Following today's hugely impressive parade led by The Oak Ridge Boys and Bill Anderson (and which also included local WKRN/Nashville's News 2 morning meterologist Justin Bruce (who just celebrated his 21st birthday!...not really) in a marching band on the rarely attempted kazoo; and then block party featuring uniquely attention-holdings talents like Lee Brice and Uncle Kracker, many Fest-followers are likely making their way the only way they know how (by foot) to the Bridgestone Arena for the CMT Music Awards. The awards are hosted by Kid Rock, who for those who don't know - was a MAJOR highlight of the nightly LP Field shows at both last year's CMA Fest and the CMA Fest before that (where among other memorable moments he shared the stage with Martina McBride to sing “Picture), and really SHOULD be back again.
But speaking of taking a gamble (although Kid Rock really shouldn't be considered one) – it's in the cards that a certain legendary roaster might just make an appearance at tonight's awards. Though that appearance is being described as a bit sketchy. Actually, a lot sketchy, and to be more exact about what condition he'll appear in, then one should shuffle to official news source (of course!) CMT, who describe it like this: Shania Twain and Taylor Swift will be featured in a Thelma & Louise-inspired video parody to serve as the opening segment of the 2011 CMT Music Awards airing tonight at 7 PM central on CMT AND on CMT.com. With the two of them in a vintage convertible, Glee star Chord Overstreet (son of Nashville-based and much-celebrated singer/songwriter Paul Overstreet) also appears in the segment - shot Monday in Thompson's Station, Tenn. Comedian Ron White, Kenny Rogers (hope you guessed him), Donald Trump and host Kid Rock also make cameos in the clip, which features the vintage car used in the original movie. The Band Perry will perform; Martina McBride, Little Big Town, actress Cheryl Hines, Celebrity Apprentice's Gary Busey (who, by the way, will do your taxes - with or without pants) and Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon will present.
Performers include Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Big & Rich, Toby Keith, the Zac Brown Band and Luke Bryan. Joining Twain as presenters are Sara Evans, Justin Bieber (who duets with Rascal Flatts on their new album), Sheryl Crow, American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alaina, Train, Kristin Chenoweth, Melissa Peterman, Dancing With the Stars winner Hines Ward, the Green Bay Packers' Clay Matthews and actress Mary Steenburgen.
Other tunes you can take in during the Awards come courtesy of Lee Brice, Colt Ford, Hunter Hayes, the JaneDear Girls, Thompson Square and CMT's Next Superstar finalists Steven Clawson and the very crafty Matt Mason, who'll perform on the Nationwide Insurance Stage at intervals throughout the show. Matt, by the way, is no stranger to reality shows, having been a successful contestant on Nashville Star. He's also no stranger to CMA Fest, often showing up somewhere or another through town during the four-ish days. (Though you'd think someone who spends so much time competing in Nashville would also want to compete for the attention of the fans a bit more – some of us locals actually LIKE you, Matt! Play more shows here, please. But I'm not one to beg).
If you're not so into the Awards (or you don't have tickets and realize there'll be plenty of chances to catch a rerun) but you'd still like to see some incredibly gifted writers and singers perform, check out the ruby-red star power of Shelly Fairchild, Stephony Smith, Emily West, and Lisa Carver at 3rd and Lindsley from 7-9 tonight. Cover is $7, but calling ahead is reccommended - Shelly tends to sell out!!! (Venues, that is). I'm just sayin'...
*And don't forget Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam, it starts at 10 pm at the Ryman and features Marty with the Fabulous Superlatives, (his wife) Connie Smith, Mmmmeell Tillis, and the ever-effervescent Dolly Parton herself.
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