While we are still sad that live music events have been canceled because of COVID-19, there is a bit of good news. The Country Music Association just announced CMA Summer Stay-Cay Presented by Budweiser Nitro Gold, a multi-hour live event streaming on both Facebook and YouTube on Wednesday, July 1, beginning at 5:00 PM CT, with dozens of artists appearing, including Scotty McCreery, Rascal Flatts, Granger Smith, Jason Aldean and more. Jimmie Allen and Lindsay Ell will host.
Among the numerous artists scheduled include Jason premiering the video for his latest single, “Got What I Got,” Gabby Barrett chatting with Radio Disney, Lady A performing “What If I Never Get Over You,” Rascal Flatts reflecting on their 20 years as a band, and more. Bobby Bones will also host his Super Easy Trivia game a long list of artists and celebrities, including Blanco Brown, Kristian Bush, Jordan Davis, Gone West’s Colbie Caillat and Nelly Joy, Caylee Hammack, Scotty, Carly Pearce and Rita Wilson.
The CMA Summer Stay-Cay comes after the annual CMA Fest was forced to cancel in Nashville this year, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“After careful deliberation, and in following the latest guidance from national, state and local authorities, we are sad to announce that CMA Fest will not take place in 2020,” the CMA announced. “Whether you planned to attend CMA Fest for the first time, or you have attended many times throughout the last 48 years, we know how special this festival is for country music fans around the globe and that many will be disappointed by this decision. As the world is still greatly affected by the spread of COVID-19, we cannot in good conscience risk the health and well-being of our fans, artists, staff and country music community.”
Luke Bryan will also host a Best of CMA Fest TV special. The three-hour special, which will air on ABC on July 13 (changed from the original date of July 9), will include some of the best CMA Fest performances over the years.
More information on the upcoming CMA Summer Stay-Cay can be found by visiting CMAWorld.com.