Source: ABC Entertainment

NEW YORK, July 18th, 2005-- The summer's hottest Country Music festival is shaping up to be the summer's hottest television special when "CMA Music Festival: Country Music's Biggest Party," airs Tuesday, Aug. 2 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"The special captures the true nature of the festival with incredible performances by some of our most popular hit makers and the artist/fan encounters, which have been at the heart of CMA Music Festival for more than three decades," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson.

Added to the growing list of performers on the special are Miranda Lambert ("Kerosene"); Lee Ann Womack ("I May Hate Myself In The Morning"); Wynonna ("I Can Only Imagine"); and Phil Vassar ("I'll Take That As A Yes (The Hot Tub Song)").

Performers already announced include Dierks Bentley ("How Am I Doin'?"); Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy ("Rollin' (The Ballad of Big & Rich)"); Sara Evans ("Perfect"); Alan Jackson ("Where I Come From"); Jo Dee Messina ("My Give A Damn's Busted"); Dolly Parton and The Grascals ("Viva Las Vegas"); Rascal Flatts ("Fast Cars and Freedom"); Sugarland ("Something More"); Keith Urban ("Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me"); Gretchen Wilson ("All Jacked Up"); and Trisha Yearwood ("Georgia Rain").

For 34 years, the cornerstone of the annual event has been the relationship between the artists, the fans and their mutual love for the music. The special was taped in Nashville June 9-12 during CMA Music Festival, which was attended by more than 145,000 fans.

In one of the special segments Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry take viewers on a quick tour of the event from their kick- off concert, where they arrived in a camouflage Bad Boy Buggie, a souped-up golf cart, to interviews with fans from around the world, and an on-your-feet performance of the duo's hit "Gone."

"Country Music fans are the greatest," Montgomery said. "They've always got your back."

In another segment, funny guy Rodney Carrington, star of ABC-TV's "Rodney," takes viewers on a tour of the popular autograph sessions where the artists sign photos and pose for pictures with fans. In addition to fan interviews, Carrington talked to Cowboy Troy and Lambert before heading out for a baked-bean shot with a fan.

Previously announced segments included one with Kix Brooks, of super duo Brooks & Dunn, as he puts five, young impresarios through their paces before introducing them to Ricky Skaggs and legendary Earl Scruggs.

The special is a CMA production. Robert Deaton is the executive producer, and Gary Halvorson is the director.

CMA Music Festival 2006 will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 8-11, in Downtown Nashville and tickets are available now and selling fast.

To order tickets for the 2006 CMA Music Festival call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit http://www.cmafest.com/ to download an order form to fax or mail; visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/ to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600. 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 reserved seating at The Coliseum. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free. Four-day ticket packages include the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum; Daily Concerts at Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall); Family Zone; Fun Zone; Sports Zone; free in-town shuttles; program book and more.

  2006 CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL FOUR-DAY TICKET PACKAGE PRICES

  LEVEL                        ADULT           14 & YOUNGER
  Gold Circle (Floor)          SOLD OUT             n/a
  Floor Level                  $155                 $110
  Lower Level                  $135                 $ 95
  Club Level                   $125                 $ 86

        

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. MJI Programming, a division of Premiere Radio Networks, is the official radio broadcaster. Chevy, An American Revolution, is the official automotive sponsor of the CMA Music Festival. Fan Fair is a registered trademark of CMA.