William H. Frist: “Nashville, TN is home to some of the best music in the world. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of being back home during…”

“Nashville, TN is home to some of the best music in the world. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of being back home during the 2005 Country Music Association Festival--``Country Music's Biggest Party.'' More than 130,000 country music lovers from around the world come to hear their favorite stars perform for the 4-day extravaganza. The energy is electric. From legendary artists like Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, to new talents like Sarah Evans, Rascal Flats, and Gretchen Wilson, more than 400 country music stars perform over 70 hours of music. Not only are fans treated to the best country music has to offer, they get to meet their favorite stars up close and personal at the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall where performers sign autographs and mingle with the crowd. This year, fans were treated to the first ever Music Festival Kick- Off parade in downtown, and a spectacular fireworks display, Sunday night, at the Coliseum. In just 4 days, the festival generates more than $20 million for the local economy. The CMA Festival has become a Nashville institution, joining the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium as symbols of our rich musical traditions. Nashville's thriving music scene has also attracted another festival called Bonaroo--a 4-day event that brings more than 75,000 music lovers to Manchester, TN. The event showcases a wide variety of music including rock, jazz and bluegrass.…”