The anticipation for CMA Fest 2024 was palpable. Undiscovered Nashville, always a champion of rising talent, focused on these artists mainly during the day across six stages. The annual festival, a first weekend in June tradition in downtown Nashville, draws in thousands of eager fans yearly. The Chevy Vibes, Dr. Pepper Amp, and Chevy Riverfront stages offer a cozy spot to set up for the day. Meanwhile, the Good Molecules Reverb and Hard Rock stages, where lesser-known artists shine, are standing room only. You often find me at the Reverb and Hard Rock stages and the Spotlight stage inside the Music City Center. Read on to discover the artists who captured our hearts and attention.
The Best Laid Plans
Dolly Parton’s early appearance drew a massive crowd. But I was determined to begin the day with a performance by Sammy Arriaga on the Hard Rock stage. But unforeseen traffic delays shattered my plans, and I missed what I’m sure was a truly unforgettable performance. The feeling of regret was self-evident, a stark reminder of the importance of better planning at such a bustling event.
Shelby Darrall took the stage next at Hard Rock. I’ve been a fan of Darrall’s work for a while now. Her most popular songs, like ‘Love Me When I’m Leaving’ and her single with Josh Kerr, ‘If This Is the End,’ have struck a chord with many. Shelby’s performance of 2023 single, ‘Melt’ early Thursday morning was a true standout. Darrall owned the stage, moving from side to side and engaging with the fans. If you have not heard Shelby, I highly recommend checking out Shelby’s most recent single, ‘When I Don’t Love You.’
Rising Women in Country Music
The first day of CMA Fest featured a robust lineup of women rapidly ascending in country music, including Julia Cole. Five years ago, I met Cole during the festival while she was playing at an event at The Local. In 2020, I interviewed the Texas native for her 2020 release, ‘Do You Mind.’ So, when I saw Julia playing at this year’s festival, I was ecstatic. Cole played some of her recent releases, like the emotional ‘This Ring.’ She also captivated the crowd with the 2023 singles’ Country Sugar’ and ‘Be the Whiskey.’ Cole’s set was one of my favorite performances of the first day.
My next destination for the day was the Spotlight Stage, where I eagerly anticipated powerhouse vocalist Taylor-Rae’s CMA Fest debut performance. Hailing from Canada, Taylor was accompanied on stage by fellow Canadian artist Melissa Livingstone. Taylor’s incredible vocals resonated with the fans in attendance. The heartfelt lyrics of ‘Honest,’ the title track of her EP released in April of this year, stirred our emotions. Taylor-Rae’s performance was a testament to her talent and a promise of great things in the next few years.
New Trio, Just Jayne Makes their CMA Fest Debut Together
I quickly went from the Music City Center to the Good Molecules Reverb stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza to catch the recently formed trio Just Jayne. Taylor Edwards, Jillian Steele, and Rachel Wiggins make up the trio. The new group surprised me because each of these ladies has built a good following for themselves. Edwards has amassed millions of streams on Spotify alone. Steele and Wiggins have impressed as well. However, I was blown away by the trio. Their voices blended well, and their harmonies were fantastic. Just Jayne is definitely on our list of artists to watch, and we look forward to their first release together.
Cooling Off at The Spotlight Stage at CMA Fest
My next stop was the Music City Center, where I spent a few moments chatting with Tyler Reese Tritt. But I had a few minutes to kill before the interview, so I returned to the Spotlight stage, where I just missed Zach John King. The Spotlight Stage is the perfect place to cool down from the Tennessee summer heat, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t performances that heat up the stage.
The first of three artists I saw was UK Country artist Kezia Gill during the afternoon. Gill’s most recent single was a collaboration with fellow UK artist Jade Helliwell. Kezia’s soulful voice filled the Music City Center, drawing fans to see her performance. I loved her song, “Whiskey Over Ice,” from her 2023 Album, “Misfit.” It’s one of her most popular songs thus far.
Established Performers and CMA Fest Debuts
Leah Turner was the next artist I saw at the Spotlight Stage. While this was my first-time seeing Turner perform, she is no stranger to the stage. One of my favorite Leah Turner songs is “Once Upon a Time in Mexico.” As soon as she started playing this song, I grabbed my phone to capture the moment. Leah embraces her Latin roots, infusing Spanish guitar sounds into her music. Leah Turner’s music has amassed millions of streams regardless of whether it was an independently released song or her during her time as a Sony Recording artist. Turner proves she has staying power in Nashville.
Holdyn Barder was the final artist I saw on the Spotlight Stage on the first day of CMA Fest, and he had a strong showing of fans at the Spotlight Stage. Over the past few years, Holdyn has built a good following on social media. But, Barder is primarily known for his 2021 release, “Backroad Baby,” and his 2022 single, “How Do I Get There from Her.” Those two songs have combined for over a million Spotify streams alone. Growing up in Philadelphia, he is an avid Eagles fan, as evidenced by the 2024 single “Go Birds.” Keep an eye on Holdyn Barder over the next few years because he will be a return performer at CMA Fest.
The Final Performances of Day One
After catching up with Jay Allen for an interview, I walked back down Representative John Lewis Way South to Bridgestone Plaza for Kelsey Lamb’s performance. Lamb was one of the first artists I discovered after launching Undiscovered Nashville. Her song, “Little by Little,” was one of my favorites in 2018. Lamb’s performance on the Reverb stage was her second appearance at CMA Fest after making her debut in 2018 on the Spotlight Stage.
This year’s performance was extra special for Kelsey because it was the last show before she and her husband, Taylor Goyette, welcome their first child into the world. She has amassed over 5 million Spotify streams for her 2023 single, “You Made Me.” On Spotify alone, she has over 180,000 monthly listeners. Lamb’s fanbase growth is impressive, but the sky is the limit for her. Fortunately for her fans, she recently released an EP called “Just Wait.” If you are new to Kelsey Lamb, she has the making of a massive star.
I ended the first day of CMA Fest 2024 at the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage, where I saw a fantastic performance from Tenille Arts, one of the best female artists today. Arts grabbed my attention in 2020 with the release of the “Love, Heartbreak, and Everything in Between” album, which was fueled by her smash hit “Somebody Like That.” The melodic masterpiece, “I Hate This,” keeps me in awe of the Saskatchewan native. Her performance on this day featured hits and most recent releases, like “So Do I.” If you have yet to see Tenille Arts live, go to one of her shows. It will be a memorable experience.
My Thoughts on Day 1 of CMA Fest 2024
Day one of this year’s CMA Fest was the hottest day of the weekend. But that didn’t stop fans from pouring into downtown. Dolly Parton was one of the biggest draws early in the day. However, they didn’t go home. Each stage had a steady supply of fans all day. This year’s free night performances on the Hard Rock Stage were new to the festival. Unfortunately, after a full day in the Sun, I did not stay for those performances—apologies to the artists I had on my schedule but could not make it to their sets.
I wanted to see these artists but missed performances by Love and Theft, Kylie Frey, Jamie O’Neal, Hannah Ellis, Annie Bosko, Matt Stell, Tiera Kennedy, Emily Ann Roberts, Kylie Morgan, Runaway June, Mackenzie Carpenter, Sean Stemaly, and Zandi Holup. All in all, the first day was an incredible day of music.
I would love to go to this just wish I would know where to stay it has to be a fantastic time
If you plan ahead, staying in walking distance from downtown is ideal. Even hotels in Midtown are close. Performances during the day are free with the exception of Fan Fair X, which is usually $25 per person for the weekend.