CMA Music Fest 2009 - Recap

We have had such an amazing time this year at CMA Music Fest! ..we're so sad it's already over. :(

The week started with the St. Jude Celebrity bowling event out at Hermitage lanes, where we got to meet and bowl with friends, fans and country music celebrities. Some of the artists that were there included: Trent Tomlinson, Lonestar, Jeff Bates, Adam Gregory, Sarah Darling, Buddy Jewel, Danielle Peck, Bo Bice and Megan Mullins.
We got to find out who the best bowler of the three us of is - Brad turned in an impressive 143! We won't say who the WORST bowler is, however we will say that Matt bowled a 61 one game. Ouch.
The best part of that event was knowing that ALL the proceeds went to benefit the children of St. Jude's Hospital.

Next up was the Music Row Live remotes over at the Tracking Room, where we did an acoustic performance and gave a dozen or so interviews for some radio stations from around the country, who were in town for Music Fest. We even did a TV interview!
While we were there, we signed about 30 guitars, hats and other stuff for stations to give away.
One of the coolest parts about that day, was the 'gift room' for artists. We got to go into a room with big shopping bags, and pick out boots, sunglasses, jewelry and other stuff - FOR FREE! Wow, we could really get used to this. :)

Later that day was the Chevy Kick-off Parade which routed right down lower Broadway in downtown Nashville. Before the parade, we were walked in, taken care of VIP-style, and got to rub elbows with some of our heroes - like Brady Seals. Being treated like stars is actually very humbling for us; and we are truly grateful for all of this. The actual parade was awesome! Some people were even cheering for us; did they even know us?? :)


Thursday was our autograph signing day at the convention center. Once again we were overwhelmed by the number of 'fans' who showed up to meet us and get a picture with us. VERY COOL. We're already so blessed with such amazing folks, who dig our tunes. Thanks y'all!
When we were leaving the convention center, at the artist VIP entrance, we gave the valet boys a 20-dollar bill and a Due West picture, with the message "best tippers of the day" written on it! :) We wanted Reba, Wynonna, Carrie and the like to catch a little glimpse of our mugs on their way in and out. Ha ha! Do you think they even noticed??

We ended our week's festivities with the GeoQuest scavenger hunt. Jim A. and his folks from the Grass Roots team did such an amazing job putting that whole thing together, and the end result was incredible. Todd Thompson of Hendersonville won the electric guitar; way to go Todd!





All in all, we LOVED CMA Music Fest 2009, and can't wait for next year!

Please tune in to our youtube channel, 'duewestmusictv' to see videos from the week.



Also, check out this slideshow from the Due West GeoQuest. (photos by Debbi Tannock)