All Feature Articles

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder at CMA FEST 2022

by Rich and Laura Lynch

More than 80,000 fans from all 50 states and a record-breaking 39 foreign countries descended on Music City for the 49th action-packed edition of CMA Fest - the longest-running Country Music festival in the world. The gigantic celebration of this region's favorite genre returned to Nashville during the week of June 9 through 12 following a two-year postponement due to the pandemic.


Sister Hazel at CMA Fest 2022.

The absolute singular fact that remains true for CMA Fest is that every one of the attendees each had a unique experience based on the number of activities they were able to participate in or the quantity of artists that they were able to see (or, not see!) CMA Fest has so many simultaneous showcases happening at once throughout the downtown that it is virtually impossible to do a large percentage of the festival in any given year. Plus, throw in the numerous unofficial happenings and parties that dot the landscape for the whole week and you will quickly understand that having a plan is paramount.


Mark Wills at CMA Fest 2022.

Our route for Friday included camping out at the Dr. Pepper AMP Stage to check out 90's hitmakers Sister Hazel play their big song "All For You" where they also caught their fans up on their recent forays into country music. From there we hiked to Walk of Fame park and the Chevy Vibes Stage where we "discovered" Grand Ole Opry member Mark Wills and his amazing catalog of songs rooted in faith and family.


Anna Avery at CMA Fest 2022.

Next up, we had the honor of watching the young and bubbly Avery Anna take charge in front of the Bridgestone Arena to confidently deliver some choice cuts from her catalog and Tik Tok account that has helped make her an emerging star on the rise. Another young female with a similar back story was California's Brennley Brown who came to national attention with her 6th place showing on the twelfth season of The Voice. A live radio interview and showcase revealed her to be as cool as the air conditioned confines of the Glen Campbell Museum and Rhinestone Stage that hosted the special four day inaugural event two floors up just off of Broadway.


Brennley Brown at CMA Fest 2022.

While the music was tasty so were the samples that were being offered and we had some mashed potatoes, bar-b-cue chicken cooked over flavored charcoal and washed it all down with a few thirst quenching Monster Energy drinks. You can see what you missed or relive your memories during a Three-Hour Primetime Special "CMA Fest," Hosted by Dierks Bentley and Elle King, Airs Wednesday, August 3 on ABC. And, you can start making plans for the 50th Anniversary of CMA Fest that will take place in Nashville June 8-11, 2023. You know that one is sure to be an affair to remember, y'all!


The Monster Energy Drinks girls at CMA Fest 2022.

Related Links: For more information on CMA FEST and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - CMA Fest | Sister Hazel | Mark Wills | Avery Anna | Brennley Brown


.





Did you know that MCN Founder Rockin' Rich Lynch hosts some of the world's top musicians and songwriters on his regularly scheduled webcast - watch all the episodes here - and please share the links far and wide!





Do you like MCN??? Did you know that the easiest way to support this site is to BUY our founder's Latest Single on BANDCAMP? At check out you can even throw in a bit more to really say "we appreciate you"! Thanks!!!





Why Now Is the Time for New Nashville Circle City



George Thorogood Had a Thoroughly Great Week in Nashville



It Was a Super Weekend at the Nashville Zoo



AU Pro Basketball Returns For a Second Triumphant Month-Long Stand in Nashville



ELVIS is EPIC at the Opry Mills IMAX in Nashville



Paul Thorn Brings Razor‑Sharp Soul and Swagger Back to 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville



Even With the Demise of MTV, Will Hoge Is Still Making Music Videos in Nashville



Nashville's Antiques & Garden Show Marks 36 Years of Tradition With an Abundance of American Elegance at Music City Center



There's No Place Like Haum for a Debut: Inside the Celestun Listening Event



Through the Lens, Into the Legacy: Lynn Goldsmith and Ann Powers Illuminate Music's Visual Story at the Frist Art Museum in Nashville



Felines Rule the Fairgrounds at the Nashville Cat Show's Weekend of Beauty, Breeds and Big Personalities



New Stories With Every Visit: Dolly, Lainey and Muscle Shoals Lead the Latest at the Country Music Hall of Fame



Paul Is Dead-On in Capturing the Triumph and Turbulence of Early Beatlemania at the Frist in Nashville



PopStroke's New Nashville Digs Gets the Ball Rolling at Sprawling Century Farms Outpost in Antioch



John McEuen Comes Full Circle with 80th Birthday Bash at Harken Hall in Madison



Creole Christmas Lights Up Nashville as Preservation Hall Jazz Band Takes the Schermerhorn Stage



Natalie Grant & Danny Gokey Celebrate a Decade of Christmas Together in Nashville



The Wizards of Winter Storm Into Category 10 With a Thunderous and Family-Friendly Holiday Show in Nashville



Ricky Skaggs: A Festive Night of Faith and Family at The Fisher Center in Nashville



The Champions of Magic Appear with a Thrilling Holiday Spectacular at The Fisher Center in Nashville





Rockin' Rich Lynch's "Week In Review" - July 10, 2025



Rockin' Rich Lynch's "Week In Review" - June 13, 2025





• Meet Rich and Laura Lynch.

© 2026 MusicCityNashville.net
All Rights Reserved