Getting lots of screams from the girls in the crowd last night was Dierks Bentley.
He pretty much covered the stage from side to side and even leaned way down to touch a fan since there was plenty of room between them and the stage.
I had to look him up online to make sure I spelled that first name correctly.
One of the first performers of the evening was Sara Evans.
All of the performances last night were excellent. As an interesting addition to Sara’s performance, she went out into the crowd and watched over a young man propose to his girlfriend. She said yes. I wonder who they were and how they arranged that? Pretty cool way to do it if you ask me.
The opening night concert at the Coliseum got things rocking in a country way. It was an interesting evening and I’ll have to share a few photos with you.
As a credentialed media representative I was escorted in to a press level which has booths from which you can take pictures and enjoy the event. I had asked for but didn’t receive what they call a “Pit” pass so I could take pictures from right in front of the stage. One of the red-shirted (staff are all color coded) media representatives however, personally escorted me into the pit. I was able to be there through several of the bands until she disappeared and a yellow shirt noticed that I didn’t have a Pit pass. Then I was escorted out and that was that. Whatever. But I did get some good pictures in the time I was there for you. Coming up.
It’s time to stop blogging and head back downtown for some great music.
This stadium will be filled tonight and I’m hoping to get there before the crowd gets too bad.
Keep checking back for new posts from the CMA Music Festival. Until then . . .
Michael Peterson brought family help to his booth today.
Here’s his daughter, Lauren. She’s 14 and thinking about singing. Imagine that.
I got her to take a break from selling Dad’s CD’s and asked her a few questions. I think Michael should be proud of this young lady!
You can listen to our interview here: 
Lauren Peterson Interview (3 min MP3)
Back at the convention center the Michael Peterson booth had a long line this afternoon. People lined up for a picture and an autograph.
Michael has a great way of relating to people as you’ll see in the sort video clip I shot of him in action.
You can watch it here: 
Michael Peterson (1 min WMV)
Here’s a change of pace. I just happened to be walking by Coyote Ugly and stopped in to see if it’s really like the movie.
Yep.
Besides the things hanging from the clothesline, this woman is one of two who were racing across the bar to be the first to a shot glass filled with something that they had to drink without using hands or arms. There was a winner.
On the Riverfront stage this afternoon we had the Bellamy Brothers. They’re celebrating 30 years together and still sound great.
I’ve got a bunch of pictures of them that will be in the end-of-the-event photo album.
You can watch a short video clip of them: Bellamy Brothers (1 min WMV)
Speaking of bands. I walked on down to the Riverfront in time to catch Rhett Akins.
Here he’s singing a great song in front of a big crowd.
You can watch a short video clip of it here: Rhett Akins (1 min WMV)
I did not get the name of this band so please post if you know it.
There are stages everwhere here with bands playing. This one is in the Sports Zone area and is where Michael Peterson will play after the tractor race on Sunday. This band sounded great so I shot a short video clip.
You can it here: Stage Band (2 min WMV)
