The Expo, which brings interactive exhibits, merchandise and children's activities to audiences at the popular CITGO Bassmaster Tour presented by Busch Beer and the Bassmaster Elite 50 series, will anchor the Sports Zone at the CMA Music Festival, adjacent to the Titans' Coliseum and the Cumberland River.
"Bass fishing and country music are two great American traditions," said Dean Kessel, Vice President and General Manager, BASS. "This is an excellent way to bring our two audiences together and we are looking forward to participating in a terrific weekend of music, sports and entertainment."
CMA Music Festival includes an all-star lineup of concerts, autograph sessions, sporting events, family activities and more. In 2004, musical artists including Alabama, Charlie Daniels and LeAnn Rimes will greet crowds and sign autographs for fans. Artists including Clint Black, Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, Lonestar, Jo Dee Messina and Wynonna will entertain fans with more than 45 hours of live music.
"The relationship between Country Music artists and fishing is long and illustrious," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson. "Anglers have hooks and so do our songwriters; fishermen know the benefit of a well-placed line and so do our artists. I couldn't imagine a better partner for CMA Music Festival."
CMA Music Festival will be Thursday, June 10 through Sunday, June 13 in downtown Nashville, Tenn. The BASS Sponsor Expo is free to the public. Tickets are available for live concerts at the Riverfront Park Stages and the Nashville Coliseum by visiting www.CMAFest.com or calling (800) CMA-FEST.
BASS is the world's largest fishing organization, sanctioning more than 20,000 tournaments worldwide through its Federation. This April, BASS introduces the all-new Bassmaster Elite 50 Series, a four-event, no-entry-fee circuit featuring a $1.6 million prize purse for the world's best anglers. The CITGO Bassmaster Tournament Trail presented by Busch Beer is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass-fishing tournament circuit and continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism and sportsmanship as it has since 1968.
Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association was the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. CMA, originally consisting of 233 members, now has more than 5,000 organizational and individual members across the globe. CMA's objectives are to guide and enhance the development of Country Music through CMA's core functions including CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair(r) and the annual CMA Awards.
Launched in 1978 under the 'Fan Fair' moniker, CMA Music Festival was conceived to alleviate the crowds of fans who descended on the annual Country Music DJ convention in Nashville. Thirty-three years later, the event USA Today hailed as the "crown jewel" of Country Music festivals has developed into a world-class institution as identifiable as the Grand Ole Opry. "Country Music's Biggest Party" features more than 45 hours of live concert entertainment and attracts more than 120,000 fans over its annual four-day weekend. In recent years, the event has expanded to include popular elements such as the stars of NBC Daytime dramas "Days of our Lives" and "Passions," as well as the fun-for-all-ages Family Zone and the new-in-2004 Sports Zone. CMA Music Festival supports charity through "Cause For Celebration!" Since 2001, the Country Music Association has donated $300,000 to charities designated by artists participating in the festival.
For additional information, contact BASS Communications at (334) 551-2375 or the Country Music Association at (615) 244-2840.
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