CMA FEST, VINCE GILL, JOHNNY LEE, RAY SCOTT, JASON ALDEAN AND MANY MORE FEATURED IN THE NEWEST EPISODE OF "THE PICKUP"

Continuing the tradition of bringing you the latest news in country music, the latest episode of “The Pickup” features a look inside CMA Fest, Vince Gill’s latest musical pairing, Johnny Lee still lookin’ for love, Ray Scott’s latest album, and so much more of country’s top stories.

One of country music’s biggest names, Vince Gill, will be the newest member of the Eagles, one of the best-selling bands of all time. Gill can be seen performing with the band throughout the month of July.

With CMA FEST right around the corner, “The Pickup” has a list of must-dos for the week. This list includes paying a visit to the Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage at Ascend Amphitheater to see classic acts such as The Oak Ridge Boys and Billy Ray Cyrus for free. Also on that list is the CMA Fest Family Feud: Country Stars vs Reality Stars featuring Darryl Worley, Jeannie Seely and Ray Stevens Sunday at the CMA Close Up Stage.

John Conlee was recently honored by the Georgia Sheriff’s Association for his song “Walkin’ Behind the Star” in support of the women and men in blue.

Ray Scott talks about his newest album Guitar For Sale that is set to release on June 9. He has also released a lyric video to “Livin’ This Way” that features a look at the recording process.

Country legend Johnny Lee is releasing his autobiography titled Still Lookin’ for Love and speaks with “The Pickup” about the meaning behind the title.

The Country Music Hall of Fame has a new exhibit chronicling Jason Aldean’s life and career that will be open until November. Aldean talks to “The Pickup” about his thoughts on the exhibit, Asphalt Cowboy.

“Things Change” is the title track to the latest album from living legend Bobby Bare. Bare shares the secrets to his distinctive country voice with Adam Wurtzel from “The Pickup.”

Stay tuned for our next episode for a look inside CMA Fest. It will be one you don’t want to miss!

Check out the latest episode of The Pickup below.

#CMAFEST2017 - CITY OF HOPE CELEBRITY SOFTBALL GAME REVEALS FIRST ROUND OF ARTIST LINEUP

The hits keep coming as the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game presented by Staples® continues to announce talent for their 27th annual event. The starting lineup is revealed with all-stars Kellie Pickler, Lauren Alaina, Aaron Watson, Danielle Bradbery and Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth from ABC’s “The Bachelorette.”

Reba McEntire was previously announced as performing the National Anthem. Many more artists to be announced!

This group of artists will meet at the field on Saturday, June 10, at First Tennessee Park for some friendly competition for a great cause. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation, diabetes and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs based on technology developed at the institution.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

As always, 100 percent of event net profits benefit City of Hope. For more information, visit cityofhope.org/softball or follow City of Hope on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

#CMAFEST2017 - TY HERNDON'S CONCERT FOR LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE REVEALS FIRST ROUND TALENT LINEUP INCLUDING BILLY GILMAN, KREE HARRISON, RYAN KINDER, RUNAWAY JUNE, LORRIE MORGAN, MICHAEL RAY, STREET CORNER SYMPHONY AND THOMPSON SQUARE

‪Ty Herndon‪’s Concert for Love and Acceptance Reveals First Round Talent Lineup

CMT joins as media partner, GLAAD returns as nonprofit partner

Ty Herndon’s 2017 Concert for Love & Acceptance, hosted by Cody Alan, announced its initial artist lineup, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. In addition to Ty Herndon, this year’s talent lineup already includes Billy Gilman, Kree Harrison, Ryan Kinder, Runaway June, Lorrie Morgan, Michael Ray, Street Corner Symphony, and Thompson Square. The event, created to support at-risk youth, will be held on Thursday, June 8th starting at 7 p.m. at Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tenn.

