NASHVILLE – International artists and fans descended on the outdoor Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Nashville Monday night for CMA World GlobaLive!, a showcase of Country stars from around the globe, to unofficially kick off the 2016 CMA Music Festival.
The show got underway with the presentation of the Jo Walker-Meador International Award to the family of late CMA Board member Jeff Walker. Walker’s family accepted the Award on his behalf. Named for Country Music Hall of Fame member and longtime Executive Director of CMA, the Jo Walker-Meador Award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual or company in advocating and supporting Country Music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.
Artists who took the stage included Chad Brownlee (Canada), Troy Cassar-Daley (Australia), Raquel Cole (Canada), Frankie Davies (United Kingdom), Brett Kissell (Canada), Kayla Mahon (New Zealand), Karin Page (Australia), Pauper Kings (United Kingdom), and Caitlyn Shadbolt(Australia).
CMA Board members in attendance included Rob Beckham, Kurt Johnson, John Marks, David Ross, and CMA International Committee Chairman Rob Potts.
CMA World GlobaLive!, which began in 2004 as the Global Artist Party, serves as a showcase for overseas talent leading up to the Festival reaching an audience of fans and press from around the world.
