LaFayette Native Ben Chapman, Walker Montgomery Promote New Music at CMA Fest 2023

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The world’s longest-running country music festival is now in full swing!

It’s CMA Fest’s 50th anniversary.

Country music star Reba McEntire was recognized as Friday’s featured Artist of the Day.

Fans who attended the event got an up-close look into Reba’s life and career.

Brothers Osborne are the featured Artists of the Day on Saturday, and Wynonna Judd is on Sunday.

At Fan Fair X at the Music City Center, fans can also take advantage of meet and greets with some of their favorite artists.

Not to mention plenty of free shows to choose from at several stages in downtown Nashville.

One of those free shows includes LaFayette native Ben Chapman.

He’s performing at the Maui Jim Reverb Stage, right next to Bridgestone Arena, at 11:35 a.m., Saturday.

Chapman tells News 12 his set will even include a new song.

“We’re going to play that one [Friday]. I think so. It’s going to be awesome,” Chapman said. “We released it [Friday] morning and it’s called ‘Is It Ever Really Gone.’ And we actually had it on Amber Sound, Vol. 1. But the way we did it, I was like, ‘I think we could redo this.’ And I have Ashley [Monroe] sing on it, and it’s just such a special song. I feel like it needed a little more life, so I’m so glad it’s out.”

Walker Montgomery, who’s related to country stars John Michael and Eddie Montgomery, is also using CMA Fest to promote his new music.

“I knew exactly the sound that I wanted,” Walker said. “‘Work to Do’ was a good single to kind’ve reintroduce Walker Montgomery to people, and we’ve got some more singles in the tank. We’re just going to keep on releasing them. ‘Lonely for a Living’ is my next single that’s being released this month on the 23rd. It’s going to be a good year. I’m excited about it.”

CMA Fest takes place through Sunday.

For a schedule of shows and other activities, go here.