‪Grammy-nominated and Dove Award winning artist, Ty Herndon created and co-hosted the first Concert for Love & Acceptance alongside GLAAD in 2015, when his 20th anniversary fan club party turned into a coalition of artists gathering in support of Nashville’s at-risk youth. The driving force behind the benefit is Herndon’s desire to foster positive cultural change and encourage Nashville’s youth to live to their fullest potential.

‪This year’s partners include media partner CMT and nonprofit partner GLAAD, as well as local sponsors Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Wade Weissmann Architecture, and Retief Skin Center.

‪The first Concert for Love & Acceptance received national attention from Boston Globe, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Tonight, People Magazine and more. A philanthropist at heart, Herndon has also donated his time to organizations such as the Trevor Project, Make A Wish, St. Jude, GLAAD, HRC and Feed the Children.

‪For more information on Concert for Love & Acceptance or to purchase tickets, please visit www.TyHerndon.com 

#CMAFEST2017 - FAN CLUB PARTY LISTING

Lots of fan club parties already announced and more on the way so stay tuned! Here's what we have so far! If you have any that you know of, please email us using the contact tab on the homepage and let us know the artist, details and website and we'll add it here!

Tuesday, June 6

Who: GARY ALLAN
Where: Rocketown
Time: 4:00pm
Ticket Prices: $40-$45 (Fan Club Members Only)
Website: http://bit.ly/2pfta2P

Wednesday, June 7

Who: LONESTAR
Where: Wildhorse Saloon
Time: 11:00am
Ticket Prices:  $50.00
Website: http://bit.ly/2noH95O

Who: THE MANTZ BROTHERS
Where: Piranha's
Time: 11:00am
Tickets: FREE - No Ticket Required

Who: JOE NICHOLS
Where: 3rd and Lindsley
Time: 11:00am
Tickets: $46.00
Website: http://bit.ly/2pnag6x

Who: WADE HAYES
Where: Hermitage House Smorgasboard
Time: 1:30pm
Tickets: $30.00
Website: http://bit.ly/2p3xank

Who:  MICHELLE WRIGHT
Where:  SIR Nashville
Time: 2:00pm
Tickets: $25.00
Website: http://bit.ly/2ocwbNv

Who: VINCE GILL
Where: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Time: 3:00pm
Tickets: $40.00 (Fan Club Members Only)
Website:  http://bit.ly/2ocvt2X

Who: MOORE AND MOORE
Where:  Nashville Palace
Time: 6:00pm
Tickets: TBA
Website: TBA

Who: PHIL VASSAR
Where: The Listening Room Cafe
Time: 6:30pm
Tickets: $25.00
Website: http://bit.ly/2oz8OAy

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

Who: CHRIS YOUNG
Where: City Winery
Time: 9:00am
Tickets: $50.00 (Fan Club Members Only) - ** SOLD OUT  **
Website: http://bit.ly/2ouYoAn

Who: CHRIS JANSON
Where: Wildhorse Saloon
Time: 9:00am
Tickets: $35.00
Website: http://bit.ly/2pfBFL6

Who: DARRYL WORLEY
Where: 3rd and Lindsley
Time: 10:45am
Tickets: $50.00
Website: http://bit.ly/2lYfgjq

Who: JT HODGES
Where: Pirahnas
Time: 11:00am
Tickets: FREE - No Ticket Required

Who: BRYAN WHITE
Where: The Listening Room Cafe
Time: 11:30am
Tickets: $40.00
Website: http://bit.ly/2ozkiUp

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

Who: CORT CARPENTER
Where: The Listening Room Cafe
Time: 9:00am
Tickets: $10.00
Website: http://bit.ly/2oHLiSa

Who: SCOTTY MCCREERY
Where: Opry - Studio A
Time: 2:00pm
Tickets: $50.00
Website: http://bit.ly/2p3AkYg

Who: THE SPRINGS
Where: The Listening Room Cafe
Time: 10:00am
Tickets: $5.00
Website: http://bit.ly/2ouUOWT

Who: MONTGOMERY GENTRY
Where: 3rd and Lindsley
Time: 12:30pm
Tickets: $45.00
Website: http://bit.ly/2pj3jUJ

