‘CMA Fest: 50 Years Of Fan Fair’ Documentary To Air On Hulu

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Lauren Alaina poses with fans at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage on Thursday, June 7 during the 2018 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville.

The CMA has announced the launch date for its original documentary, CMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan Fair, featuring the story of one of the world’s largest and longest-running country music festivals.

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Debuting on Hulu on July 5, the documentary is told through exclusive one-on-one interviews, never-before-seen archival content and CMA Fest performances. It celebrates the festival’s humble beginnings as Fan Fair in 1972, which drew 5,000 fans to Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium, its move to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in 1982, and then ultimately to downtown Nashville in 2001. CMA Fest now draws 80,000 fans a day, across four days, with attendees from all 50 states and 39 countries.

The 75-minute film features exclusive interviews with many notable country artists including Bill Anderson, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Shy Carter, Luke Combs, Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire, Mark Miller, Dolly Parton, Jeannie Seely, Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Young, and many more.

The project marks CMA’s first feature-length film, with CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern and CMA Senior Vice President, Marketing, Content & Communications Strategy Kelly Striewski serving as the film’s executive producers.

“CMA Fest has taken several shapes throughout its storied history,” says Trahern. “As we step into our 50th year, our hope with this film is to underscore the one thing that has remained with the festival—its heart. We are thrilled to share the evolution and magic of this incredible event with the Hulu audience.”

“What better way to tell the story of CMA Fest than through the eyes of the artists, our industry and the fans,” adds Striewski. “This film highlights the truly unique connection that exists within CMA Fest and how this festival has continued to grow the country community throughout its 50 years. We couldn’t be happier to have this story debut on Hulu.”

“We have a long and valued partnership with CMA and are excited to expand on that by adding this extraordinary film to the Hulu slate,” says Rob Mills, Executive Vice President, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, Walt Disney Television. “We can’t wait to share this with music lovers everywhere, who will be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of CMA Fest and its many contributions to the country music community.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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