CMA Fest kicks off today and it's the time that Country music fans flock to Nashville for 4-days of non-stop live music.
Whether you've been before or this is your first time, don't feel overwhelmed with the number of artists and stages. There really is something for everyone, and if you don't want to buy tickets for the stadium shows in the evenings, you can enjoy plenty of free live music around Downtown Nashville.
To help you plan your day, we've put together a list of five artists that you really should make time for today (Thursday 6th June). We've picked times that are spread apart so you can make the most of Downtown and also get yourself food and drink throughout the day.
Keep reading to see who we've picked…
10.15am – Love and Theft (Dr Pepper Amp Stage)
Duo Love and Theft – aka Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles – have been making music together since 2006 and they enjoyed a breakthrough in 2012 with their self-titled album. Following the release of their fourth album ‘Need to Breathe' at the end of 2023 on their new label home Curb, the duo is gearing up for a resurgence. What better way to start your day off than with these two?
11.35am – Fancy Hagood (Hard Rock Stage)
Fancy Hagood has been making waves for a few years now and he wowed the crowds at C2C earlier this year. Armed with a stellar voice and a knack for tugging on the heartstrings with his storytelling, Fancy won us over with his album ‘Southern Curiosity' in 2021. With a new album on the way, Fancy is set to be a huge star and he's helping to change the face of Country music in the process.
2.15pm – Sam Williams (Good Molecules Reverb Stage)
Sam Williams has been over to the UK a few times and his blend of Country music is one that combines tradition while at the same time embracing the modern. He really grabbed our attention in 2021 with his super album ‘Glasshouse Children‘ and he's recently been dropping some very good new music. The grandson of Hank Williams and the son of Hank Jr, he has a strong pedigree and he's impressively carrying on the family name.
4.00pm – Warren Zeiders (Chevy Riverfront Stage)
You only need to hear Warren Zeiders' gritty voice for a few seconds, for it to stay in your head for days. The 24-year-old is picking up traction thanks to the release of his 2023 debut album ‘Pretty Little Poison', released via Warner Records. If you like your Country a little more traditional but with a rock leaning, Warren is your perfect artist. Whatever you do, don't miss him showcasing his raw talent live.
9.35pm – Canaan Smith (Hard Rock Stage)
Round out your first day at CMA Fest with Platinum singer-songwriter Canaan Smith. With two albums under his belt, and a new one on the way, Smith has hits for days. Always an energetic performer you can expect heavy guitars, strong vocals and Country Boy authenticity. It's been a while since Smith has been in the UK so if you're in Nashville for CMA Fest, make sure you go down to see him blow the crowd away.
For the full CMA Fest line-up and all the timings, head over to cmafest.com.
