Thomas Rhett, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood and more bring their best
Rain didn’t stop the music
The Firestone Country Roads Stage at Ascend Amphitheater was packed with fans at a sold-out show headlined by Brett Young. Meanwhile, Chevy Riverfront Stage was filled with capacity crowds for three back-to-back performances. These included Jordan Davis, The Voice alumni Morgan Wallen and Hunter Hayes’ set.
More Enthusiastic fans were cheering on Elvie Shane (BBR’s newest signee) and former American Idol alumni and country sweetheart Lauren Alaina. Fans were singing along to their favorite songs throughout the sets.
LOCASH also had the crowd singing along at the Radio Disney Country Stage and CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship recipient Travis Denning brought the energy to the Chevy Breakout Stage at Walk of Fame Park.
“Beer Can’t Fix” Thomas Rhett, Jon Pardi
Over at the CMA Close Up Stage, Old Dominion played to a packed house at Xfinity Fan Fair X.
At Nissan Stadium Thomas Rhett brought out Jon Pardi to perform their new song “Beer Can’t Fix” from Rhett’s new (super close to his heart) album Center Point Road. Eric Church was back at Nissan Stadium, just days after breaking that stadium’s attendance record. Church thrilled fans as he performed an incredible, wonderful solo acoustic set of his biggest hits and then some.
Carrie Underwood wrapped up Friday’s Nissan Stadium show, bringing on surprise guest and iconic rocker, Joan Jett. They performed a medley of Jett’s classic hits including “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” “Bad Reputation,” “Crimson And Clover,” “Fresh Start” and “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll.” A delighted capacity crowd were singing along with the hits, showing they DO love rock ‘n’ roll as well as country.
CMA Fest is the longest-running Country Music festival in the world with a portion of ticket proceeds directly benefiting high-quality music education initiatives across the United States through the CMA Foundation, thanks to all the artists performing at CMA Fest donating their time.
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com