstop music at the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages with an eclectic lineup of artists performing on dual stages, including country hit-makers, rising stars, legends, stellar bluegrass performers and surprise guests.

But, CMA Music Festival isn't just about seeing artists in concert.

The event offers numerous opportunities for fans to interact and see their favorite stars in unique settings, whether it's getting an autograph in the Wrangler Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) at the Nashville Convention Center; asking questions during the CMA Celebrity Close Up series; or standing clear as the artists fire arrows at targets during the "Fourth Annual Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament."

Of all the celebrities who donate their time to the event, the stars of NBC Daytime dramas "Days of Our Lives" and "Passions" are among the most popular.

And they are back in 2005 for the fifth consecutive year to participate in a variety of CMA Music Festival activities, from signing autographs at Wrangler Fan Fair, to introducing concert performers and hosting the fifth annual "NBC Daytime After Hours Party," with skits and musical performances at the Wildhorse Saloon, 11 p.m. June 11 (separate ticket required).

For information and tickets, call the Wildhorse Saloon (615) 902-8200 or www.wildhorsesaloon.com

If you're looking for the perfect place to take the entire family, CMA Music Festival offers the Bush's Baked Beans Family Zone, with special appearances by famous baked beans spokesduo Jay Bush and his dog Duke and free activities for all ages (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily).

It's the place for children and adults to kick back and have fun with games, hands-on educational exhibits, storytelling with Country artists and more.

In fact, CMA Music Festival is very family friendly with discounts for fans 14 and younger, and as always, children 3 and younger are admitted free — making it an attractive family vacation value.

New in 2005 will be the Crisco Country Favorites Corner, with celebrity chefs and cooking demonstrations