This week is all about Nashville, where folks are flocking for CMA Fest, a huge music extravaganza that draws fans from all over. It’s a festival packed with countless concerts, and while some need tickets, like the big shows at Nissan Stadium featuring stars like Lainey Wilson and Luke Bryan, there’s plenty of free music to enjoy too. We’ve dug through the lineup to find 10 acts and events that are absolute must-sees.
Annie Bosko
You’ve gotta catch Annie Bosko’s set. She’s got that California cowgirl vibe and a killer voice. She’s been making waves with tracks like “Neon Baby,” and with co-signs from Vince Gill and Dwight Yoakam, you know she’s something special. Catch her Thursday at 12:55 p.m. on the Hard Rock Stage.
Tyler Halverson
Tyler’s the real deal, coming all the way from South Dakota with his cowboy hat and some seriously catchy tunes. He calls his music “Country & Western Amerijuana,” and it’s a vibe you won’t forget. Check him out Thursday at 2:55 p.m. on the Hard Rock Stage.
Chris Housman
Chris is making waves with his honest storytelling and killer voice. He’s openly gay and proud of it, and his music reflects that. His Friday morning set is gonna be one for the books, so set your alarm for 10:15 a.m. on the Good Molecules Reverb Stage.
Tanner Adell
If you haven’t heard of Tanner yet, you will soon. She’s been making waves with tracks like “Love You a Little Bit,” and her CMA Fest set is gonna be one to remember. Catch her Sunday at 12:55 p.m. on the Good Molecules Reverb Stage.
Wyatt Flores
Wyatt’s set is gonna be one of the hottest tickets at CMA Fest, so get there early to snag a spot. His Oklahoma roots shine through in every song, and you won’t be able to resist singing along. Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Chevy Riverfront Stage.
Latin Roots
Don’t miss this special segment celebrating Latinx artists in country music. It’s gonna be a party on the Close Up Stage Friday at 12:45 p.m., with performances from Louie TheSinger, Angie K, Leah Turner, Frank Ray, and Sammy Arriaga.
Dylan Gossett
Dylan’s story is straight out of a country song, and his music reflects that. Catch him Friday at 4:45 p.m. on the Chevy Riverfront Stage.
The Kentucky Gentlemen
These guys know how to put on a show, and their Friday morning set is gonna have you smiling from ear to ear. Catch them at 10:55 a.m. on the Hard Rock Stage.
Taylor Hunnicutt
Taylor’s got that gritty rock ‘n’ roll vibe that’ll have you hooked from the first note. Check her out Friday night at 7:35 p.m. on the Hard Rock Stage.
Spotify House
Head over to Ole Red on Broadway for some free concerts and surprise guests. With performances from rising stars like Wyatt Flores and Ella Langley, along with some big names like Jon Pardi and Lady A, it’s gonna be a weekend to remember.
As CMA Fest unfolds in Nashville, it’s not just about the big-ticket shows; it’s about discovering the soul of country music in every corner of the city. From the California charm of Annie Bosko to the Texas tales of Dylan Gossett, each artist brings a unique flavor to the festival. And with events like Latin Roots celebrating diversity and the Spotify House offering a taste of everything, there’s something for every music lover to enjoy. So as the city comes alive with the sound of guitars and the cheers of fans, take a moment to immerse yourself in the magic of CMA Fest and discover the next big thing in country music.
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