CMA Fest 2022: Saturday, June 11th
CMA FEST: Day 3 - June 11, 2022
Fashionably late seemed to be the theme of the week. I found myself speed walking to the Music City Center, yet again. Looking down at my phone, I realized Luke Bryan hit the CMA Close-up stage about fifteen minutes prior. However, I remained optimistic that I would catch some of the discussion. As soon as I approached the security checkpoint, I could tell the day was going to be much more hectic than Friday. It was written all over the security personnels faces: They were overwhelmed. It was just a little after 11:00AM.
Rushing up the escalator felt like an eternity. “Is it just me or are there way more people than there were yesterday?” I thought. As the escalator hit the second floor, I booked it through the convention center and straight to the Close-Up Stage. One thing I failed to consider here was the obvious: Luke Bryan is Popular! There was no way I was pushing through the thick crowd of first comers. They deserved their views. Either way, I was able to tune in on the discussion with Luke Bryan from a distance.
Luke Bryan - CMA Close Up Stage at CMA Fest
When I got there, the moderators were in the middle of discussing how Luke Bryan’s Vegas Residency at Resorts World Las Vegas was going. He shared that it was going well and was grateful to be able to do what he loves - which is Singing. Bryan joked that he could tell when a member in the audience has no idea who he is just by the look on their face. I found that funny considering the number of people that filled up the massive space we were in. Clearly, a lot of these folks knew who Mr. Bryan was!
Entertained by his charm, sense of humor, and overall amazed at how humble a superstar like Luke Bryan could still be, I almost lost track of time. While I wish I could have stayed for the entire conversation, I made my way back down the escalator to my first interview of the day.
Immediately after wrapping up my sitdown conversation, I made my way towards the nearest exit to catch Lauren Alaina’s set. She was about to go on the Chevy Riverfront Stage and I had about 5 minutes to get there.
Actual footage of me running out of the Music City Center.
At this point, this was my first time hitting the streets of Downtown Nashville that day.
Again, I underestimated the crowds. The route between the Music City Convention Center and the Chevy Riverfront would be much more difficult to navigate now that the amount of people seemed to multiply exponentially. Even so, my optimistic side remained hopeful that I would be able to catch some of Lauren Alaina’s performance.
Needless to say, the police was in the middle of closing off the entrance to the stage as I approached. They reached their capacity.
Photo Credit: CMA
I listened to Ms. Alaina bless the crowd with her latest feature on Chris Lane’s song, ‘Dancin’ In The Moonlight.’ Again, I would miss another opportunity to catch her on stage and that sat heavy on my heart. Since there was no use in soaking in my sorrow, I made my way to the other stages to catch the many other talented folks at the fest.
Back towards the Chevy Vibes Stage I went.
The sun was coming down hard and I was not prepared for the heat. I decided to take a break in the shade across the street from the Walk Of Fame Park. From the comfort of the shade, I listened to Ms. Laci Kaye Booth.
Ten minutes in, I decided it was time to end my break from the Sun. I walked over to see the talented young lady up close. Well, as close as I could get since that stage was also busy.
Ms.Laci Kaye Booth began signing her hit song, ‘True Love’ as I made my way through the security checkpoint. Right there on the big screen, I watched her sing her heart out. With every lyric, an authentic facial expression followed. You can tell she was fully emerged in her performance.
The audience cheered the singer at the conclusion of her set.
The relief that comes from an airconditioned room after trekking it between stages is something that cannot be explained. You just had to be there.
Looking down at my phone, I happily made my way up the escalator back to Fan Fair. Trisha Yearwood was about make an appearance on the CMA Close-up stage and this time I was prepared to beat the crowds.
As I settled in my corner, I had no idea things would get better. It was the greatest thing to see not only THEE Trisha Yearwood hit the stage but also Lauren Alaina. Finally!
‘Up Close and Personal with Trisha Yearwood and Friends’
The third mover and shaker [on stage] in Country Music included Caitlyn Smith. Talk about a win.
Radio host, Elaina Smith moderated the “Up Close and Personal with Trisha Yearwood and Friends,” session. She couldn’t have done a better job! I swear she asked all the questions we were dying to know the answers to.
One of my favorite parts of the discussions was Lauren Alaina’s honest conversation on mental health. She talked about how important it is to check in on yourself. In the wise young woman’s own words, “Take care of yourself so you can show up for other people.”
The host pivoted the somewhat serious note to a lighter one. She asked each woman, “What’s Next?.”
Caitlyn was the first to answer. She shared that her five year old will be starting Tee Ball, She’s about done wrapping up the 2nd half of ‘High & Low,’ and preparing to go off on tour. She will be opening up for George Strait in Vegas!
Lauren Alaina was the next one to answer the question. While she appeared to be contemplating exactly what that was.. She seemed genuine in her response: She feels that she’s checked off a lot of her bucket list in the last 10 years. Among other things, she is excited to officially be apart of the Grand Ole Opry with her induction back in February.
The discussion closed out with Trisha Yearwood. She shared with the audience that she is ready to make a new record! The timeline for that record would be closer to a 2023 release. She also mentioned that one of her goals in life is to rescue animals. Aside from those plans, she will be accompanying her equally iconic husband, Garth Brooks, on tour which is set to be on the road through September.
CMA Fest was a blast! Unfortunately, I began to feel like I was quickly hitting a wall when it came to my energy levels.
I decided to head home to re-energize. However, life had other plans. I was coming down with a cold.
While I was really looking forward to catching Randall King, Ingrid Andress, and Cole Swindell at Ascend Amphitheatre that evening; I was in no way, shape, or form to go out anywhere. Plus, it would be irresponsible of me to expose anyone to my icky cold.
My CMA Fest days were over for the rest of the weekend. Though I am sad I could not attend Day 4, I am beyond grateful to have been able to partake in the festivities. Especially after its cancellation due to COVID for the past two consecutive years.
Country Music fans from all around the world showed out! Luckily, I was able to experience the celebrations on both Friday & Saturday.
Until then, see you all next year!
Thank You for having me, CMA.
