5,000 visitors came in the spring of 1972, the invitation to the first Fan Fair in Nashville. As the top acts at that time showed Lynn Anderson , Marty Robbins, Loretta Lynn, Ernest Tubb, or Dolly Partontheir skills. Four decades later, the Fan Fair, which operates under the name since 2004 CMA Music Festival, the biggest signing session for fans of country music. The stars of the scene, which portrays itself in countless concerts and autograph sessions attract fans from all over the world to Music City USA. This year there were nearly 300,000 visitors, which itself does not spoil a lasting heat with an average of 36 degrees were the fun.
CountryMusicNews.de was of course also on site - and has some of the concerts and Stars in Downtown Nashville tracked as they happen. Whether in LP Field, the venue for the big shows in the evening, the stage at Riverfront Park, which went off during the day the post office, or at smaller places in the four-day appearance mega-events.
Zac Brown Band and have the honor of opening the evening concerts at LP Field must be. And the popular group comes up with illustrious guests. Accordingly the company after the rousing rendition of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" Country legend Randy Travis for his classic "Forever and Ever, Amen" to which he and the Zac Brown Band as for his album to his 25-year anniversary Country singer has recorded new. Also, Alan Jackson has for "As She's Walking Away" stood with the group from Atlanta in the studio - and also looks over briefly. With three minutes, the shortest visit of Alan Jackson at the festival at all. The atmosphere in the stadium to kick off the concerts could hardly be better, as put Zac Brown and Co. still "Chicken Fried" for - and no longer sit in his chair. Conclusion: Zac Brown have mastered their task as the first big highlight of the festival very well. The star guests round out the musical fireworks.Brad Paisley is 12 million albums sold are currently the most popular and successful star of the scene. With "Water", "American Saturday Night," "She's Everything" and "Mud On The Tires" blessed with many talents of the artist ensures that even hours later leaves hardly a visitor the LP Field early. And this is worth it, because after the new hits "This Is Country Music" and "Working on a tan," has the previously rehearsed the whole stadium a choreography, there is a surprise.Alabama take the stage to return to the glorious finale Together with Brad Paisley to present the single "Old Alabama." And a whole stadium stands head. Conclusion: On Brad Paisley comes along these days no one who is seriously interested in country music - no wonder, Paisley but the best that the genre currently has to offer.
Mark Wills has had for years no longer hit. However, its popularity has not hurt. Sun bursting at the Acoustic Corner at the Convention Center at the seams, as the singer presented with support from guitarist Kevin Keith a few of his old success numbers. In the enormous, despite the congestion still intimate atmosphere, there is next to "Jacob's Ladder," "High, Low and in Between" and the final "19 Something" that can convince the "lighten" acoustic version, also an appetizer of the next CD. For the song "Looking for America," said Mark Wills , that it is not this is a political play, but rather to go that "America better watch out again for America to think and reflect old virtues."Conclusion: The old hits by Mark Wills are still great and the new album can also be stretched.
Craig Morgan is always up for a direct contact with his audience at his shows. So he begins his performance at the Riverfront Stage at the mixing desk - and then moves through the Fanmassen to the stage. Apart from perhaps the coolest summer song of all time with "Redneck Yacht Club" he is also the No. 1 hit "That's What I Love About Sunday" and "Little Bit of Life" before. Even small anecdotes are part of the program: "As to my wife the piece was played for the first time she has said that this is the worst song I have ever written" - he declared "International Harvester" and adds, laughing: "But the song has helped enormously to pay off our house." For the new single "More Than Cars Trucks" he asks the fans to support the radio stations: "In any case, there Call on - even if you do not like the number - after all, I have four children ...". Conclusion: Entertaining, funny and good - Craig Morgan Country fans should keep an eye on.
Neal McCoy was born in 1963 - but this one looks not to the man during his appearance on stage at the Riverfront Cumberland River. Like a rubber ball bounces and dances of the entertainers from one side of the stage to the other - splashing the water with fans climbed onto the stage supports and disseminates best atmosphere with old hits. Whether it's "Shake," "Billy Got His Beer Goggels on," "Hillbilly Rap" or "No Doubt About It" - the man has still got it. And the fans can also look forward to new material. In August, the singer goes with some more secret guests into the studio to finally succeed, "That's Life" (2005) to be ingested. Conclusion: Even in the sweltering heat Neal McCoy brings people to dance and confirmed his reputation as one of the best live entertainer in the country music business.
