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NASHVILLE – CMA Music Festival is the ultimate destination for music lovers. Four days, 35 hours of autograph signings, 100 hours of live music, 400 Country Music artists and celebrities, and more than 191,000 fans add up to one major musical philanthropic event: 2008 CMA Music Festival, held Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville.

“I describe CMA Music Festival to those who have never been as ‘spring break’ for adults,” said Karyn Tomaski of Palm Harbor, Fla. “CMA Music Festival was, without a doubt, our best vacation experience. Can’t wait for June!”

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 37 years later, the unique relationship between Country Music artists and their admirers remains at the heart of CMA Music Festival.

“My two sisters and I have travelled from Ireland to Nashville for the last five years and always have a great time at the CMA Music Festival,” said Barbara Purcell of Dublin. “It is brilliant to see all of the artists perform at the same venue. In 2007, we brought more friends with us. They enjoyed the whole experience and are planning a return trip. We will be back!”

Each June, the artists take time out of their busy touring schedules to perform for free, meet fans, sign autographs, and pose for photos as a way of giving back to the people and community that have supported them throughout the year. Half the net proceeds from the Festival are donated on behalf of the artists to CMA’s charity campaign “Keep the Music Playing.” The program supports music education in Metro Nashville’s 136 public schools through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education (NAPE). To date, CMA has donated more than $1 million to purchase equipment and instruments to meet the music education needs of the county’s 75,000 public school students.

“CMA Music Festival is a unique experience that could only take place in Nashville,” said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Thousands of people come to Music City from around the globe to hear the music that made our city famous and interact with the artists who create it through autograph signings and one-of-a-kind events. We welcome these fans of America’s music to Nashville’s signature music event.”

“CMA Music Festival is truly the best time anyone could ever have!” said Susan Thompson, of New Berlin, Ill. “The town of Nashville itself is a huge highlight of the Festival. The atmosphere is unlike any other town. The locals are great and welcome you in. There is so much to do outside of the concerts – great food, great shopping, and great sightseeing.”

The 2007 CMA Music Festival generated $21 million in direct visitor spending for the city, according to the Nashville Visitors and Convention Bureau (NCVB). Since moving the Festival to Downtown in 2001, visitor spending has increased from $15.5 million to the current $21 million.

“A world-class music festival in the world’s ‘Music City’ – what could be more perfect?” asked Butch Spyridon, President of the NCVB. “The event is truly the highlight of the year and the $21 million in visitor spending is icing on the cake.”

Following the record-setting aggregate attendance of 191,000 in 2007, tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival are selling at a brisk pace – 14 percent ahead of last year and 38 percent ahead of tickets sold by this date in 2006.

“It speaks to the strength of the event and the popularity of Nashville as a tourist destination that our sales are outpacing each previous year,” said Genovese. “We are poised to have another very successful year.”

CMA Music Festival fans are dedicated and they don’t mind telling their friends and families.

“I have attended CMA Music Festival every year since 2003,” said Joyce Spicer of West Bath, Maine. “The first year I went alone. The following year my husband had to go to witness for himself all of the excitement that I had tried to convey to him. We have attended every year since. Last year, my children went and love it every bit as much as we do. We will be back this year with bells on – well, at least sun screen on!”

Tracie Molter of Waterford, Mich., made new friends from Florida at CMA Music Festival in 2006. “Not only do you meet celebrities, but you meet and make friends that you will have for a lifetime.”

CMA Music Festival is about the fans and their relationship to both the artists and the music they love. Four days filled with activities and events, building up to the Nightly Concerts at LP Field with state-of-the-art production and heart-pounding entertainment, the fan-favorite CMA Music Festival Photo Line, and giant video screens showcasing all the fun.

Surprise artist appearances are a hallmark of CMA Music Festival and 2007 didn’t disappoint with Reba McEntire performing with Kelly Clarkson, rocker Ted Nugent joining Montgomery Gentry and a surprise performance by five-time CMA Vocal Group of the Year Rascal Flatts. As plans come together for 2008, surprise performances and unique collaborations are always considered.

“CMA Music Festival is also a wonderful opportunity to experience the depth of Country Music,” said Genovese. “Our format includes an amazing array of talented artists representing the many styles of Country Music and we are thrilled to spotlight them for the fans.”

In addition to the Nightly Concerts, fans will enjoy four days of nonstop music during the Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park with an eclectic lineup of artists performing on dual stages, including Country hit-makers, rising stars, legends, bluegrass performers, and surprise guests. Music can also be heard in Acoustic Corner at the Nashville Convention Center, the site of the Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall), which features daily autograph sessions, shopping and lifestyle exhibits from with extended hours Thursday and Friday, June 5-6, (10:00 AM-6:00 PM); 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8.

“I loved the Riverfront Park performances,” said Rosalie Jonas of British Columbia, Canada. “Every area gives you a great view of the stage. There, I met John Conlee and had my picture taken with him. The Festival is the ultimate experience for Country Music fans.”

“The Riverfront shows are always a thrill,” said Karen Newman of Frankfort, Ky. “It is such a relaxed atmosphere and it is a treat to see new artists perform.”

“When we weren’t at the Riverfront, we were at the Exhibit Hall looking for autographs,” said Rachel Atcheson of Lilburn, Ga. “The atmosphere was awesome because it was just a lot of people getting together to hang out. The stars wanted to meet fans as much as the fans wanted to meet them. And they were always eager to get to know you and see how you’re liking the Festival.”

