CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL
CMA Fest free concert lineup 2019: The best free shows this weekend
Matthew Leimkuehler Cindy Watts
Country music fans from all over the globe will converge on Nashville the first week in June to spend four days soaking up the songs Music City has to offer during CMA Fest.
Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan are among the stars playing the nightly ticketed concerts at Nissan Stadium.
However, if you are in search of the stars of tomorrow or budget friendly ways to spend your days, we've got you covered.
Here are our top free concert picks for CMA Fest. There's country rock, country pop, country hip-hop, country bluegrass and country country on this list.
CMA FEST 2019:The full CMA Fest 2019 schedule for Saturday
Eric Paslay
Catch his set: 10 a.m. June 8 on Chevy Riverfront Stage
As an artist, new dad Eric Paslay is known for hit songs including "Friday Night" and "Song About a Girl." As a songwriter, Paslay has celebrated five No. 1 hits including Jake Owen's "Barefoot Blue Jean Night," Eli Young Band's "Even if it Breaks Your Heart" and Rascal Flatts' "Rewind." But, "She Don't Love You" might be his best.
For your listening: "She Don't Love You"
CMA FEST 2019: The best from this year's country music festival in Nashville
Ashley McBryde
Catch her set: 12:15 p.m. June 8 on the Chevy Riverfront Stage
Nominated for a Grammy, an ACM Award and a Daytime Emmy already this year, McBryde is known for her infectious melodies, vulnerable narratives and a voice so country, honest and pure that it's impossible not to believe her – or believe in her. McBryde grew up listening to Reba McEntire and she couldn't hide it if she wanted to. Thankfully, she doesn't.
For your listening: "Girl Goin' Nowhere"
Willie Jones
Catch his set: 12:45 p.m. June 8 on the Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Bridgestone Plaza
Jones, a Louisiana native and former "X Factor" contestant, blends flavors of modern pop and country for a radio-ready musical cocktail.
For your listening: "Down For It"
Tucker Beathard
Catch his set: 1 p.m. June 8 at the HGTV Lodge* (also playing on the pay-to-see Ascend Amphitheater stage)
The "Rock On" singer and Warner Music Nashville newcomer plays CMA Fest in promotion of his debut full-length — a double album coined "Nobody's Everything." The album's first installment, released late 2018, shows Beathard blurring lines between popular country melodies and modern rock riffs.
For your listening: "Better Than Me"
High Valley
Catch their set: 3:15 p.m. June 8 at Chevy Riverfront Stage
Brother duo Brad and Curtis Rempel bring family harmony and sing-along, up-tempo positivity with a trace of bluegrass to the country landscape.
For your listening: "Single Man"
Caleb Lee Hutchinson
Catch his set: 11:25 a.m. June 9 on the Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Bridgestone Plaza
The 20-year-old Georgia crooner and "American Idol" runner-up returns to Music City following the release of his sleek, Kristian Bush-produced original, "Left of Me" — the first cut of a to-be-released EP.
For your listening: "Left Of Me"
Charlie Worsham
Catch his set: 12 p.m. June 9 at HGTV Lodge
Worsham is a guitar-slinging Nashville treasure who can hold his own alongside the likes of Keith Urban and Vince Gill. He's a creative, insightful songwriter who understands the power of detail and isn't afraid of self-reflection or to sing a party song about alcohol.
For your listening: "Other Side of the Lens"
Catch his set: 12 p.m. June 9 on Radio Disney Country Stage, 3 p.m. June 9 at HGTV Lodge and 4:45 p.m. at Chevy Riverfront Stage
Hayes' music is an easy blend of country, pop and hip-hop that is in many ways the antithesis of traditional country. But Hayes is a dedicated wordsmith, a storyteller, a dad, a one-man band. He's entertaining. And if you pay attention to his lyrics, he'll find new ways to break your heart and put it back together again. His radio hits include "You Broke Up with Me" and his recent "90s Country." "Craig" inspired a movement – Be a Craig. Hayes' new "Don't Let Her," however, will break your heart so hard that it should come with a warning label.
For your listening: "Don't Let Her"
Jaida Dreyer
Catch her set: 12:45 p.m. June 9 on the Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Bridgestone Plaza
Her music has appeared on network drama "Nashville" and Netflix program "Longmire," and now Dreyer brings her talents to CMA weekend in Music City. Some may recognize Dreyer as the inaugural winner on USA Network's "Real Country" reality competition.
For your listening: "Jack It To Jesus"
*Fans must enter the CMA Ultimate Fan Experiences Drawing to gain access to the HGTV Lodge. Enter the drawing online from 10 a.m. May 28 to 10 a.m. May 30 at cmafest.com/fanaccess.
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