Congratulations, you've made it to day three of CMA Fest 2024!
By now the festival is in full swing and the streets of Nashville are hopping (even more so than usual) with some fantastic live music. Even if you don't have tickets for the evening shows at Nissan Stadium, there are still plenty of artists to see for free on the stages downtown, with something for everyone to enjoy.
It can be overwhelming to make sense of it all though, so we've done the hard work for you. Here's our five artists that you should make time to watch today (Saturday 8th June), with times spread out across the day so you've got time to soak up the vibes and make sure you're fed and watered too!
Today was a tough day to pick from and we had to leave out some favourites like George Birge, Drake Milligan and Lily Rose – but here's who we finally got it down to…
1: Dasha, Chevy Vibes Stage, 10.15 AM
California-born Dasha shot to stardom when her song ‘Austin' went viral on TikTok, before rocketing up the charts around the world. However, she's far more than a one-hit wonder. Expect to hear songs from her latest album ‘What Happens Now', including the wistful twangy title track, ‘King Of California' with its bittersweet lyrics and rich fiddle melody, and the sharp yet lonesome ‘Even Cowboys Cry'. Her distinctive husky and soulful vocals are warm and biting by turns, and it promises to be a perfect way to start your Saturday.
2: Chayce Beckham, Chevy Riverfront Stage, 11.30 AM
It's safe to say 2024 is fast becoming Chayce Beckham's year. The 2021 American Idol winner – the first to do so entirely writing his own songs – has been winning over fans with his blend of traditional country, rock and hip-hop, as evidenced by his chart-topping single '23'. His album ‘Bad For Me' sounds like it could have been lifted from classic 70s country, with tracks like the stomping ‘Devil In Me', the sparse title track and ‘Waylon In '75' showing off the power and gravel in his vocals as well as being littered with lush traditional instrument. As he prepares to head out on tour this summer, make sure you catch him before he becomes the next big thing.
3: Song Suffragettes, CMA Close Up Stage, 1.45 PM
Songwriters' rounds are a Nashville staple, and the all-female Song Suffragettes has earned itself a reputation as a proving ground for the genre's stars – everyone from Ashley McBryde to Kelsea Ballerini has graced that stage. If you aren't around for their regular Monday night show at the Listening Room, then this is the next best thing. Alison Nichols, Callista Clark, Cyndi Thomson, Matraca Berg and Melissa Fuller will all be performing their own songs acoustically – and with one very special cover at the end. Get yourself down there and you could find yourself watching someone who'll be on the Nissan Stadium main stage next year!
4: Walker County, Hard Rock Stage, 2.55 PM
Sisters Sophie and Ivy – AKA Walker County – have been wowing fans around the world with their fiery energy and slick harmonies since signing their first record deal a decade ago, but it's their album ‘Painted Ponies' – released earlier this year – that's going to catapult them to the mainstream. Fans can look forward to seeing them show off their different musical sides, whether that's the soaring, emotional ‘The Thing About Fences', ‘Hits Home' with its bright upbeat melody and nostalgic lyrics, or the rattling, slinky ‘Double Wide World', as well as older tracks like the playful, pop-influenced ‘Bits & Pieces'. Throw in Sophie's wicked drum skills and it's sure to add up to a heck of a lot of fun.
5: Tucker Wetmore, Hard Rock Stage, 3.35 PM
We're finishing up with one of the biggest new names in the business. With a sound that's been likened to Morgan Wallen, layering his drawling vocals over spiky beats and almost rapping in places, the Washington native's been picking up plenty of buzz for his latest single ‘What Would You Do' – a clipped, confrontational message to a cheating lover – as well as the mellow, clever ‘Wind Up Missing You' and the smart twist of the regret-tinged ‘Wine Into Whiskey'. He's sure to draw some big crowds for his set on the Hard Rock Stage so make sure you get down there early to catch him!
