Degrees Of Perspiration:
The 2016 CMA Music Festival officially opens tomorrow (6/9) but unofficially, it's a week-long country music extravaganza – one that's expected to see temperatures in the triple digits. Here's a roundup of what's already happened:
- Blake Shelton attended the opening of his Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum exhibit, Blake Shelton: Based on a True Story. (6/6)
- International country artists including Troy Cassar-Daley, Caitlyn Shadbolt and Pauper Kings performed at the CMA World GlobaLive! showcase in downtown Nashville. (6/6)
- Darius Rucker hosted his seventh annual Darius and Friends charity concert at Nashville's Wildhorse Saloon including Hunter Hayes, Scotty McCreery and Charley Pride. Dustin Lynch, David Nail and Terri Clark were among the artists playing at the next day's celebrity golf tournament. Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. (6/6)
- The Grand Ole Opry welcomed Little Big Town with Pharrell Williams, Darius Rucker, Chris Janson and Carrie Underwood (who hosted her 10th fan club party in Studio A between sets) at two sold-out Opry House shows and a packed Opry Plaza. (6/7)
- Gary Allan held his annual Fan Club Party, hosted by GAC's Suzanne Alexander, at Nashville's Rocketown, raising more than $25,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of his late fan club president and industry vet/St. Jude board member Sharon Eaves. (6/7)
- Chris Young hosted opening ceremonies at the Skyview Stage at Nashville's Ascend Amphitheater. (6/8)
- The 2016 CMT Music Awards will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. (6/8)
See below for more coverage and photos; access the official schedule of CMA Music Festival activities here.
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