Fans and locals alike show no signs of slowing down on Day Three of the “CMAfest ”
On another 90+ degree day in Music City, the enduring enthusiasm of attendees of the CMA Music Festival is impressive. It’s like there’s a statue somewhere – hypnotizing the streets “…give me your tired…your sun-burned…your hungry…your huddled masses…yearning to have their pictures taken with the stars…”
Seriously, these fans are so resilient and tireless – they make even the most seasoned news reporter look like a wimp. Ok – I’m talking about myself – but I’m telling you – I’m seeing mirages of swimming pools and snow-capped mountains by mid-afternoon!
Perhaps it’s the reward of procuring the autograph of their favorite star – or the allure of the prized picture posing with Alan Jackson (who did indeed making a two-hour showing after a 10-year absence from the annual festivities). Jackson signed autographs and posed with fans in the truTV section of the Convention Center on Friday. Whatever the appeal, it’s powerful and tangible here on the streets of Nashville.
A picture-perfect example of just such fans are Mike and Theresa Mancuso. They hail all the way from Salt Lake City, UT. While Mike jumped at the chance to blame the trip on his wife, the smile on his face was a dead giveaway that he didn’t regret having made the trip. When asked what the highlight of the trip had been (so far), Theresa gushed - “Meeting James Otto! He’s my favorite!”
For the record - my favorite thing at the festival is the misting tent!!! My least favorite thing? When they make me move and let other people have a turn.
In my travels thus far around the festival, I can honestly say that I have yet to encounter a fan who will complain about one tiny thing with regard to their cmafest experience (even when I prompt them to!). When asked how they are faring in the heat – I get responses like “Yeah, it’s hot – but I saw John Rich today! …and…I talked to Kix Brooks…he’s so nice!”
I would be remiss not to give credit to the Artists, too. It’s one thing to show up and put on your best “this-is-my-rehearsed-smile-for-the-camera” face for a couple of hours and retreat to your air-conditioned bus or “camp” – but they go out of their way to make each fan feel like their new found friend (even if it is only for a minute or two). Country music is a force and genre to be reckoned with. These performers know how to make people feel at home – and it really shows.
Young newcomer Taylor Swift was still signing autographs and taking pictures with fans (after a record-breaking 7+ hours) on Friday. She told her dad she wasn’t going to quit (signing) until every fan that waited in line got their autograph. Now – granted – she’s a teenager and a newcomer not yet jaded by the industry, but this isn’t the first of her gestures to keep her fans hooked. Taylor personally talks to fans online – regularly. Whether it’s innate business savvy on Taylor’s part - or just a genuine appreciation of the fans’ adoration (or both), her fan base is climbing steadily.
Well, I think I have sufficiently sucked up to Nashville, the fans and the artists for now (I’m pretty sure you are on to me anyway) – Yes, I’m trying to kill time until the press conference at LP Field just before the big concert tonight – when the sun will be setting and the temps will be wa-a-a-y down to…oh, 85 degrees?
For the latest info on tonight’s LP Field Concert, other activities, tickets and around-town-events during the festival - here are some great sites:
www.cmaworld.com
www.cmafest.com
www.cmt.com
www.nashvilledowntown.com