Two New Stages Added to 2016 CMA Music Festival
Several acts, including Chris Young, Old Dominion, Frankie Ballard, and Jana Kramer, will appear.
The 2016 CMA Music Festival is bigger and better than ever before with the addition of two brand new stages at the Ascend Amphitheater – the AT&T Skyview Stage and Budweiser Acoustic Stage.
“Music is the foundation of CMA Music Festival, and we are always exploring new venues and settings for fans to enjoy everything from intimate acoustic performances to our full-tilt stadium shows,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “With 11 stages this year – including our two new stages – we have numerous opportunities for music discovery.”
“Nashville’s popularity is booming and the city is growing at a tremendous pace, which provides more hotel rooms for our visitors and new options to help keep the Festival fresh for our attendees,” Trahern added. “A great example is our move into the Music City Center in 2013 with Fan Fair X, which has increased in attendance each year.”
The Skyview stage will kick off Wednesday, June 8 at 11 a.m. when Chris Young hosts the Opening Ceremonies. The Mayor of Nashville Megan Barry, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and Metro Nashville Public Schools students who have benefited from CMA Foundation funds will all partake in the festivities.
Immediately following the Opening Ceremonies is the CMA Music Festival Kick Off Concert featuring SiriusXM Highway Finds. Frankie Ballard, Clare Dunn, High Valley, Steve Moakler, William Michael Morgan, Old Dominion, Michael Ray, Aubrie Sellers, and Kalie Shorr are among the artists to take the stage.
Featured on the AT&T Skyview Stage is Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots and “The Wonderful Women of Country,” Sara Evans, Tracy Lawrence and Friends, Marshall Tucker Band and Friends, Ashley Monroe, Music City Hit-Makers, Shenandoah, Sister Hazel and The Oak Ridge Boys – “A Salute to America.” Joining Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots during “The Wonderful Women of Country” is Danielle Bradbery, Lindsay Ell, Jana Kramer, Maddie & Tae, Cassadee Pope, Hillary Scott, Lucie Silvas and Natalie Stovall. Lawrence will celebrate country music from the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s with guests John Berry, T. Graham Brown, John Michael Montgomery, Lorrie Morgan, and T.G. Sheppard.
The Skyview Stage will be hosted by WUCZ-Nashville’s Dennis Banka and “Breaking Bad” actor RJ Mitte.
The Budweiser Acoustic Stage will offer performances from rising artists Seth Alley, Carlton Anderson, Chris Bandi, Rylie Bourne, Jeston Cade, Hannah Dasher, Hannah Ellis, Lacy Green, Emily Hackett, Kree Harrison, Jillian Jacqueline, Like Strangers, Hunter Phelps, Post Monroe, Jameson Rodgers, Brent Rupard, Shelley Skidmore, CJ Solar, and Mitchell Tenpenny and is hosted by iHeartRadio personalities.
Gates at the Ascend Amphitheater will open 30 minutes early for four-day ticketholders. Ticketholders will also have access to first-come, first-served VIP season. For the full lineup, visit cmafest.com or download the CMA Fest mobile app.
