LP Field during the nightly concerts on Friday, June 8 at the 2012 CMA Music Festival in Downtown Nashville. Photo: Bennett Farkas/CMA

CMA Music Festival set a new attendance record in 2012 with daily attendance topping 71,000 fans, a 9.2 percent increase over the 65,000 fans who attended last year. It was a sell out for the third consecutive year at LP Field.

The increase was attributed to expanded seating at LP Field for the nightly concerts, and mild temperatures that drove increased attendance in the free event and concert areas downtown.

“Third time’s the charm and to achieve a sell out for a third straight year and increase attendance says a lot about the strength of this event, the dedication of our fans, the support of our industry and local community, and the popularity of our music and artists,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

Carrie Underwood performs at LP Field on Friday, June 8 during the 2012 CMA Music Festival.Photo: John Russell/CMA

Attendance figures for 2012 include four-day ticket packages, promotional and single night tickets, as well as attendance in non-ticketed free areas and events. In all, more than 450 artists performed more than 200 hours of concerts.

Week-long mild temperatures in Nashville resulted in increased attendance in the numerous free areas including The Buckle, Fan Alley, public events, and concert venues. In fact, there was record attendance on Friday and Saturday at Chevrolet Riverfront Park with more than 25,000 fans attending the free concerts throughout each day.

“Eighty percent of our four-day ticket holders come from outside of Tennessee,” said Moore. “What we are seeing is gains with our locals who are coming out to support our free areas in increasing numbers.”

According to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, the direct visitor spending generated by CMA Music Festival in 2011 was $30 million, a $6 million increase over 2010 making the Festival the top annual generator of tourist income in Nashville. And it appears that 2012 was a boon to business again. Figures for 2012 will be released by the NCVB at a later date.

Blake Shelton performs at LP Field on Friday, June 8. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA

CMA Music Festival benefits downtown businesses, but it also supports music education in Music City. The artists and celebrities participating in CMA Music Festival donate their time. They are not compensated for the hours they spend signing autographs and performing. In appreciation of their exhaustive efforts, The CMA Foundation donates proceeds from the event to music education on the artists’ behalf through CMA’s Keep the Music Playing program. To date, CMA has donated more than $6.1 million to the cause.

Corporate brand partnerships are a key element to the marketing, fan experience, and financial support of the Festival. Nearly 50 different brands, including longtime partner Chevrolet, participated in the CMA Music Festival generating a combined activation and consumer engagements of more than 1.25 million – an increase of nearly 40 percent over numbers for 2011 (900,000). These various engagement elements included product sampling, dedicated registrations and sales leads, as well as brand impressions.

“This year more than 15 new brands—including AT&T, BIC, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Emerald Coast Vacations, Jelly Belly, Jack in the Box, Cracker Barrel, Bad Boy Buggies, and Cabot Cheese—participated at the Festival with dynamic consumer activities,” said Sheri Warnke, CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

Festival attendees came from all 50 states and two dozen countries.

The ABC television special CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock will air Mon., Sept. 17 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET).

Tickets for 2013 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 6-9, are available now.

Chapter 401

Jason Aldean at the press conference for the LP Field Nightly Concerts on Thursday (6/7). Photo: Alan Mayor

All eyes are on LP Field.

By day, the tens of thousands of CMA Fest attendees scatter throughout the city to fan-club parties, shopping sprees, charity events, tourist haunts and whatnot. But the whole flock comes to roost each evening at the coliseum, 70,000 strong.

On Thursday (6/7), that venue shimmered with the stardust of Glen Campbell, Jason Aldean, Kellie Pickler, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum and more. It was undoubtedly the day’s ultimate goal and destination, yet there were plenty of diversions along the way to there.

We began our journey at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage. Here’s the deal there: When the gates open, the LP Field ticket holders are allowed in 1/2 hour before everyone else, ensuring that they get prime  spots. This also has the effect of stationing the young and nubile front and center. After that, the general public is admitted free.

Lee Brice performing at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage during CMA Music Festival. Photo courtesy CMA.

When I arrived, the venue was completely full, with thousands bopping and basking in the sunshine. Jerrod Niemann was aurally seducing them with “What Do You Want from Me.” They sang it back to him. He finished with the Big Finale of “Lover, Lover.” Lee Brice was up next with his hearty and friendly vibe. Linda Davis was hosting what was otherwise an all-male, all-day talent lineup.

The big change at Riverfront is the backstage area. In place of folding chairs and open air, there is now a cool, dark, air-conditioned tent with potted ferns, refreshments, white couches, easy chairs and cushions. You watch the stage show on closed-circuit TV.

The Hard Rock Café plaza now has two stages, a small acoustic one and another for bands. The fans gather under a large, shady tent here, and can avail themselves of a full bar, as long as they keep their drinks on the patio and don’t take them out onto Broadway.

O’Shea was singing with energy when I arrived. Then Old Dominion took the bigger stage. These Nashville country-rockers have written songs recorded by Steve Holy, Taylor Swift, Randy Houser and Chris Young. They were followed by singer-songwriter Madeleine Slate.

As you proceed up Broadway, you enter The Buckle, a fun zone between 2^nd and 4^th Avenues. Here you’ll find Cricket karaoke singing, roulette wheels for prizes, the U.S. Marines chin-up contest and free samples of Blue Bell ice cream and free bottled water. Sony has a big trailer truck for gamers where you can enter to win a PlayStation. The Pedigree tent has doggies for petting. There are Bad Boy Buggies to sit on. ASCAP has a tented performance stage in this zone, but it was silent when I stopped by.

The Lodge at CMA Music Festival. Photo courtesy CMA.

Turn left and you’re in Fan Alley. The Caesar’s Palace tent offered relaxation and free Shania Twain cardboard fans. Emerald Coast had a fly-casting game. Jack in the Box hosted a mechanical bull. Pause at the misting tent if you need to, then get in line for the GAC/HGTV structure called The Lodge. This is an autograph zone, but that didn’t stop the fans from asking Jake Owen to sing to them. “I didn’t even bring a guitar,” he protested. Thompson Square were signing as well. Waiting in the wings was Vanilla Ice. The “Ice Ice Baby” rapper is now a real estate rehab expert with his own HGTV show.

The diving dogs are back! Actually, they are called the Ultimate Air Dogs. Their new location this year means that they have to pass by you, to and from their swimming pool diving platform. So I got to meet Pippin the whippet. Across from that is the Chevrolet Roadhouse Stage. This new venue was featuring artists such as Amber Hayes and Matt Stillwell when I was there. The audience is also under a tent at this one, which features a huge, three-sided bar dispensing free iced tea. This venue also dispenses free Chevy t-shirts, which are actually just as nice looking as the official merch.

Hall of Fame Park is now the Bic Soleil Summer Beach. Here, you will find beach-ball tossing, a volleyball net, some small tents with couches and a “beach” of actual sand with chaise lounges. Most of the fans were listening in the sun as Jason Cassidy did his rocking “Ride of Your Life,” followed by Bush Hawg and Sunny Sweeney.

Up on 4^th Avenue, The Clydesdales have a fully functional, tented “barn” set up. Each of the eight massive steeds has his or her own stall. They are bathed and groomed daily, to the delight of the fans. At this zone, you can also register to win a free six-pack of Budweiser. The iconic beer wagon, by the way, was built in 1903 by Studebaker.

Moe Bandy and Janie Fricke perform at the Bud Light Stage. Photo courtesy CMA.

The Bud Light Stage on the Bridgestone plaza was extremely popular on Thursday afternoon (6/7). A capacity crowd was enjoying T. Graham Brown belting “I Tell it Like it Used to Be” to wind up the “Classic Country Show” that also featured Moe Bandy, Janie Fricke and Gene Watson. This is another open-air venue, but the lack of shade seems to bother no one.

Fret not, Music Row fabulons: You will encounter your own kind amid the fan hubbub. At various stops along the way on Thursday, I greeted Cliff Audretch, Regina Stuve, Larry Fitzgerald, Shelly Mullins, Beth Gwinn, Leslie Roberts, Stuart Dill, Tracy Gershon, Wendy Pearl and Ryan Moore grooving on the fest.

At the Convention Center, the old fest moniker of Fan Fair is gradually fading away. This zone is now the AT&T and Cisco Fan Fair Hall, so that succinctly sums up the fest’s evolution.

Of its 60 booths, only three are for A-List artists – Alan Jackson, Chris Young and Dolly Parton. Another six are for “name brand” acts – The Kentucky HeadHunters, Lynn Anderson, Doug Stone, Donna Fargo, Bucky Covington and William Lee Golden. I love both Lulu Roman and Two Foot Fred, but although they were present and willing, few fans were at either booth when I went by. Fred is promoting his autobiographical book.

Only three major record companies are hosting booths, Warners, Big Machine and Universal. Of the remaining 46 booths, I counted 14 as belonging to indie artists and/or labels. That means that more than half of the booths now belong to retail entities such as Cabot Cheese, Sprint, Cracker Barrel, Jack Daniels, Field & Stream, Dillard’s, Budweiser, Chevrolet and Twisted Sister Apparel.

The dwindling star power of the autograph zone was the least of the fans’ complaints. This year, a lottery system was inaugurated. If you wanted to get a big-star autograph, you had to register on-line in May to qualify for the daily dispensing of autograph wristbands. Those who didn’t win one, clustered in a “Hopefuls” line to maybe get an extra. Plus, the wristband didn’t guarantee you’d get to the big star you desired. Boy, were they griping.

But something had to be done. If a Reba or Trace appears, the zone becomes a mob scene. And the big stars simply can’t accommodate everyone who wants them, even if they stay all day. The new system at least keeps their crowds and time commitments to a manageable size.

Flying Island's Gwen Sebastian got to meet Joey + Rory for the first time yesterday (6/7) in a Fan Fair Hall booth. Rory Feek co-wrote Gwen’s new single "Met Him in a Motel Room" with Jamie Teachenor. (L-R): Rory Feek, Gwen Sebastian and Joey Martin

Besides, there were plenty of other artists to get to know. In addition to Lynn, Donna, Bucky and the HeadHunters, artists in booths on Thursday (6/7) included Leah Seawright, Josh Turner, Her & King’s County, Miss Willie Brown, Gwen Sebastian, Laura Bell Bundy, Justin Moore, Craig Morgan, Nick Cross, Cowboy Troy, Trailer Choir, Billy Gillman and Eden’s Edge.

Also, you can have a custom photo made with the iconic Jack Daniels statue or participate in a fun Dolly trivia contest. There are film screenings in the Convention Center this year, as well.

The Durango Acoustic Corner stage has moved into the exhibit hall. This terrific venue used to be in a Convention Center hallway and needed more space. The stunning, stone-country vocal blend of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver on “Between Leaving and Loving You” at that stop was the sweetest sound I heard all day.

Go home. Change clothes. Pick up Miss Mary. NOW head for the mecca of LP Field.

BMI has a Tailgate Party set up on the parking lot, entertaining fans before they enter the massive venue. On Thursday, the line-up there included The Peach Pickers – Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins. Love them.

The Peach Pickers perform at BMI's Tailgate Party outside LP Field. Photo courtesy CMA.

Inside, Steve Moore greeted the throng and introduced Mayor Karl Dean. “We are thrilled to welcome you to Nashville,” said Dean, explaining how the Fest gives back to Nashville schools, thanks to the stars’ generosity. “Let’s start off this festival by giving these artists a huge round of applause. Enjoy yourselves, and have a wonderful, wonderful time.” Up in the CMA Hospitality Box, I congratulated hizzhonor on his speech. “Well, at least nobody booed,” he replied.

