Parties You Will Never Get Into

June 5-9, 2008; these are unforgettable dates for country music fans all over the world as it was during those days that they gathered for the 2008 CMA Music Festival, previously known as Fan Fair, in Nashville, Tenn. Attendees came from every state in the United States and even 28 countries including Australia, Denmark, France, and Japan to name a few.

The fest comprised days of fun-filled concerts, activities, contests, and live interactions with their favorite country stars. The attendance for CMA 2008 skyrocketed as its record obtained an increase of 9.4% over 2007, with an average daily attendance of 52,000 compared to almost 48,000 in 2007.

Prior to its kick off on June 5, there were already events on June 4, with the Parade and Concert Block Party on the Chevy Plaza at the Sommet Center. Over 12,000 viewers witnessed the parade and around 6,000 people were at the Block Party as stars like Keith Anderson, James Otto, and Phil Stacey performed for them.

The event officially kicked off on June 5 with Phil Vassar and Jo Dee Messina at the Greased Lightning Riverfront Stage. The four-day event was for the fans themselves, as the event was filled with a humongous list of activities for the fans to wallow in.

First off, the Nightly Shows on the VAULT Concert Stage at LP Field. The first night had appearances from CMA Vocal Group of the Year Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler, Jewel, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry, Jennifer Hanson, and Luke Bryan. Friday night offered performances from Keith Urban, Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, Josh Turner, Jack Ingram, and Carrie Underwood. The line-up on Saturday night included Little Big Town, Kenny Rogers, Rodney Atkins, Trace Adkins, Alan Jackson, Jason Michael Carroll, and Jamey Johnson. Sunday night featured performances from Sara Evans, James Otto, Randy Travis, Billy Ray Cyrus, Bucky Covington, and Dwight Yoakam. Daily concerts were also held at the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages. The twin stages performed 106 acts all in all for more than 34 hours of energetic concerts.