CMA Music Festival started off strong this year with opening act, Gary Allan. It's been five years since the country star has performed at the festival and the first year to open it. The Riverfront crowd was huge and ready to hear the music at 10am. The festival will take place over the next four days ending on June 12th.
For those not familiar with the yearly tradition, the CMA Music Festival began in 1972 and was called Fan Fair. Over a four day period starting on Thursday, over 400 artists, bands, and celebrities perform in one of the many concerts held downtown in Nashville. It is estimated that 150 concerts are held at the primary venues, Riverfront Park and LP Field. The Nashville Convention Center is home to Fan Fair Exhibit Hall where autographs are signed, pictures are taken, and many fans who traveled from all over the globe get to see their favorite country stars up close.
The performers are not paid to play, but are encouraged to take part in it for their fans. New artists especially have the advantage of exposing their music to country music listeners who may not have had the chance to discover them on their own. CMA Fest also gives back by donating half of their proceeds to charity.
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