Trim Team Gets Stars Camera-Ready for CMA Awards

 Many of the artists on the CMA Awards owe their "camera-ready" look to the hair and makeup wizards of Nashville's Trim Classic Barber and Legendary Beauty, who debuted last year as the event's backstage salon. While about half of those who appear on camera travel with their own entourage, the rest of the nominees, presenters and performers trust their look to the Trim team, whose performance is conceived and executed with the precision of a military operation and the artistry of a symphony orchestra. They start by researching the looks of their customers as well as the latest trends. Next comes a thorough once-over of their backstage area, next to the green room in the Sommet Center where the CMA Awards event is held."We know exactly how many artists we can handle in about eight chairs and four hours," said Melanie Shelley, Trim Owner and Founder. "We know how much lighting we need, how much electricity we'll have for our blow dryers, which artists will bring their own team and which will call on us to create their look." Planning also involves scheduling appointments for Trim's approximately 25 stylists and assistants on Awards day. They begin at the salon's 12th Avenue location in Nashville near Music Row, from 8 AM until 2 PM, after which they scatter to work with selected artists in their hotels and then regroup at the Sommet Center at 6 PM. "The CMA Awards is just about the highest-stress environment that a hair and makeup person can work in," Shelley said. "Photo shoots are easy because you can take your time and stand by in case you need to touch anything up. On live TV, there's no retouching. Sometimes you're given just 30 seconds from when somebody shows up, someone does hair, someone else does makeup, you fluff and fix and then they're onstage." The work continues after the artist leaves the Trim station, from supplying artists with straws so that they don't smudge their lipstick to discreetly checking each superstar's teeth immediately before they make their entrance. Inevitably, surprises happen, like when a 15-piece ensemble accompanied Keith Urban to his appointment to be made up with a 1940s look, all within 20 minutes of their performance. But that only makes the payoff sweeter. "We scrambled," said head stylist Stephanie Trail, laughing. "We did it. And they looked great. I have to say, it was awesome.""The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn. The three-hour gala will be carried live by the ABC Television Network from 8-11 PM/EST, 7-10PM/CST.  Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will host the CMA Awards and perform.   Reese Witherspoon is the first presenter announced for the CMA Awards. Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and The Wailers, the Eagles, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and others will perform on Country Music's Biggest Night. Visit www.CMAawards.com for updates. Tickets for the CMA Awards are on sale now and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com; (615) 255-9600; or at the Sommet Center box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway in Nashville). Ticket prices begin at $110 for Upper-level; $327.75 for Club-level; and $382.50 for Lower-level. Prices include sales tax but exclude applicable service/handling fees.Fans can order the official CMA Awards Program book and merchandise including long and short sleeved T-shirts, hats, a vest, a mug and a commemorative Hatch Show Print Poster on the www.CMAawards.com online store.   "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Paul Miller is the Director. David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2008 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Mary Kay is the Official Beauty Sponsor of the 2008 CMA Awards. Additional promotional partners include Borders, Carl Black Chevrolet, Durango Boot and Tetley Iced Tea.  © 2008 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.