Saturday saw some big names headline Nissan Stadium
No big surprises as Tracy Lawrence, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Jon Pardi, and Eric Church took the stage for CMA Fest night three at Nissan Stadium.
Though, Little Big Town debuted a new song dedicated to their fans, called “Friends of Mine.” They closed their set with by premiering the power ballad.
Jon Pardi has matured so much as a performer since I last covered him at his breakout Heartache Medication album launch at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Wearing a throwback rhinestone blazer, he commanded the stage with a strong presence. It’s clear to see why Pardi was invited to be the newest Opry member while performing at Stagecoach in his native California.
Jason Aldean and Old Dominion delivered their hits, while Tracy Lawrence maximized his all-too-short time at the start of the night, performing five classic country songs.
Eric Church turned the stadium into a steeple when he opened with a near-holy “Country Music Jesus.” “Bad Mother Trucker” followed. That song, “Cold One” and a few others featured a unique element: a small horn section. Perhaps Church was experimenting with these new arrangements for his upcoming tour. It worked. He performed seven songs before quietly saying goodbye and leaving fans confused after he proclaimed, “I don’t need to be anywhere tomorrow. You’re all gonna sleep in so…” before alluding he’d play past curfew.
On the third day, I had the pleasure to speak with Rita Wilson, Chrissy Metz, Tyler Braden, among others. Watch out for those chats in the coming weeks.
Reba, Lainey Wilson, Keith Urban cap day two of 50th CMA Fest