#CMAFEST2017 - TY HERNDON'S CONCERT FOR LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE SET FOR JUNE 8 AT WILDHORSE SALOON

Hosted by Cody Alan, event will bring together artists and celebrities

for a night supporting at-risk youth

Award-winning recording artist Ty Herndon has confirmed his second Concert for Love & Acceptance, a benefit supporting at-risk youth, for June 8th at Wildhorse Saloon (120 2nd Ave. North) in Nashville, Tenn. The concert will bring together musicians and celebrities for a night of entertainment and a good cause. The doors will open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.

“I’m very excited to announce our 2nd Concert For Love & Acceptance. We had so much fun the first time that we had to do it again,” comments Ty Herndon, “We have some amazing artists and celebrities that are coming together to celebrate love and acceptance in Nashville, and we want to be a shining beacon to the rest of this world we are living in.”

Cody Alan, host of CMT's Hot 20 Countdown, producer of iHeartRadio's CMT After Midnite and CMT Radio Live, will serve as host for the event that will feature performances from renowned artists who will be announced in the coming weeks.

Grammy-nominated and Dove Award winning artist Ty Herndon created the Concert for Love & Acceptance, when his 20th anniversary fan club party turned into a coalition of artists gathering in support of Nashville’s at-risk youth. The driving force behind the benefit is Herndon’s desire to foster positive cultural change and encourage Nashville’s youth to live to their fullest potential.

In November of 2014, Ty Herndon became the first major male country artist to publicly come out as gay. Shortly after, he made history when he hosted this first-of-its-kind event, The Concert for Love & Acceptance. The event received national attention from Boston Globe, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Tonight, People Magazine and more. A philanthropist at heart, Herndon has also donated his time to organizations such as the Trevor Project, Make A Wish, St. Jude, GLAAD, HRC and Feed the Children.

For more information on Concert for Love & Acceptance or to purchase tickets, please visit www.TyHerndon.com.

#CMAFEST2017 - COMPLETE ARTIST LINEUP AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE - MUSIC CITY STAGE

Bridgestone Arena

501 Broadway

Nashville, TN 37203

A new stage is set for new artists to showcase their talent to CMA Fest country music fans, Music City Stage. The stage is located inside Bridgestone Arena’s Nashville Visitor Center. That stage will feature artists daily starting at 11 a.m. This stage is FREE and open to the public. 

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

11:00am - Brian Callihan

11:35am - Jimmie Allen

12:10pm - Jessie Chris

12:45pm - Jessie Key

1:20pm - Kasey Tyndall

1:35pm- Kenny Foster

2:30pm - Zach Seabaugh

3:05pm - Sammy Arriaga

3:40pm- Dallas Caroline

4:15pm- Livy Jeanne

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

11:00am - Dalton and the Sheriffs

12:10pm - Tristan McIntosh

12:45pm - Colm Kirwan

1:20pm - Native Run

1:35pm - Julia Cole

2:30pm - Megan & Liz

3:05pm - Maggie Baugh

3:40pm - Camille Rae

4:15pm - The Hootz

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

11:00am - James Robert Webb

11:35am - CJ Solar

12:10pm - Brennley Brown

12:45pm - Sweet Tea Trio

1:20pm - Mitchell Tenpenny

1:55pm- Shelly Fairchild

2:30pm - Scott Stevens

3:05pm - Mary Sarah

3:40pm - Kassi Ashton

4:15pm - McCoy

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

11:10am  - Anna Vaus

11:35am - Martin McDaniel

12:10pm - Sarah Turner

12:45pm - Dorado

1:20pm - Lucas Hoge

1:55pm- Brandon Ratliff

3:40pm - Adam Hambrick
4:15pm  - Post Monroe

#CMAFEST2017 - GILDAN BROADWAY STAGE AT THE HARD ROCK CAFE ARTIST LINEUP AND SCHEDULE

Hard Rock Cafe 

100 Broadway

Nashville, TN 37201

The Gildan Broadway Stage shows will take place daily starting at 10:45am with the last artist taking the stage at 4:05pm. This stage is FREE and open to the public and does not require a ticket.

