This scene at LP Field repeats itself for four nights in a row during the CMA Music Fest. Photos courtesy of CMA.

Hey Brentwood, don't miss Nashville's biggest event
By SUE FALLS
For Brentwood Home Page
The CMA Music Festival -- the most exciting annual event in Nashville -- opens on Thursday. This will mark the 40th year since country music fans started flocking to Nashville to hear, photograph, and possibly meet their favorite country artists.  And these fans aren’t just driving a few hours to get here – they come from all over the United States, Europe, Asia, and, of course, Australia to see their hometown boy. 

And yet I’ve heard friends in Brentwood say,  “I’ve never been; it’s too hot and the crowds are too big.” Seriously?  Some people travel half a world away to see this show, and we won’t drive 15 minutes downtown to enjoy the amazing entertainment?

Many of these entertainers are our neighbors and Brentwood-area residents – Trace, Brad, Carrie, JoeDon and Keith (we can call them by their first names since they live in our town). 

So here are my insider tips for locals who want to have as much fun at the festival as I – and all of those who travel from across the country and around the world -- always do.

Trust me, I’ve learned the ropes and ways to get around. This will be my 8th CMA Fest and I wouldn’t miss it for anything. 

TICKETS:  Four-day passes and single night tickets are still available.  It's much better to get a four day pass as there are benefits over a single-day passes.   The biggest reason to get a four-day pass is the ability to walk through the photo-line directly in front of the stage.  Your seats may be far away from the stage, but you can get right up front to see your favorite performer sing and take some amazing photos.  You do have to keep walking, but can take in a song or two if you walk slowly. 

If you can't go all four nights, check the CMA website to see if single day tickets are still available, or you can always buy tickets downtown from scalpers.  

PARKING: There are lots of options and for more details, check out http://www.cmaworld.com/cma-music-festival/info/parking.  Remember, sometimes the best parking spaces are not close to the venue so you can get out easier and avoid the traffic -- which is a good thing, since the 4-night parking passes for LP field are sold out!  

CONCERT OPTIONS:  The evening concerts at LP Field are the big draw for most visitors. This is where you will hear at least six big-name singers perform, and usually a surprise guest, each of the four evenings.  To check out the schedule for the LP Field venue, click here. 

There are other numerous stages throughout downtown where entertainers will be singing during the day.  The most notable singers will be at Riverfront Stage.  These are not your no-name, haven’t-made-it-big-yet artists.  Be sure to check out Jo Dee Messina, Jake Owen, Phil Vassar, Craig Morgan and many more who will be performing daily at the Riverfront Stage.  Click here.  

FAN FAIR HALL:  In addition to the great concerts you’ll hear, the big draw to the CMA Music Fest is what got this party started in the first place – FAN FAIR HALL.  This is a chance for the fans to meet with their favorite country singers, get a quick picture, and an autograph. This takes place in the Convention Center during the day.  For information on schedules, click here.

LEAVE AT HOME:  Backpacks, umbrellas, baby strollers, alcohol.  Oh, and leave the guns home too! 

DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT: Sunscreen, camera, cash, Sharpie marker, book for autographs, water bottle, extra T- shirt if you go during the day to change into in case you are dripping wet, either from sweat or Mother Nature.  If it’s CMA week in Nashville, you know it’s going to rain. A rain poncho that can be rolled up to fit in your purse is a good idea. Oh, and a word to the wise:  Carrie likes it when you bring and apply deodorant throughout the day.

WHAT TO WEAR:  COMFORTABLE shoes, or an awesome pair of cowboy boots, and comfortable light-weight clothes (nothing too revealing – there will be plenty of that from the out-of-towners). 

Crowd Control (how to get around):  Don’t try to avoid the crowds – just plan on taking your time, enjoying the event, and doing some serious people watching. 

FOOD:  Enjoy the local eats and support our local restaurants.   There are some great stands in LP Field that serve up healthy wraps, as well as the normal fare.   

BEVERAGES:  You’ll find plenty of yummy concoctions but be sure to hydrate with lots of water, and if you are imbibing, arrange for a ride home.   

BEST VIEWING:  When you least expect it, you’ll pass a major star on a sidewalk, in a bar, or getting gas at the corner.  Always be on the lookout, and be nice – they have families too and don’t always want to be ‘on.’ 

FAN CLUBS:  Every major singer has a fan club, and most ‘B list’ singers do too.  If you search for their fan club online, and join up fast, you can probably still get tickets to their members’ only event.   In my opinion, Blake Shelton’s at the Wild Horse is the best one to attend! 

Hope that helps you decide to take advantage of an amazing event that takes place just up the road.  See you at LP Field!

Sue Falls is an account executive with Brentwood Home Page.