CMA Fest in Nashville is now in the history books and although I didn’t attend, it did stir up lots of memories from attending year after year when it was called Fan Fair. I also performed at many CMA Fest events over the years. The one thing that was always consistent was seeing the many wonderful fans there – that plus the hot weather and the chance of rain. Whatever it’s called, this yearly event in Nashville has always been a way for fans and artists to connect and I hope that tradition continues. I think my first time at Fan Fair was 1975 and I was performing 35 years later on the River Stage and the Bridgestone stage. In 2010, my CMA Fest schedule included singing “Farewell Party” SEVEN times in one day with seven different backing bands. That was brutal but now it’s something to laugh about. Sort of.
Below are a few photos from over the years.
Gene Watson At Fan Fair in 1977.
Gene Watson Performing at the CMA Fest Riverfront stage.