David Nail showcased the fruits of the fest by performing a moving rendition of “The Sound of a Million Dreams” with the Nashville School of the Arts Chamber Singers. The students then sang the National Anthem.

Glen Campbell performs at LP Field. Photo courtesy CMA.

“Welcome to your home for the next four nights,” said host Storme Warren to the crowd. He brought on Glen Campbell, who drew a massive cheer. The roars continued as he fired off one iconic hit after another – “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Galveston,” “Southern Nights.” When he lost his way in the lyrics of “Rhinestone Cowboy,” thousand of voices helped him through it. At times, he seemed agitated or confused, but his golden voice and guitar playing carried him through.

By the time he finished, Bev Lambert was weeping. “This is the last time we’ll see him,” explained Miranda’s mom. Miss Mary said she was choked up when Glen was singing about “the rivers of my memory” in “Gentle on My Mind.”

By the time Miranda Lambert and The Pistol Annies were through rocking the joint, LP Field was a full house. It was quite an inspiring sight. At the start of the week, there were still a few “nosebleed” seats available, but on Thursday afternoon, the CMA announced that the fest was officially completely sold out.

Lady Antebellum performs at LP Field. Photo courtesy CMA.

Kellie Pickler did a sweet, acoustic set on a small, high stage situated at mid field. Then Jason Aldean came out rocking on the main stage. At the conclusion of “She’s Country,” he went down into the crowd to shake some hands. The glorious Lady Antebellum was up next, followed by Zac Brown Band and Brad Paisley. Lauren Alaina provided a second acoustic moment.

Schmoozing the room were David & Susana Ross, Steve & Ree Guyer Buchanan, Herkie Williams, Tom Baldrica, Rob Oatman, former mayor Bill Purcell, LeAnn Phelan, Bob Doerschuk, Ron Cox, Charlie Cook, Steve Lassiter, John Dorris, Aaron Hartley, Tom Corley, Nancy Shapiro, Jeff Walker and Ed Hardy.

Zac Brown Band at LP Field press conference. Photo: Alan Mayor

Chapter 400

Lady Antebellum works the red carpet at the 2012 CMT Music Awards. Photo: Alan Mayor

The 2012 CMT Awards totally smoked the other country awards shows in two departments, audience enthusiasm and quality of music.

It wasn’t the best written, most dignified or tech perfect—and certainly not the best looking—of the awards telecasts, but the excellence of the music on the CMTs was undeniable.

Staged at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday (6/6), the show not only threw its spotlight on the 17,000 fans inside, but on thousands more outside on its plaza. Both groups were screaming like banshees and having the party of their lives.

And what a bounty of tunes they were served. There were 19 performances on this year’s telecast, more than ever before. Not only was there more music, it was presented in audio brilliance. Trust me, this is not always the case when music and television meet.

Here are my favorite musical moments of the show. Kicking things off was an exciting mash-up of Lady Antebellum and the pop band Hot Chelle Rae with their tunes “We Owned the Night” and “Tonight, Tonight.” It was my fave because both acts harmonized beautifully, and I love both songs.

Out on the plaza, Hank Williams Jr. and Brad Paisley were stone country on “Get Drunk and Play Hank Williams.” My third favorite was also a party song and also an outside performance, Eric Church’s “Drink in My Hand.” Back in the arena, Little Big Town sang superbly on the slinky “Pontoon,” a performance that also had one of the best stage sets of the eve.

Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley won the CMT Award for Collaborative Video of the Year for "Remind Me." Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

My fifth most favorite moment belonged to the night’s top winner, Carrie Underwood. “Good Girl” is an extremely challenging song to sing, and she pulled it off magnificently. Next up, Kenny Chesney’s sensuous, hypnotic introduction of “Come Over,” which is going to be a massive hit for him. And who could quibble with the triple-threat vocals of Pistol Annies on “Takin’ Pills?”