CMA Music Festival offers many other opportunities for fans to interact and see their favorite stars in unique settings, whether asking questions during the CMA Celebrity Close Up sessions, presented by GAC, or watching the artists compete in friendly competitions in the Chevy™ Sports Zone.

The Chevy Sports Zone, which is free and open to the public in the parking lot adjacent to the Sommet Center and the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, at the corner of Demonbreun Street and Fifth Avenue, offers fans the opportunity to participate in sporting activities plus see unique celebrity competitions and appearances from professional athletes. A strong relationship exists between sports personalities and Country artists and it is a proven winner with fans, too.

“I really enjoyed the Sports Zone,” said Annette Gasper, of DeForest Wis. “It was a lot of fun to see the artists enjoying a little friendly competition with their fellow stars.”

The McDonald’s®-Dr Pepper® Family Zone is a fun stop for the entire family. Free to the public and open daily at the park across from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone is the place for children and adults to kick back and enjoy games, hands-on educational exhibits, storytelling with Country artists, and more. In fact, CMA Music Festival is very family-friendly with a discounted price for children age 12 and younger – making it an attractive family vacation.

A haven for fans of all ages, the Fun Zone, located on Broadway between First and Third Avenues, will sparkle with activities that include interactive displays, games, and product sampling. Daily access to these popular attractions is free and open to the public.

For a deeper look into the lives of some of our musical heroes and their road to stardom, there is the CMA Celebrity Close Up, presented by GAC, on Thursday, June 5 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. CMA Celebrity Close Up gives fans an opportunity to submit questions for celebrity panelists. The sessions are taped for future airing on GAC television. A separate ticket is required. The artist lineup and ticket on-sale date for 2008 will be announced soon.

At CMA Music Festival, the fun doesn’t end with the closing fireworks at LP Field. Night-owls will find many late-night activities that are part of CMA Music Festival After Hours™. Clubs and bars in Downtown Nashville offer outstanding entertainment and exclusive specials for attendees, making CMA Music Festival After Hours a favorite activity.

Kristen Theall of Sunset, La., attended CMA Music Festival for the first time in 2006. “It was great. I met so many people. After the concerts, meet-and-greets and other activities, I was getting only about five hours of sleep a night in those four days. But it was definitely worth it. I can’t wait to go again.”

CMA Music Festival is always in motion, constantly evolving and growing. New events are on the horizon, with more information to be announced as plans come together.

Tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival, Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville are available now. Fans are encouraged to purchase early for best available seating.

To order tickets for the 2008 CMA Music Festival call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600. Prices do not include applicable handling fees.

Four-day ticket package categories correspond to different levels of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted FREE. Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at LP Field; Daily Concerts on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; McDonald’s-Dr Pepper Family Zone; Fun Zone; Chevy Sports Zone; CMA Music Festival After Hours; free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book; CMA Music Festival pin; and special discounts to area attractions, restaurants, shops, and more. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable.

2008 CMA Music Festival Four Day Ticket Prices are: Gold Circle (SOLD OUT); Floor Level (SOLD OUT); Lower Level (adults: $145; ages 12 and younger: $102); Club Level (adults $135; ages 12 and younger: $95); Upper Level general admission (adults: $110; ages 12 and younger $78).

* NOTE: Please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) for information on ADA seating, which may be available in Sold Out sections.

A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP Field are available by phone order only. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or Ticketmaster to order. The price is $31 for cars; $63 for vans/shuttles; and $123 for RVs/motor coaches. Prices do not include handling fee. Spaces are limited, and no overnight parking is allowed. All persons planning to park at LP Field must pre-purchase the parking pass. Free shuttles (for four-day registrants) will run daily between major Festival event locations.

Attending is easy. Numerous tour operators provide tour packages including CMA Music Festival tickets, accommodations, and tickets to other Nashville attractions, such as the historic Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Visit www.visitmusiccity.com or call 1-800-657-6910 for more information on tour packages as well as hotel listings and information about camping sites and RV parking.

Gray Line offers an all day Park N Ride shuttle service from the Music Valley/Opryland area to the CMA Music Festival events. To purchase a separate pass and make an advance Gray Line satellite shuttle service reservation call 1-800-251-1864 or visit www.graylinenashville.com

Shuttle service from outlying areas of Nashville to CMA Music Festival events will be available from several park-and-ride locations with unlimited access on the Gray Line Satellite Shuttle. To purchase a separate pass and to make advance Gray Line Satellite Shuttle reservations, call 1-800-251-1864 or (615) 883-5555, or visit www.GraylineNashville.com.

Merchandise for the 2008 CMA Music Festival is now available for sale online. Attendees can come dressed to impress with a line of clothing that captures the spirit and style of the event including the official CMA Music Festival 2008 Cactus unisex T-shirt and logo hoodie. To purchase official event merchandise, visit www.CMAfest.com.

The site also features up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more. Attendees can also sign up for CMA Exclusive e-news at www.CMAfest.com.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway is the Executive Producer of CMA Music Festival. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Borders® Books & Music: The Exclusive Music & Book retailer of the CMA Music Festival. Wrangler®: The Exclusive Jean of the CMA Music Festival. Additional promotional partners include, Dr Pepper®, Greased Lightning® Cleaning Products, McDonald’s® and Music City Rising Star. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA.

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