Ashley Gearing is a good example of an early career start is a guarantee for a successful career in the music business is not necessarily. Gearing is just twelve years old when she the video for "Can You Hear Me When I Talk to You" revolves. The song rose to No. 36 in the Billboard Hot Country Singles charts one - but just as quickly fades back the glory. On the "Bud Light Stage" she introduces new songs, which leave from the ballad "Five More Minutes" and the fleet number "What You Think About Us" a positive impression. After several shifts in the summer, a new album to appear The 20-year-olds. Conclusion: It would be surprising if it creates Ashley Gearing again about the status of insider tips - after all, is the album of producer Byron Gallimore Top staged.Phil Vassar is clearly linked to the group of the more entertaining live Country Acts.Vassar must show in his show at Riverfront Park, even equal to 45 minutes, what he can. For the artist, not a problem, he has written over the past nearly 20 years of countless hits. "Love Is a Beautiful Thing", "Next 30 Years", "Just Another Day in Paradise," "I'll Take That as a Yes (The Hot Tub Song)" to "That's When I Love You" and the new single "Let's Get Together" - whether standing at the piano, the piano or acting on the edge of the stage to sing along to bringing the fans - the man is an attraction. Just a pity that the fiddle player was not there - the sound would probably have been even better. Conclusion: Phil Vassar has many talents - as writers and performers - on the new CD can be excited as ever.
Jo Dee Messina has been able in her career for nine number one hits celebrate. That the last big success was a few years ago is disturbing, feast on the CMA anyone. Including, for the woman from Massachusetts, just has a special and distinctive voice. With the somewhat cumbersome "My Give A Damn's Busted" she begins her set, in which there next to "Bye Bye" and "I'm Alright" (both penned byPhil Vassar ) and newer material ("Carry Me" and " Tread Me Like A Woman "is heard) are. At the end shines Jo Dee then with a successful remake of a classic. "Do not Stop Believing" (Journey) is her message to fans: "Do not stop believing in your dreams - no matter what people say." Conclusion: we should transcribe Jo Dee Messina still a long way - even if the most successful part of her career is probably over.
Ty Herndon is playing in Nashville for some time first-ever no longer in the league. But Herndon still has a solid fan base, which can not be put off by 39 degrees heat. Thus, the square in front of the Bridgestone Arena is well filled at lunchtime, as Herndon enters the stage. And the endurance to almost inhuman temperatures are worthwhile because Herndon gives the supporters what they want. A great voice, the sexy hip movement and the big hits à la "Loved That Much" or "What Matters Most". His more recent albums are not mentioned - and if you are honest - the songs here will also hear a little. Herndon receive verbal support from Amber Hayes - both together a sure treat for the eyes and ears. Conclusion: Ty Herndon does not have any new hits, runs, but especially the female audience still magical.Ashton Shepherd is from her record company as "Country's authentic honky-tonk darlin '" means.. And with this arrangement, the label is absolutely true Shepherd , recently voted as the most beautiful mother in the business has, at their evening performance at the LP Field While only time for three songs - but it creates despite baby belly very agile lady, "Feels So Good, "" Takin 'Of This Pain "and" Look It Up "to make a very positive impression. Confirms the impression that they recently presented their four-song EP strong, it lands on the four fast-paced matches. : Conclusion Ashton Shepherd is like a real tip, for fans, the real, earthy country. In July on the upcoming album "Where Country Grows" We can look forward now.
Keith Urban is without doubt the winner of the second evening at the LP Field. The star makes his presence there during times fast ("Put You in a Song," "Long Hot Summer") or quiet ("Without You") to address - both gaits are used for the 40,000 fans in the stadium at best.After a duet with Jake Owen ("Do not Think I Can not Love You"), who will accompany him in the coming weeks on his tour, including the Urban storm guitar into the audience, where he eventually rose to one of the seat grandstand, "I . Want to Love Somebody "plays Conclusion: Better promote his tour would have Keith Urban . can not make a superstar who looks so much proximity to the fans is, always good - especially for the ultimate fan festival - the CMA Music Festival.
