This is why we’re here.
On Sunday we’ll have a first for the CMA Music Festival. The music will be the sound of a New Holland tractor being driven by celebrity after celebrity.
It all starts at 1pm and ends about 3pm.
I’ll have pics, interviews and of course the winner right here.
Here’s Mr. New Holland himself, Robert Hendrix. I think he’s a very distant relative of Jimi.
He was hard at work in the New Holland booth here at the CMA Music Festival today. I got him to talk about what he does. He’s the New Holland Area Sales Manager for western Kentucky. I watched him in action and wonder how many sales he made today. I can vouch for the fact that several people who just stopped by to enter the iPod contest walked away with materials to look at and think about.
You can listen to our interview here: 
Robert Hendrix Interview (3 min MP3)
Robert is also very adept at filling up balloons as you’ll see in this short video clip: New Holland Booth Action (2 min WMV)
The New Holland booth crew here on Saturday.
It’s a little warm inside the tent but they have a fan and the fans are coming by.
They’re selling Michael Peterson, “Down on the Farm” CD’s and you can enter a contest to win a video iPod.
My man Freddie Bear was singing up a storm off Broadway here today.
I would like to see him onstage at the Coliseum. He should be opening things up at least.
Let’s get this guy a sponsor. Maybe compete on Nashville Star?
I’m sure the reason Major League Baseball sets up a pitching cage at events like this is to search for those future stars.
Here’s one letting go of at least a 100mph fastball.
I would try it but since I have to protect my blogging arm. I wouldn’t want to throw it out don’t you know.
Mel Tillis was hot. No, I don’t mean that way. I mean it was hot down by the Riverfront today and Mel Tillis performed with his band and daughter Pamela.
The crowd didn’t really care about the heat though. They wanted to hear a country music legend and that’s what they got.
This is about as challenging a bull ride as I’d want to be on.
There is a lot of country music going on here in Nashville and a lot of family fun too. With this beautiful weather I’m sure it’s going to be another packed day in downtown.
When I visited the Country Music Hall of Fame yesterday I just happened to walk by a book signing by Cheryl Rogers-Barnett, the oldest daughter of Roy Rogers. You can find out all about her on her website.
Cheryl has written a book titled, “Cowboy Princess” which is her perspective of growing up in the Rogers family. I waited until the signing was over and we did a short interview which I think you’ll enjoy.
Cheryl said that she didn’t “have the talent” to be a star like her parents but I’d say she has lots of talent after talking with her. After listening to her I think you’ll agree. You can find her books at book stores or just visit her website.
You can listen to our interview here: Cheryl Barnett Interview (8 min MP3)
Here’s the lineup of what the celebs will be driving on Sunday for the first ever CMA Music Festival Michael Peterson/New Holland Boomer Tractor Celebrity Race. Boy that’s a mouthful.
The “tractor race” will be on Sunday afternoon. The stars will drive one of these in a time test, including a tally of how many cones they hit or knock over.
Everyone I’ve spoken with thinks this is a great idea. We’ll know more on Sunday!
I told you I would stop in at the XM Satellite Radio studio.
It’s in the gift shop of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. You’ll hear why that’s a good spot in the interview I did with production director, Ben Krech (center) and chiming in was senior production director for country music, Ray Knight (right).
Ben thinks satellite radio only makes sense for people who have to drive a truck or a tractor long distance or for long hours. He says that agribusinesses have marketing opportunities with satellite radio if they want to pursue them.
You can listen to our interview here: XM Satellite Radio Interview (6 min MP3)
