Festival News
Tetley Iced Tea Makes Cool Debut as CMA Music Festival Sponsor
Tetley is warming up for it’s Festival debut by offering a sweepstakes and sponsoring this year’s “Road to CMA Music Festival Presented by Tetley Iced Tea” concert tour.
by Bob Doerschuk
Fans come to CMA Music Festival each year with a thirst for autographs, photo ops and great entertainment. But sometimes they're just plain thirsty, and that's where refreshing Tetley Iced Tea promises to come to their aid.
As a new Festival sponsor, the venerable tea company, which has been producing iced tea in Georgia for more than 50 years, targets today's Southern consumer, for whom tea is as contemporary as modern Country Music. At this year's event, expect to find Tetley Iced Tea samples being handed out in dry souvenir packets at the Fan Fair Hall as well as tasted in the heat of the outdoors at the McDonald's-Dr Pepper Family Zone.
Tetley serves markets throughout the world, each with its own tea-drinking preferences. "Our blend is developed to deliver what the Southern drinker is looking for: a bright, clear beverage with refreshing, real tea taste," explained Cathy Kolumbus, Sr. Brand Manager, Tetley USA. "If you use the wrong kind of tea, the drink can go cloudy when you add the ice cubes, so we designed our blend specifically for iced tea."
Tetley is sponsoring a sweepstakes, with an all-expenses-paid trip to the Festival, including air fare, hotel accommodations and VIP passes as its grand prize. Participants are invited to register at participating retail outlets and concerts served by the "Road to" shows as well as on www.tetleyusa.com
"Our brand's values are very family-friendly, natural, wholesome and warm," Kolumbus said. "And our product is about more than just refreshment. It's about sharing good times with family and friends. Country Music reflects that much better than other music genres. That's why we know that Tetley Iced Tea is a great fit with the occasion, the region and even the season of CMA Music Festival."
Fans of CMA Music Festival know the event is just around the bend when the “Road to the CMA Music Festival” launches in their hometown. This program brings talent directly to the people through a concert tour that’s guaranteed to build enthusiasm for the Festival.
This year’s “Road to CMA Music Festival Presented by Tetley Iced Tea” shows feature a double bill, with Jennifer Hanson opening for Darryl Worley. Presenting sponsor Tetley Iced Tea and secondary sponsor Greased Lightning Cleaning Products will offer samples at each performance, and sponsor Chevy will display one of its vehicles at the venues. Additionally, promotional events are planned, with local radio remotes and giveaways at a grocery retailer during the day of each concert.
“Tetley has been making iced tea for more than 50 years,” said Clive Rowlandson, VP, Marketing, Tetley Iced Tea. “We know our product is about more than refreshment, it’s about sharing good times with family and friends. That’s what this tour is all about too, a great way to kick back and have fun this summer. We think Tetley Iced Tea and Country Music is a perfect partnership.”
“I’m very excited about going on the road with Jennifer Hanson. She is such a great talent,” exclaimed Worley. “I look forward to new relationships with Tetley Iced Tea and Greased Lightning. This will be a terrific way to lead up to the CMA Music Festival and hopefully this tour will increase the excitement.”
“The CMA Music Festival is one of my absolute favorite events of the year,” said Hanson. “When I was a little girl, I spent many of my summer vacations in Nashville with my dad, attending the shows and getting autographs. But not everyone gets to come to Nashville and experience Music Festival in Music City. It’s great that CMA and Tetley Iced Tea are sponsoring a tour that takes a little slice of the excitement that is Music Festival out on the road.”
Visit the Official Road to CMA Music Festival page for schedule and additional details.
Win the Ultimate Fan Experience to CMA Music Festival
Repel Insect Repellent Giving Away Ultimate Getaway for Country Music Fans
April 3, 2008
Country Music fans who love live concerts, autograph sessions, photograph opportunities and unique events have a chance to win the ultimate entertainment event this summer, courtesy of Repel Insect Repellent and the Country Music Association.
As a sponsor of CMA Music Festival, Repel is showing its support for Country Music and its fans by launching its first "Repel CMA Music Festival Sweepstakes."
Registration is through May 15 for a grand prize that includes two tickets to the Festival, air travel, hotel accommodations and more — a value of more than $3,000.
