2008 Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CMA Music Festival Schedule

Wednesday, June 4

7:00 - 9:30 a.m. - GAC Music Festival Kickoff Breakfast - SOLD OUT
Great American Country is kicking off CMA Music Festival week with the return of it's "Music Fest Kickoff Breakfast" at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Attendees will receive a hearty country breakfast, listen to acoustic performances, and receive admission into the museum. Hosted by Mark Wills, attendees will enjoy performances by Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Jake Owen, Rissi Palmer, and The Roadhammers. Tickets are sold out.

Thursday, June 5

10:00 a.m. - Autograph Signing: Trisha Yearwood*
Trisha Yearwood will sign copies of her latest CD, Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love, and her new cookbook Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen: Recipes from My Family to Yours in the Museum Store. Click here to read more and view signing rules.

Noon - Interview and Performance with Kathy Mattea
Kathy Mattea performs songs from her new CD, Coal, produced by Marty Stuart. In a brief interview, the West Virginia native will discuss her new work, in which she explores her mining heritage. Mattea is a former CMA Female Vocalist of the Year (1989 and 1990), whose hits include “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” and “Come from the Heart.”

1:15 p.m. - Autograph Signing: Kathy Mattea*
Kathy Mattea will be signing copies of her new CD Coal in the Museum Store.
Click here to read more and view signing rules.

3:00 p.m. - Autograph Signing: Trace Adkins*
Trace Adkins will be signing copies of his new book A Personal Stand in the Museum Store.
Click here to read more and view signing rules.

Friday, June 6

Noon - Book Talk: An Intimate Look at Tennessee Ernie Ford
Jeffrey Buckner Ford, eldest son of late Country Music Hall of Fame member Tennessee Ernie Ford, will discuss his new book, River of No Return: Tennessee Ernie Ford and the Woman He Loved. The author will talk about his father’s legendary career and the price his family paid for that fame. He will show vintage film footage and answer questions from the audience. Following the program, Ford will sign copies of his book.

Saturday, June 7

Noon - Songwriter Session: Phil Vassar
Made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund
Phil Vassar, whose hits include “American Child,” “Carlene,” “In a Real Love,” “Love Is a Beautiful Thing,” “Just Another Day in Paradise,” “Six-Pack Summer,” and “That’s When I Love You.” Vassar’s credits include “Bye Bye” (Jo Dee Messina); “I’m Alright” (Jo Dee Messina); “Little Red Rodeo” (Collin Raye); “My Next Thirty Years” (Tim McGraw); "Postmarked Birmingham" (BlackHawk); “Right on the Money” (Alan Jackson); and many others. Vassar’s work has earned him Songwriter of the Year honors from, ASCAP, Billboard, and NSAI. A signing will follow in the Museum Store.
Click here to read more and view signing rules.

Sunday, June 8

All Day - Film Loop: The Midnight Special ”Country Edition” (1973) hosted by Marty Robbins and Loretta Lynn
The legendary musical television series The Midnight Special captured live performances of some of popular music’s biggest icons during its tenure on NBC. In 1973, Marty Robbins and Loretta Lynn co-hosted The Midnight Special ”Country Edition,” which included performances by country greats Don Gibson, Tom T. Hall, George Jones, Johnny Paycheck, Johnny Rodriguez, Charlie Rich, the Earl Scruggs Revue, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, and Tammy Wynette.

1:00 - Steel Guitar Demonstration: Kayton Roberts
Kayton Roberts, steel guitar player for Hank Snow for thirty years; He also has performed or recorded with the Derailers, Alison Krauss, Billy Joe Shaver, Riders in the Sky, Randy Travis, and Hank Williams III.

*Artists will only sign items purchased in the Museum Store.