CMA Fest "Keeps the Music Playing"

5/9/2008 Kasey Bell Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Nashville got a special Country Music delivery yesterday from some special guests. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, Country Music star Kellie Pickler, and CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese stopped by the school Thursday with a truckload of musical instruments and equipment as part of the CMA Music Festvial’s contribution to Metro Nashville’s “Keep the Music Playing” program, which helps local schools’ music programs. “Music is so dear to my heart,” Kellie said.  “I think it’s great that these kids are able to get involved in music at a young age.” The 2008 CMA Music Festival will be contributing half of its net proceeds from the four-day Country Music fan event to the program, as it has over the past few years.  To date, thefestival has raised over $1 million for Nashville schools’ music education. “The Keep the Music Playing program is an example of the community involvement needed to improve our schools,” Mayor Dean said.  “Through this donation, CMA is bringing music education into our classrooms and making a difference in the lives of our students.”