Surviving June In Nashville

OMG! It is hot here ... FAN FAIR is a broil bath every year and the CMA Fest is too ... Can we stop frying the fans now?

The chorus needs to build that sends the festival back inside during the day as it was in 1972 when it began at the Municipal Auditorium. The Bridgestone and the new Ascend Amphitheatre, with covers, are so much better showcases for the artists and especially the fans ... I would think more people would go during the day ... still have the other stages, but close down the Riverfront microwave !

The 500 performances during the week is an overwhelming but fantastic number. Don't change that just make this event more comfortable. Global warming, whatever it is, June in the South ... there has got to be a way to keep evolving this..

So many great performances and stars on the rise in this star building event. Brett Eldredge for sure. But I can't start listing. Too many men and women who are so close to a big break.

The funeral of Opry great Jim Ed Brown was a special time this week. Coming off an exhausting seven days of music, the Country music family took a step for reflection. The Oak Ridge Boys, Rhonda Vincent, The Gatlin Bros, Craig Morgan, Crystal Gayle and Lady A all were at the top of their game. Beautiful musical tributes! Lady A's "Never Alone" was a classic and a new song for me, but very familiar to many others. Great song and performance. Gatlin's "Help Me" ... whoa ... Jim Ed Brown was given a send-off like only can be done in the Country music world.

Saw Garth and Trisha are very serious about supporting the Country music family. On the front row, holding hands and listening to every word. He played a nearly all-night show in Birmingham the night before. Still on point! Attentive to Country music tradition. I remain impressed with how he conducts himself as a personality.

The Rolling Stones turned the music town upside this week. Tim and Faith, Joe Don Rooney, Martina McBride and who know who else at the show to see how The World's Greatest Rock and Roll band does it.

Brad Paisley had the day of his life. What kid growing up learning to play guitar didn't learn that basic opening of "Satisfaction?" Brad got to play with the Stones "Dead Flowers", got to open for the Stones with Carrie Underwood and Joe Walsh. Hung out with Mick the night before the show and after. Who would have not wanted to do that?

That stage, lights, show, sound, style, operation is amazing! Hard to live up to the hype, but these guys do!