Bigger, Better and Faster: A Preview of CMA Music Festival on ABC-TV
By Bob Doerschuk
Perfectly positioned to bring the summer to a spectacular close, "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" airs 9-11 PM/ET Monday, Sept. 8, on the ABC Television Network with three of Country Music's hottest young ladies as hosts - Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift .
"With these three beautiful and talented young women as our hosts and our 5.1 surround-sound mix, this year's special will feel physically different from anything we've done before," said Executive Producer Robert Deaton . "It will connect more directly with the television audience. And it will present the artists the way they should be presented, as the biggest touring and selling acts of any genre. Because that's what they are."
The hosts will welcome viewers, introduce each act, take to the stage themselves and hang out with fans who were surprised with a "lucky day" of special attention from the stars.
Filmed in Nashville June 5-8 and directed by Gary Halvorson, the special features performances from several of today's most exciting Country Music stars including the hosts (Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift) and Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Bucky Covington, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Dwight Yoakam .
There's a new look for this year's special, the fourth consecutive summer ABC-TV has given viewers a taste of one of the signature American music festivals, which was launched in 1972 as Fan Fair. A huge Barco MiTRIX LED screen at the back of the VAULT Concert Stage at LP Field complements each artist's performance with brilliant displays across its 30-feet-by-60-feet face. With 18 HD cameras capturing every angle and a helicopter circling above for dramatic overhead shots of the stage, the visuals promise to be as memorable as the music.
In addition to the performances, "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" will follow Bucky Covington as he tries his hand as a tour guide, giving viewers a taste of the scope of CMA Music Festival, which dominates Downtown Nashville for four days each summer.
John Rich of Big & Rich tells the tale of the rise of his friend Gretchen Wilson, who went from bartender to singer in Nashville honky tonks before making it big with hits including "Redneck Woman." Taylor Swift gives an impromptu street performance on the steps of the Ryman Auditorium and signs autographs at the Fan Fair Hall.
Certain fans are surprised to learn they've been chosen for a "lucky day" meet and greet with their favorite stars. Faith Hill surprises admirers Juliette Warren and David Newton from Australia. Sarah and Elizabeth Marince, two young aspiring artists from Pittsburgh, Pa., take a trip with Julianne Hough to her recording studio and Kellie Pickler spends time with fans from Connecticut - Rob Levasseur from East Hartford, Nick Manciero from Bethany and Dan Orlowski from Woodbidge. Keith Urban meets Cara Corbett, Alex Hamel and Stephanie Hayward from Toledo, Ohio.
The special is now being promoted on ABC.com . The coverage includes the following Webisodes series:
Nashville Nights with Jake Owen
Hosted by RCA recording artist Jake Owen, this five-part series takes viewers behind the scenes as Jake hits his favorite night spots, interacts with fans and performs live at LP Field in Nashville. See Jake get mobbed on the street, dance with fans and give an exclusive tour of his bus, plus much more.
Fan Round Up
Hit the streets with Ashley Eicher (former Miss Tennessee and Host of ABC.com's "Road To Country Music's Biggest Night") as she talks to fans at all the CMA Music Festival concerts and events (including the ABC Block Party). Fans talk about their love for Country Music, The CMA Music Festival and their favorite ABC shows. Also check out exclusive interviews with ABC Daytime talent and backstage access that you'll only see on ABC.com.
Backstage Pass
Host Ashley Eicher goes behind the scenes with a full backstage pass to give viewers an exclusive look at what it takes to put on the CMA Music Festival concerts and broadcast special. The special features exclusive interviews, footage from backstage and from the broadcast truck showing how the show is directed. Ashley talks to all the folks behind the scenes working around the clock to make the broadcast special including Emmy award winning television Director Gary Halvorson and Executive Producer Robert Deaton. |
