© 2008 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.

Fans of CMA Music Festival, taking place June 5-8 in Downtown Nashville, know the event is just around the bend when the "Road to the CMA Music Festival" launches in their hometown. This program brings talent directly to the people through a concert tour that's guaranteed to build enthusiasm for the Festival.

This year's "Road to CMA Music Festival Presented by Tetley Iced Tea" shows feature a double bill, with Jennifer Hanson opening for Darryl Worley. Presenting sponsor Tetley Iced Tea and secondary sponsor Greased Lightning Cleaning Products will offer samples at each performance, and sponsor Chevy will display one of its vehicles at the venues. Additionally, promotional events are planned, with local radio remotes and  giveaways at a grocery retailer during the day of each concert.

"Tetley has been making iced tea for more than 50 years," said Clive Rowlandson, VP, Marketing, Tetley Iced Tea.  "We know our product is about more than refreshment, it's about sharing good times with family and friends.  That's what this tour is all about too, a great way to kick back and have fun this summer.  We think Tetley Iced Tea and Country Music is a perfect partnership."

"I'm very excited about going on the road with Jennifer Hanson. She is such a great talent," exclaimed Worley. "I look forward to new relationships with Tetley Iced Tea and Greased Lightning. This will be a terrific way to lead up to the CMA Music Festival and hopefully this tour will increase the excitement."

"The CMA Music Festival is one of my absolute favorite events of the year," said Hanson. "When I was a little girl, I spent many of my summer vacations in Nashville with my dad, attending the shows and getting autographs. But not everyone gets to come to Nashville and experience Music Festival in Music City. It's great that CMA and Tetley Iced Tea are sponsoring a tour that takes a little slice of the excitement that is Music Festival out on the road."

Date         City                                     Venue   
APRIL
17             Houston, Texas                    Firehouse Saloon  
18             San Antonio, Texas              Cowboys Red River 
19             Fort Worth/Dallas, Texas     Billy Bob's Texas    
24             Orlando, Fla.                        Cheyenne Saloon 
25             Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.  Jannus Landing Courtyard 
26             Charlotte, N.C.                    Coyote Joe's  
30             Birmingham, Ala.                  Zydeco   

MAY
1               Jacksonville, Fla.                  Mavericks at the Landing
2               Atlanta, Ga.                         Wild Bill's  
4               Raleigh, N.C.                       Longbranch Saloon  

Visit www.CMAfest.com for information on how to purchase tickets to the "Road to CMA Music Festival Presented by Tetley Iced Tea." To order CMA Music Festival tickets, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail; visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600.   Four-day ticket package categories correspond to different levels of seating at LP Field for the Nightly Concerts. Children 3 years and younger are admitted FREE. For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances, and more, visit www.CMAfest.com and sign up for CMA Exclusive e-news.