(Nashville, TN – June 7, 2011) The CMA Global Artist Party, held Monday, June 6, in downtown Nashville, kicked off with a bang when superstar Keith Urban surprised legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel with an International Achievement award.

 

Nine international acts participated in the global showcase, which was held in front of a packed house at The Stage on Broadway on Monday evening at 6:30 p.m.  Artists performing included: Tommy Emmanuel (Australia), Raintown (United Kingdom), Luke Dickens (Toyota Star Maker Winner – Australia), Kaylee Bell (New Zealand), McAlister Kemp (Australia), Chad Brownlee (Canada), Dianna Corcoran (Australia), Marlee Scott (Canada) and Dean Brody (Canada).  Australian husband and wife duo O’Shea served as host at the standing room only event.

Urban surprised Emmanuel after the Australian guitar legend’s awe-inspiring acoustic set to open the CMA Global Artist Party show.  Urban related the story of seeing Emmanuel perform at a small club in Australia when Urban was only 15 years old, and how he became an instant and lifelong fan of the world-renowned guitar player.

Chevrolet Presents The CMA Global Artist Party is held Monday, June 6, at The Stage on Broadway.  Kicking off at 6:30 PM/CST with a special performance from legendary guitarist and Australian native Tommy Emmanuel, the evening also features performances from Kaylee Bell (New Zealand), Dean Brody (Canada), Chad Brownlee (Canada), Diana Corcoran (Australia), Luke Dickens (Australia), McAlister Kemp (Australia), O’Shea (Australia), Raintown (UK) and Marlee Scott (Canada).  Aussie husband and wife duo O’Shea is hosting the event.  Sponsors include Chevrolet, CMA, The Stage on Broadway, Billboard, AristoWorks, and Four Seasons Coach Leasing.

The AristoMedia Global Show is held Tuesday, June 7, at noon/CST at famed downtown honkytonk The Second Fiddle.  Hosted by Australian sister trio The McClymonts, performers at the AristoMedia Global Show include High Valley (Canada), Brett Kissel (Canada), Ryan Laird (Canada), Mike & Ashley (New Zealand), Craig Morrison (Australia), Six West (Canada), Springfield (Australia), and Steve & Heather (France).  Event sponsors include AristoMedia, CMA, The Second Fiddle, Billboard and Four Seasons Coach Leasing.  A free lunch will be offered for attendees.

“This is the fifth year for our Global Events showcases,” says AristoMedia President and CMA Board member Jeff Walker, who organizes the two shows each year.  “These shows are a great way to help kick off CMA Music Fest, and it provides a valuable opportunity for some of these fantastic artists to be heard.  The talent pool of international Country acts is very deep, and this year’s events are a good balance of up-and-comers and established veterans.”

Past Global Events performers have included Troy Cassar-Daley, Jasmine Rae, George Canyon, The McClymonts, David Bradley, Adam Gregory, Doc Walker and Jessie Farrell, among others.

Matt Watkins is handling event logistics, while Nashville-based record producer Mark Moffatt is handling music coordinator duties for both Global Events.  AristoMedia is serving as the executive producer.  Four Seasons Coach Leasing is providing artist buses and green rooms for each show.

For more information about the Chevrolet Presents The CMA Global Artist Party, please contact Bobbi Boyce at bboyce@CMAworld.com.  For more information about the AristoMedia Global Show, contact Christy Watkins at (615) 269-7071 or Christy@aristomedia.com.