Close Up Returns To CMA Music Fest

The CMA Celebrity Close Up Series returns during CMA Music Festival this year, featuring Taylor Swift, Gretchen Wilson, and Randy Travis. The session, which give fans an in-depth glimpse into an artist's life and personality will take place on Thursday, June 5 from 1:30-3:00 PM/CT at the Ryman Auditorium.

"The CMA Celebrity Close Up Series is such a spontaneous event," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "You never know what the artists are going to reveal to the audience in the course of their conversations. It really allows them to share their personal lives with their fans."

The session (1:30-3:00 PM) will spotlight (in order) multi-Platinum artists Gretchen Wilson, Randy Travis and Taylor Swift in separate segments as they share their unique perspectives on their careers, discuss their lives and give a sneak peek into the future. In addition, the artists will answer fan questions in a forum moderated by television personality Lorianne Crook.    All three artists received the CMA Horizon Award early in their career, recognizing their strong impact on the national musical scene when they debuted. Swift is the reigning Horizon Award winner, having received the Award in 2007. Travis received the Horizon Award in 1986. He would go on to win a total of five CMA Awards thus far, including two wins as Male Vocalist of the Year in 1987 and 1988. Wilson was named the Horizon Award winner in 2004. She followed it up with the Female Vocalist of the Year Award in 2005. 

Cable network Great American Country is the presenting sponsor of the event. "The CMA Celebrity Close Up Series ranks as a fan favorite with our audience because it is taped during the biggest week where Country Music fans get to see and learn more about their favorite artists," said Sarah Trahern, Senior Vice President of Programming for GAC. "For fans who can't attend the taping, they get to see and hear all the fun on our network at a later time."

The CMA Celebrity Close Up series is a separately ticketed event.  Tickets go on sale beginning Saturday, May 3, and are $12 in advance or $17 the day of the event.  They can be purchased by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378).  Fans can also visit www.ticketmaster.com or stop by the Ryman Auditorium Box Office to purchase tickets.

For more information on the 2008 CMA Music Festival visit CountryHound's CMA Music Fest Guide.