CMA Fest 2023: Saturday, June 10th
CMA FEST: Day 3 - June 10, 2023
There’s nothing like finding street parking downtown but especially during one of the busiest weekends of the Summer. Just two blocks away from the Music City Center. My friend and I booked it down the street and through the double doors.
Once we passed through security, we made a pit stop in the Media Center before hitting the streets of Downtown Nashville, TN. It felt like a rather calm Saturday but I know better than to speak on something too soon.
Being on time always hits way more than the alternative. Especially to a set you’re eager to catch. I’ve known of Ms. K Michelle for years now (Loved her back since her days on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.) However, the Memphis native is dipping her toes in Country Music. On this day, she introduced herself to Country Music Fest party goers as Puddin.
A little anxiousness came over me as I wasn’t sure what to expect. Afterall, all I’ve ever known of K. Michelle was the R&B songstress that she’s been for over a decade.
She came on 11 minutes after her set time. I imagine she was nervous backstage.
When the petite beauty finally made it out on stage, she quickly addressed the crowd with a Good morning and thank you to those in attendance. She also made sure to hype us up under the beaming sun. I should’ve known then she was taking us to church. Effortlessly, she began her setlist with her track ‘Jesus & Whiskey.’
This was followed by a note-perfect rendition of music icon Tina Turner's 1973 single, ‘Nutbush City Limits.’
As I gathered my things to head over to the Music City Center to catch my next move, I heard the chords to the next song being played. A song so fitting for this particular weekend. It was none other than her song, ‘Tennessee’ which is said to be featured on her upcoming EP.
I guess we can say that K. Michelle has officially entered her Country Music era.
While we could only catch 20 minutes of her set, I enjoyed every second of it. It seemed the first half of Saturday was off to a lovely start. Naturally, I was grinning from ear to ear as I brisk-walked my butt to MCC.
The panel on Saturday featured another live podcast recording for Country Heat hosted by Kelly Sutton & Amber Anderson. The Artist of the Day was Brothers Osborne.
The conversation started around their upbringing in Maryland and the influences that pushed them into Music. The discussion naturally led into family. Considering the duo are biological siblings, it was not far fetched that such a question would be brought up.
John talked about having kids and what it’s like watching them grow up so fast. He shared that he loves that they get chunky by the day.
T.J. and John reminisce on their early Nashville Days. A subtle shoutout went to Craig Morgan, who has always been there for them. He is also a reason why they try to be there for other people.
While I can’t exactly remember which of the hosts asked the question that led to this answer, I think the answer is iconic enough to stand alone on its own - TJ shyly recalled meeting Trace Adkin and asking him to sign his boot. To this day, John won’t let him to live that down.
Kelly asked about the duo about their forthcoming (literally 4th) studio album and when that will be finished. To which T.J. replied, ‘We’re working with new producer, Mike Alessandro, and very excited to work with someone who can challenge us to produce a new sound.’
He then went on to say, ‘Artists tend to live their lives for other people. As a new artist you want your fans to like it (your music) but as time passes that shifts.’ At this point, T.J. is now in a place where he only does things that he loves.
John added, ‘You do have to grow into yourself. The studio is where you learn a lot about yourself. The new job details that you love and the details that you hate. Whatever you can’t change you eventually learn to embrace.’
The latter conversation included the musicians divulging that they’ve sought therapy together and how it’s helped them get along. They also talked about buying a bus for touring. While it’s not cheap it comes in handy for friends and family on the road.
Watching Brothers Osborne skyrocket in Country Music has been a treat. I remember peers of mine in a Music marketing course at Belmont introducing us to a then unknown duo who would go on to become legends in their own right.
Catching this sit down was the icing on top of a splendid Saturday. If only this metaphor could keep one cool enough for a sunny day in Nashville, TN.
After spending a few minutes relishing the luxury that is air conditioning.. we made our way to the Maui Jim Reverb Stage for Justin Champagne.
He was mid-song as we walked up to the security checkpoint. With coffee in hand, I couldn’t help but place my iced beverage on my forehead to cool me down. Things were heating up and quickly!
The rising artist then brought out his ‘Country Love Song’ collaborator, K Michelle. Talk about hitting the lottery twice in one day!
It didn’t take much to notice the chemistry between the two artists was unique. I could see why this duo joined forces on a single. Might I add, the band really gelled with Champagne.
The Louisiana bred then performed his popular track ‘Drank’ which sent the crowd into a frenzy! There was dancing by both the folks in the crowd and the musicians on stage. I was living for this kind of party.
He closed out his set with ‘When I Pull Up.’
To be fair, I could have stood there all day but that’s not how the cookie crumbles at CMA Fest so off I went towards the Chevy Vibes Stage.
As we rushed down Broadway to the Chevy River Stage.. I quickly realized how congested the crowds were getting as the day progressed.
In that moment, I was glad I wrote down an earlier time for the next scheduled stop.
When I tell you that every security checkpoint kept directing me in another direction. Since the main entrance was closed due to maximum capacity.. the Media entrance was the only way in.
Alas, we made it through on the third try.
Through the heavy crowds, I looked for an opening on the lawn to set up shop. My friend Kristine spotted a free space on the hill so down we went.
Counting my blessings and making sure to include the great spot to the left of the stage. We waited in the scorching hot sun for Jackson Dean.
‘This better be good',’ I thought.
Though I am not the most familiar with the talented musician, I recognize the name. He’s been on my radar for quite some time and very much a frequent contributor to the endless list of hitmakers on Up In the Mix’s #NewMusic alert.
Started off with song : ‘Trailer Park.’
The audience was loud but I somehow caught his prelude to the next song. Dean shared that he actually wrote the following track for his dog Carl up in dog heaven. That song is called ‘Red Light.’
For a moment there, the mood shifted to a more serious tone. Regardless of the mood, the crowd was split between the dancers, the gazers, and the chatterboxes. I completely understood the folks that were groovin’ and movin’.. it was hard not to jam out when the instrumentals coming from the stage were killer!
He performed ‘1971’ before closing out his set with ‘Don't Come Lookin'‘ off his 2021 self-titled debut EP.
CMA Fest was a blast! Though I am sad the festivities on Day 4 were cut short due to weather, I am beyond grateful to have been able to partake in the 50th Anniversary of the festival.
About 90,000 Country Music fans from all around the world came and saw!
Until then, see you all next year!
Thank you for having me, CMA.