Reba 's concert at the stadium of the Tennessee Titans simply unrivaled. With over 55 million records sold worldwide and 63 Top 10 hits so far played Reba in a league of its own. In the baggage she has a few numbers of their 34th Album "The Woman I Am" and classics like "Why Have not I Heard From You." She has a very good band and is an artist who also needed in terms of stage presence, no tuition. AndReba is very self-critical. Because they are in the performance of the single "Love's Got A Hold On You" as she says, a "frog in my throat had," the number for the TV recording is repeated once more. Just a shame that their show ends after about 30 minutes. Conclusion:Reba 's Reba - a bit longer had the appearance but can take anyway.
Dolly Parton and Shania Twain - two of the most important artists in the genre were also under the CMA festival. A cheerful Dolly Partonenchanted the fans who had won a raffle to meet with the cult figure of the scene. Although there were no autographs, but a warm hug, a few nice words and a souvenir photo with Dolly . Shania Twain , fortunately, is also back on track. She presents her autobiography, "From This Moment On" and signed the book for about 1,000 fans, some of whom had even spent the night under the open sky, just to be there.Both singers announce in the near future also to new albums. Conclusion: Two icons of the business are back - it can only look forward.
Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina - winner and runner-up this year and already tenth season of American Idol could not be missing at the event in Nashville as well. Both were the great honor of the song with which they convinced the jury during the casting to sing on the side of the star from which they had chosen their song. For the young man from North Carolina, this meant that he was allowed, along with Josh Turner's hit "Your Man" sing. McCreery mastered the task with his deep voice very well - and took home one of the fans at LP Field applause. As part of the performance of Martina McBride Lauren Alaina then stepped onto the stage. The duo was voiced for the poignant ballad "I Do it Anyway" standing ovation. Conclusion: Two genuine new talent, which show that things in America's musical offspring, in contrast to the German American Idol clearly has the edge.
Trace Adkins was in the days after his house burned down completely ( we reported ) get very much support, even by the fans. In his show on the LP Field, he would like to thank for it - but at the same time declared that he and the family are well. "If you want to help is donating to the Red Cross better," he says. His program is almost always time to rock numbers like "Swing," "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" or the not so compelling, "Whoop a Man's Ass". The most quiet song in the set is the current, very successful single "Just Fishin '" from the upcoming album in the summer of "Proud To Be Here." Conclusion: The big man, created in the States even after a cartoon character (Luke McBain) was heard, just the inventory of a CMA Festival and for good reason.Rascal Flatts and country music - do they go together? The last few albums, and last but not least, the collaboration with Justin Bieber for the song "That Should Be Me" has had one or the other but doubt whether the Rascal Flatts know yet, what are their origins. The performance at the CMA Festival proves, however, the Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney still have a good idea how to make the fans happy, the first hour. The recipe is simple and so the play Flatts at their show at the LP Field just mainly old songs like "Praying For Daylight," "Everyday Love" and a rocking version of "These Days" - and can quickly silenced the critics. At the end turn the Rascal Flatts on the live DVD of their famous cover version of Boston's "Long Time" with the help of Little Big Town again very strong. Conclusion: Although the last plates were not always convincing, and the live show of the Rascal Flatts song selection with the right offers the best entertainment.
Taylor Swift is currently on a sold-out U.S. tour - the final stop for the CMA Music Festival was the singer still can not accept. Musical brings the wide-awake young lady and her band limited version of the regular concert program. (With the difference to the show in Germany read event report ), that is with "Our Song" also a hit from the first album there. This is joined by "You Belong to Me," "Speak Now," "mine" or "Love Story". Again notice that Taylor on stage just unbelievably perfect acts, such as if every movement and every facial expression of the show was rehearsed exactly. With her incredible poses and some catchy country-pop hits brought Taylor Swift within the 40-minute appearance of a dignified end of this year's festivities in Nashville - including the bath in the crowd. Conclusion: In the most successful artist in the world can rely.
Overall, Nashville was a true country music fan worth a trip. The heat, which was broadly two weeks before the official start of summer in Tennessee, saw to it that the already jam-packed days were already too many visitors for a strenuous undertaking. After all, open to all who attended the CMA Festival 2011, now imagine exactly what Johnny Cash meant when he wrote the following lines: "I Fell Into A Burning Ring of Fire ..."
Ashton Shepherd Photo: Christoph Volkmer