The musical missteps were few. The Zac Brown Band wasn’t as vocally tight as usual on “The Wind,” but its instrumental flash was in place. The Farm sounded a little wobbly, too, although its time slot was too brief to really tell. Kimberly Perry of The Band Perry sounded out of breath throughout most of “Postcard From Paris,” and the song is still a half-baked muddle. The-emperor-has-no-clothes moment was Scotty McCreery. He may sell millions, but he simply isn’t a very strong singer.

For novelty/newsworthy value, we had Willie Nelson warbling “Roll Me Up (And Smoke Me When I Die),” accompanied by The ZBB, Jamey Johnson, Darius Rucker and Toby Keith and getting a standing ovation. Speaking of Toby, his “Beers Ago” was the best country-rocker of the night.

Others who gave the CMT Awards its claim as Best TV Music Presenter included Luke Bryan, Casey James, Rascal Flatts with Journey, Kip Moore, Jana Kramer and Lauren Alaina. Speaking of Lauren, her interjected moments catching up with tweets from fans fell flat. It wasn’t her fault—fan tweets are universally boring.

The “comedic” moments were also lame, particularly the opening “controversy” over whether Toby or Kristen Bell should host the show. It was much buzzed about because it featured video appearances by both President Obama and a wooden cigar-store Indian.

Keifer and Shawna Thompson pose backstage, winner's envelope and stilettos in hand, moments after winning CMT Award for Duo Video of the Year for “I Got You.”

Best entrance: Toby and Kristen riding a Red Solo Cup through the crowd. Best thank-you speech: Thompson Square. The CMT award is a big belt buckle: “It wasn’t so long ago that we were selling buckles and boots right down the street, so it feels pretty good to be getting one of these,” said Shawna. Runner-up: Brad Paisley, who won Collaborative Video with Carrie. “I just want to thank this beautiful woman for being in the video with me,” said Brad. “Otherwise, it’s just a dork walking in the desert.”

Worst tech gaff: Kristen Bell talking in the dark outside until someone turned on her key light. Oddball stunt: Tom Arnold pulling camouflage underpants out of Luke Bryan’s jeans to be tossed into the crowd.

Thanks to Katie Cook and Evan Farmer, here are some things we learned on the red carpet—which was purple, by the way. Hayden Panettiere is moving to Music City. She’s co-starring in the new ABC series Nashville. Despite all of them now being married, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood all still ride on the same tour bus, with all three spouses. That’s how they keep coming up with those cool Lady Antebellum songs together. They’re playing a show with Bruce Springsteen at London’s Hyde Park this summer.

The show marked the first time that Pistol Annies have ever been nominated for any award. Toby Keith is the only artist who has performed on all 11 CMT award telecasts. Little Big Town is celebrating 15 years of being together. Jason Aldean is recording a Big Secret duet for his new CD, but he won’t tell us who it is with.

The Rascal Flatts Changed tour is with LBT, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge, and is believed to be country’s first all-band tour. As for the mash-up with Journey, “They welcomed us with ‘Open Arms,’” quipped Joe Don Rooney.

On the fashion front, Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square was a vision in a Greco-Roman beige pleated gown with wide breast straps and an otherwise nude torso. Sara Evans was in a silver bag. Kimberly Schlapman of LBT rocked in pink and black. Kellie Pickler chose a pale lavender, fringed cocktail dress with silver bar accents.

The black vest with white piping over a black lace blouse was a WTF choice by Kimberly Perry. On the other hand, Carrie Underwood was glittering in a form-fitting silver sheath. “I’m a human disco ball,” she chirped, “I love it.” Hubby Mike Fisher celebrates his birthday this week (6/5) and plans a concert tour of Europe with Carrie now that hockey season is over.

Of the men, Jake Owen turned the most heads. He wore a bright white linen suit over a V-necked black t-shirt. Very stylish.

Working the room were Colton Dixon, Skylar Laine, Big & Rich, Dax Sheppard, Ronnie Dunn, Steve Austin, Alan Jackson, Jordin Sparks, Dario Franchitti, The Clampetts, Ashley Greene,  Tony Hawk, Denise Richards and Glen Campbell, plus every publicist you’ve ever met.