Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, and Kellie Pickler Added to 2010 CMA Music Festival

Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, and Kellie Pickler Added to 2010 CMA Music Festival

McGraw's First Appearance at Festival Since 2001

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw and Kellie Pickler are the latest additions to the artist lineup for 2010 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13 in Nashville, Tenn.

Previously announced artists include Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band. All of the announced artists will perform during the Nightly Concerts at LP Field.

This will be McGraw's first appearance at the event since 2001, when he was a surprise guest during Kenny Chesney's performance as part of the Nightly Concerts at LP Field and the event was still known as Fan Fair. His last announced appearance was in 2000, the last year Fan Fair was held at the Nashville Fairgrounds. He has participated in the event eight times since his Fan Fair debut in 1993. McGraw has won 11 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 2001; Male Vocalist in 1999 and 2000; Album of the Year in 1998 (A Place in the Sun) and 1999 (Everywhere); and Musical Event of the Year in 2007 on "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" with Tracy Lawrence and Chesney.

"We are thrilled to welcome Tim back to CMA Music Festival in 2010," said Steve Moore, CMA Board Chairman. "Our event established its tradition of hosting the superstars of our format at its inception in 1972 with artists such as Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Tammy Wynette. Take a glance at this year's performer list and you'll see we're living up to that tradition."

Few superstars have been as supportive of the event as Jackson, who has made 15 appearances since his Festival debut in 1990. Jackson last performed during the Nightly Concerts at LP Field in 2008. He has received 16 CMA Awards, including three Entertainer of the Year trophies (1995, 2002, 2003); two Male Vocalist wins (2002, 2003); and two Album of the Year Awards (1994 for Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles, and 2002 for Drive).

"We appreciate the tremendous support that Alan has always shown to CMA Music Festival and the fans," said Moore.

Currington has participated in the event four times since his Festival debut in 2004 as part of the Daytime Concerts at Riverfront Park. He last performed on the Nightly Concerts at LP Field in 2007. Currington has received three CMA Award nominations, including two in 2009 for Single and Music Video of the Year, both for "People Are Crazy."

Pickler performed before an intimate audience at a nightclub as part of filming for the Festival television special during last year's event, but her last appearance as part of the Nightly Concerts was in 2008. She made her CMA Music Festival debut in 2007. Pickler has received two CMA Award nominations: both in the New Artist of the Year category (2007, when it was called the Horizon Award, and 2008 under its new name). She has also served as an active spokesperson for CMA's Keep the Music Playing program and participated in a delivery of new musical instruments to a Nashville middle school and at the presentation of the 2009 CMA Music Festival contribution in December.

Now in its 39th year, CMA Music Festival began as Fan Fair in 1972 as a unique celebration of the relationship between Country Music artists and their fans in the heart of Music City USA. More than 2,000 Country acts, from the legends and superstars to today's rising hit makers and hopefuls, have lent their time and talent to the event over the decades.

The artists participate for free, and in appreciation, CMA donates half the net proceeds of the Festival to support music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools through the Keep the Music Playing program. To date, $3.3 million has been donated to purchase musical instruments and supplies, providing thousands of Metro Nashville Public Schools students with the resources and opportunities they could not have afforded on their own, and giving many of them a strong reason to remain in school.

Nashville's signature music event features concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more. This unparalleled celebration of America's music draws thousands of fans and media from all corners of the globe to Nashville. CMA Music Festival was dubbed the "crown jewel of Country Music festivals" by USA Today and winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association's 2004, 2006, and 2008 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year.

CMAfest.com, the official website of CMA Music Festival, has been updated for 2010. In addition to up-to-the-minute information about tickets, schedules, and artist appearances, there are new features to enhance interactivity on the site including CMA's first venture into the blogging world. Fans will be able to comment on blog posts such as event history, tips, and personal experiences, as well as Top 10 lists to help attendees better plan their Festival experience. Fans will be able to submit their own Festival stories and photos. Accepted submissions may be featured on the CMAfest.com site. Fans can also sign up for the CMA Exclusive e-news while on the website. In addition, MySpace users may want to visit www.MySpace.com/cmamusicfestival, while Facebook users can check out http://www.facebook.com/CountryMusicAssociation.

Tickets are available now. Four-day ticket prices range from $110 to $185. To purchase tickets, 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 (800) 745-3000. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable. Four-day ticket package categories correspond to a different level of seating at LP Field. Children 3 years and younger are admitted FREE. For information on ADA seating, please call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378).

A limited number of four-day parking passes for LP Field are available. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) to order. The price is $28 for cars; $60 for vans/shuttles; and $120 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.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA.

Source: Country Music Association

CONTACT: Wendy Pearl, +1-615-244-2840, or Scott Stem, +1-615-244-2840,
both of CMA

Web Site: http://www.cmafest.com/

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