The stage is located at the Hard Rock Cafe on the corner of Broadway and First Ave. This is another great stage that showcases the best new up and coming talent.

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

10:45am - Craig Wayne Boyd
11:25am - Levon
12:05pm - Davisson Brothers Band
12:45pm - Alex Williams
1:25pm- Smithfield
2:05pm - Alyssa Micaela
2:45pm - Brandon Ray
3:25pm - Jordan Rager
4:05pm - Colin Elmore and the Danville Train

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

10:45am - Restless Road
11:25am - Ryan Kinder
12:05pm - Chris Bandi
12:45pm - Olivia Lane
1:25pm - Carter Winter
2:05pm - JoSmith
2:45pm- Filmore
3:25pm - Tyler Rich
4:05pm - Risa Binder

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

10:45am -  Fairground Saints
11:25am - Ashley Campbell
12:05pm - Lillie Mae
12:45pm - Tara Thompson
1:25pm - Abby Anderson
2:05pm - Trea Landon
2:45pm- Ben Gallaher
3:25pm - Meghan Patrick
4:05pm - Sean McConnell

SUNDAY, JUNE 11 

10:45am - Haley Georgia
11:25am - Scooter Brown Band
12:05pm - Jillian Jacqueline
12:45pm - Walker County
1:25pm - Dylan Schneider
2:05pm - Kalie Shorr
2:45pm- Natalie Stovall
3:25pm - Brandon Lay
4:05pm - Hailey Whitters

* For current updated information regarding the Gildan Broadway stage schedule as well as other stages and events, tickets, artist appearances, etc, go to CMAFEST.com or download the FREE 2017 CMA Music Festival app on your smartphone or tablet.

* SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

#CMAFEST2017 - CHEVROLET PARK STAGE ARTIST LINEUP AND SCHEDULE

CHEVROLET PARK STAGE

Walk of Fame Park

121 4th Avenue South

 Nashville, TN 37201

The Chevrolet Park Stage is located at The Park between the Hilton Suites and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The concerts are FREE to the public and do not require a ticket. This is a great stage to catch up and coming new artists.

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

10:30am - Sundance Head
11:10am - Waterloo Revival
11:50am - Runaway June
12:30pm - Luke Pell
1:10pm  - Adam Sanders
1:50pm - Kristian Bush
2:30pm - Love and Theft
3:10pm- Travis Collins
3:50pm - Casey Donahew
4:30pm - LanCo

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

10:30am - Ryan Griffin
11:10am - Lindsay Ell
11:50am - Brooke Eden
12:30pm - Mo Pitney
1:10pm  - The Swon Brothers
1:50pm -  Adam Craig
2:30pm - Walker Hayes
3:10pm - Drew Baldridge
3:50pm - Steve Moakler
4:30pm- The Railers

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

10:30am - Muscadine Bloodline
11:10am - Morgan Wallen
11:50am - Cale Dodds
12:30pm - Carly Pearce
1:10pm  - Walker McGuire
1:50pm - Bailey Bryan
2:30pm - Jacob Davis
3:10pm- Maggie Rose
3:50pm - Jackie Lee
4:30pm- Ryan Follese

SUNDAY, JUNE 11 

10:30am - Big Smo
11:10am - Trent Harmon
11:50am - Ruthie Collins
12:30pm - Clare Dunn
1:10pm  - Michael Tyler
1:50pm - Jamie Lynn Spears
2:30pm - Kyle Park
3:10pm-  Morgan Evans
3:50pm - Jon Langston
4:30pm - Ryan Beaver

For current updated information regarding the Chevrolet Stage schedule as well as other stages and events, tickets, artist appearances, etc, go to CMAFEST.com or download the FREE 2017 CMA Music Festival app on your smartphone or tablet.

* SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE