CMA Fest brought out the stars – and the fans!
by Preshias Harris and photojournalist Tori Perry
The 50th CMA Fest took over Nashville June 8 – 11, 2023 and set attendance records with visitors from all fifty states and more than fifty countries. The stars and the artists-on-the-rise certainly did not let the fans down!
In addition to nightly shows at Nissan Stadium, fans enjoyed shows at the Chevy Riverfront Stage, the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage, Chevy Vibes Stage, Maui Jim Reverb Stage, and the Hard Rock Stage.
Fans also experienced one-of-a-kind programming at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center, along with several brand activations and partners that took over Lower Broadway.
It was four days and nights of music featuring more than 300 acts, all of whom donated their time unpaid. As a result, that the Country Music Association could raise $2.5 million for music education through the CMA Foundation’s Music Education Program. More about how the CMA Foundation is helping music education here.
“What a weekend!” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As we’ve spent the past year reflecting on this milestone celebration, one theme has persisted—the incredible connection between Country Music fans and the artists.” More about the CMA here.
- Read my full report on the 50th Anniversary CMA Fest at Nashville Music Guide here.
Preshias Harris is an advocate for songwriters and a music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com #PreshiasHarris