"Repel is designed to help folks enjoy the outdoors, no matter if they are hunting, fishing, hiking or just listening to great music," said Gary Ramey, Divisional VP, Repel. "We're excited to award a lucky winner and their guest a trip to the ultimate outdoor music event — and to provide them the protection they need to enjoy it."
Entry forms are available at www.repelcmagiveaway.com and at participating Repel retail stores. Entering is free and no purchase is necessary. All participants must be 18 years or older and residents of the United States.
Repel is available at national retailers, sporting goods stores and specialty retailers. For more information, visit www.Repel.com. For years, sportsmen have trusted the Repel brand for mosquito protection simply because it works. It provides unscented protection at a variety of levels, so only the bugs will know you have it on. The Repel brand provides a complete line of long-lasting insect repellents for sportsmen and families, all clearly labeled with the level of protection to fit every activity and terrain. Outdoor enthusiasts trust the Repel brand, the insect repellent as tough as you are.
Music City Rising Star Competition Returns
March 31, 2008
In 2007, CMA and Music Festivals partnered in the creation of the Music City Rising Star Youth Vocal Soloist Competition, which debuted during CMA Music Festival. The contest will return this year for its second run at the Festival in the McDonalds-Dr Pepper Family Zone.
Applications for the competition will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis in the vocal soloist and vocal/instrumental soloist categories. The 250 entrants, who will be judged by vocal music educators and industry experts, will compete for a prize package that includes a trip for two to "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards."
Eligible students must be enrolled freshmen to senior high school students during the 2007-2008 school year. Package plan options include meals, lodging at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, transportation from hotel to Downtown Nashville, a four-day CMA Music Festival ticket and admission to the Grand Awards Ceremony at the Wildhorse Saloon.
Contact Music Festivals 1-800-545-0935 ext. 150 or www.musfestivals.com for an application.
Music City Rising Stars Share Success Tips
For young singers from around the world who dream of building careers in performing, the Music City Rising Star Youth Vocal Competition is an ideal place to start.
Two of the inaugural competition’s outstanding performers were Avery Hovey, 16, of Portland, Tenn., the Champion as well as winner in the Overall Female and Overall SR Vocalist categories, and Brock Storm Timmerman, 17, of Lake City, Fla., who took first place in the Overall Male Vocalist division. As a new crop of teenage hopefuls prepare for their appearances at the 2008 contest, Hovey and Timmerman offered advice on how to make the best impression when their moment in the spotlight comes.
What helped you find the perfect song for your performance?
Hovey: I sang a song that my friend wrote. I had sung it at another competition.
Timmerman: I actually picked my song because my grandmother wanted me to sing it.
How did you decide what to wear?
Hovey: I headed to Wal-Mart and looked for an outfit that fit my song. It was a ballad, so I found a dress that was classic-looking. You need to find something that fits the song but is comfortable for you at the same time.
Timmerman: I bought it at a mall in Nashville the day before.
Do you follow any special routine before performing?
Hovey: I like to show up early and watch a little of the competition to see how the audience is reacting and what kinds of songs people are singing to catch the mood of the audience.
Timmerman: I like to eat regular Lay’s potato chips before I sing. It makes me feel calm and relaxed.
How do you engage the judges?
Hovey: I couldn’t see them, so I chose a few people out in the audience and sang to them. I looked at other people too but focused on those few and told them the story.
Timmerman: I try to look at everyone and involve them all.
Did your performances affect you?
Hovey: Since I won, I got the opportunity to attend the CMA Awards and get all dressed up and make a night of it. I even got a goody bag! As far as media goes, I’ve been interviewed by a lot of the local newspapers. And I really took to heart what the judges said about my performance. It encouraged me to get a new vocal coach and pursue singing a little harder.
Timmerman: I have had the chance to do a lot of recording lately. I also got to be on the “Incubator” show on Radio Disney. I’m also in the middle of managers and music attorneys listening to my demo and shopping it around.
How has winning changed your plans for the future?
Hovey: It really encouraged me to pursue applying to the Berklee College of Music.
Timmerman: I’ve just been working hard on my music and trying to get more people interested.
Any final tips?
Hovey: Don’t overdo it. Choose a song that is challenging but is in your range and singable for you.
Timmerman: Choose a song that fits you and shows your personality as an artist. Also, have a blast. My favorite part of last year’s competition was getting to know all of the contestants and making new friends.
