MusicCityNashville.net: Country Music and Pickleball Mania Come Together at CMA Fest in Nashville

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Country Music and Pickleball Mania Come Together at CMA Fest in Nashville

by Rich and Laura Lynch

Nashville musician Rock' Rich Lynch was strolling through The Mall at Green Hills earlier in the year when a pickleball court laid out in a busy wing of the shopping center caught him by surprise. So, he immediately got to work writing and recording his impressive and observant song "Pickleball at the Mall". Fast forward a few months and the rest of the music industry in Music City is catching up as pickleball made its exciting debut at the 50th Anniversary CMA Fest on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Music City Center.

Country Music and Pickleball Mania Come Together at CMA Fest in Nashville

Pickleball comes to the CMA Fest in Nashville.

The country music duo LoCash were the affable hosts of the "LOCASH & Friends Celebrity Pickleball Tournament" otherwise known as "Country On Court" presented by the pair and DINK during Fan Fair X. LoCash were joined by Dustin Lynch, Blanco Brown, Frank Ray, Dee Jay Silver, Chuck Wicks, Taryn Papa, King Calaway and more in an effort to raise ten thousand dollars for the CMA Foundation - an organization that champions music education nationwide.

[You can help a real independent recording artist and emerging pickleball player when you BUY his song "Pickleball at the Mall" at the above link!!!]

Over on Court 1, Dustin Lynch claimed to be a novice and a newbie to the sport but his athletic skill and quick adaptation to the game made him an early favorite to emerge victorious in the celebrity round-robin tournament with modified rules. Notably, the "Small Town Boy" singer who only an hour earlier expressed his lack of interest in marriage on a live podcast from CMA chose the perfect playing partner in television news reporter and pro player Kaitlin Miller. There were smiles all around as this talented twosome dominated the competition in the early rounds and it's safe to safe that sparks as well as pickleballs were flying on Demonbreun Street.

LoCash hosted the celebrity pickleball tournament at Music City Center.

Not to be outshined, Chuck Wicks of "Shiners" fame also emerged as one of Country Music's most competent pickleball players while Taryn Papa brought the appropriate amount of energy and enthusiasm to Court 2. Hosts LoCash might have to stick to their unique brand of music making after taking a brutal defeat in the first round. But, they did bounce back for a second round victory and no doubt they will return to oversee the next edition of Pickleball at the CMA.

Dustin Lynch and Kaitlin Miller were an immediate power pair on the pickleball court.

A large crowd gathered in the stands and courtside to observe pickleball history being made in Nashville. The multi-day affair also featured open court play between amateur pickleball players and fans, as well as prizes, giveaways and an appearance from DINK's own spokesllama, Volley.

Dustin Lynch, Chuck Wicks, Taryn Papa and Chris Lucas were all Pickleballers at CMA.

Check out the amazing artists and musicians in the MCN Music Community! We are now signing up all the best Nashville based acts so add your listing today! Take a listen to them all on our MCN Site Playlist!