"Carrie Underwood Visits U.S. Army At Fort Campbell, Ky"Carrie Underwood was enlisted along with fellow country artists hank Williams Jr., Jake Owen, and John Rich, to performa a FREE concerts for the soldiers and families of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. This concert was also open to the general public.. FREE.

This concert was part of a week long celebration at Fort Campbel Army post.


An estimated crowd over over 70,000, enjoyed close to 6 hours of awesome and lud entertainment. All the artists met with some soldiers, and their families.

"Carrie Underwood's 2009 Cma Music Festival Is Routine"For the 3rd year in a row Carrie Underwood held her fan club party on Tuesday, 2 days before the official start of the CMA Music Festival.

Underwood had fans lining up as early as 5:30am, for doors that didn't open until 10:ooam.

NO MEDIA were allowed at this part, and that was just fine with us.

Carrie's fans submitted songs for carrie to sing, and very few were even her hits.

Follwoing Carrie early Tuesday morning party at the Grand Ole Opry, Underwood was scheduled to perform at the Opry (SOLD OUT / 2 SHOWS) that night.



The only other major event for Underwood's CMA Music Festival, was Wednesday night's "19th Annual celebrity Softball Challenge".

"Owen, Hough, & Rucker: Sounds Like A Law Firm, But It's 3 Of Country Music's Finest"The 19th Annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge, was finally played as a night game.

I was checking out the the AFTER MIDNITE dugout, when I spotted Jake Owen, Julianne Hough and Darius Rucker. I asked the 3 to pose together for this shot; i was please that they said "yes".

Even with media all over the infield area, it was still possible to get an exclusive shot, and that's what this is.

"Joe Nichols Plays For The City Of Hope"At the 19th Annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge, Country music hitmake Joe Nichols suits up to play with the "After Mid Nite" team.

Nichols is no stranger to this annual event, having played in 2008.



Like many country music artists, Nichols was donating his time..in hopes of helping to raise alot of money for the City of Hope.


This event is the "unofficial" Kick-off to the CMA Music Festival.

"Taylor Swift Hits The Streets After Being On Cmt Music Awards Red Carpet"The rain had just stopped, about an hour before the stars started down the red carpet, at the 2009 CMT Music Awards.

While some fans were in bleachers, some fans had gathered just across from the rad carpet entrance, and were behind some barriers.

Moments before a star would enter the red carpet, you could hear the fans call out to them. No name was called louder than that of Taylor Swift.

The best way to describe Taylor on the red carpet, she seemed to be walking on air, like floating. Swift looked stunning.


What seem to catch the media off guard was, after Swift had glided down the red carpet...posed for photographers, and done a few sound bites for TV crews...

Swift turned back around, and WALKED out of the media tent / red carpet area, and went over to be with the fans behind the barrier.

Swift signed autographs, chatted, kneeled down to the smaller fans, and posed for pictures. I think this is REALLY was she was looking forward to.

I was glad to be able to leave the photographers / media area, just long enough to capture a few pictures.

*If you enjoy these pics, pass along the link.
*THANK-YOU

ALL PHOTOS; David G. Mills

"Montgomery Gentry Invade The Vault"Country music hitmakers Montgomery Gentry (recent inductees in the Grand Ole Opry) spent some time during the CMA Music Festival in the exhibtion hall signing autographs.



Montgomery Gentry made an appearance at the Vault Cola booth, signing autographs, and posing for pictures. Vault Cola was the main sponsor for the nightly shows at LP Field (NFL's Titan's stadium).


While Eddie (Montgomery) wore his trademark hat, seem Troy (Gentry) was looking a little more buffed, and sporting a new hair cut.



The line for these guys seem to just get longer, instead of decreasing.


Seems Montgomery Gentry had as much fun as meeting the fans, as the fans had with the guys.

"Joe Nichols Autographs, And Autographs, And Autographs..."During the recent / annual CMA Music Festival. many of todays biggest country stars, spent hours at different booths. These stars shook hands, got hugs and gifts from frans. The stars posed for pictures and signed autographs..and thanked the fans.

Joe Nichols spent time at the GAC TV booth, and the Chevy booth.

For those that couldn't get in line, Nichols would often to the side, and have his picture taken.

"Mark Wills Supports Military Heroes"Country music hitmaker Mark Wills is no stranger for his admiration and support of the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Wills has put action behind his support, having been on overseas USO tours to the middle east.

Wills is releasing a new cd now, and a share of the proceeds will go to USA CARES (www.usacares.org). It is this organization that gives some financial support to returning soldiers, as they seek help dealing with P.T.S.D. (Post Tramatic Stress DisOrder).

Picture 1:

US Army Staff Sergeant Smalley w/ Mark Wills, at the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge.


Pictures 2-4:

Were from Mark's recent fan club party, where the Director fo Program Development / Roger Stradley CSM (R), from USA CARES was introduced, and talked about the organization.

www.usacares.org

"Laurens Winans: Busy New Artist At 2009 Cma Music Festival"I was all over Nashville, during the recent CMA Music Festival. It was while I was visiting my friend Billy Block, that I first discovered Lauren Winans and her music.

Lauren had been invited to perform "LIVE" on Billy's radio show. As far as advancing one's career, this was a big step forward.

During the rest of the CMA Music Festival, I ran into Winans at an autograph booth, meeting up with major label artist Whitney Duncan, or hanging out with GAC TV hostess Suzanne Alexander.

After hearing her perform, I also check out her myspace page.
www.Myspace.com/LaurenWinansMusic

"Kellie Pickler Shoots TV Segment For Cma Music Festival"While most country artists weren't even in town for the 2009 CMA Music Festival, Kellie Pickler was busy taping a segment for the ABC Tv special about the festival.

Kellie was in an ally way, behind the world famous Ryman, and the historical Tootsies bar.

Although surrounded by a throng of fans, Pickler delivered her lines like a seasoned pro.