NASHVILLE—The Country Music Association announced today “CMA Fest,” the Music Event of Summer, airs Wednesday, July 19 at 8/7c on ABC. The three-hour primetime concert special, which is set to film in Nashville during CMA Fest’s milestone 50th anniversary later this week, is hosted by Dierks Bentley, Elle King and Lainey Wilson.
“I could not be more excited to welcome Dierks, Elle and Lainey as our ‘CMA Fest’ hosts this year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As fans experienced last year, the energy Dierks and Elle bring to the stage is palpable and will only be amplified with the addition of Lainey this year. Each of these artists have a deep passion for CMA Fest and the Country Music fans from around the globe who travel to Nashville for the event. We are thrilled to have all three of them together to help us celebrate 50 years!”
The "CMA Fest" television special will feature never-before-seen performances and surprise collaborations from Country Music’s most exciting acts. Performances will be revealed in the coming weeks.
“CMA Fest” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer and Writer, and Alan Carter is the Director. 2023 marks the 20th consecutive year CMA has produced a summer concert TV special.
About CMA Fest
The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience™ began in 1972 as Fan Fair®, which drew 5,000 fans to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. Celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary this year, the legendary festival has become the city’s signature Country Music event that hosts tens of thousands of fans from all 50 states and 39 international countries. CMA Fest is a one-of-a-kind festival with hundreds of artists donating their time to perform so ticket proceeds can directly benefit high-quality music programs across the country through the CMA Foundation. This is the 20th consecutive year CMA has produced a summer music program to be broadcast as a network television special on ABC.
About the CMA Foundation
The Country Music Association established the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), in 2011 to leverage strategic partnerships, professional development for qualified music teachers and grant distribution to improve and withstand equitable music education programs for all students nationwide. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the CMA Foundation focuses on providing sustainability, advocacy and accountability within music education by investing in various resources for students, schools and communities.
