Best of the Fest

Thursday, 9th

COUNTRY KICKSTART Jamie O'Neal has been performing since age 9, and it shows—onstage, she projects personality to the back rows. She also has a way with a hook, as heard on her fine sophomore album, Brave.Down the bill, it'll be interesting to see how relatively quirky Ryan Shupe & the Rubber Band, whose "Dream Big" is getting attention on country radio, blends with the more mainstream acts. With Montgomery Gentry, Jessica Andrews and newcomers Keith Anderson and Brice Long. 10 a.m., Greased Lightning Daytime Stages, Riverfront Park —Chris Neal

THE MEGA MUSIC SHOW A solid candidate for the Country Music Hall of Fame, Mel Tillis doesn't get to Nashville nearly often enough. A smooth singer who began writing hits in the '50s and dominated the charts as a performer in the '70s, he's still an engaging entertainer with a friendly, humorous show. His daughter Pam did some hit-making of her own in the '90s, combining a modern sensibility that encompasses everything from her dad's classics to rock and even Broadway favorites with intelligent songwriting and a distinctive voice. Chely Wright used her departure from MCA to dig deeper within herself, producing a new album, Metropolitan Hotel, which features some of her best, most autobiographical songwriting and her stunning soprano. With Ty Herndon, Little Big Town and Danni O'Neill. Noon, Greased Lightning Daytime Stages, Riverfront Park —Jon Weisberger

COMPLETE COUNTRY SHOW "Complete country" is right—this is one of the widest-ranging bills at this year's festival, headed up by MuzikMafia rapper Cowboy Troy, who's gotten all the buzz of a swarm of angry hornets. At the other end of the spectrum is Melonie Cannon, whose graceful, melancholy Skaggs Family Records debut is rich with contemporary bluegrass and acoustic country. Somewhere in between is neo-honky-tonker Trent Willmon, who overcomes his vocal limitations and the generic production of his self-titled debut with some well-crafted and meaty songs. With Glenn Cummings, Hanna McEuen, Little Texas and Restless Heart. 2 p.m., Greased Lightning Daytime Stages, Riverfront Park —Jon Weisberger

NASHVILLE SPOTLIGHT SHOW Shelly Fairchild's lusty new single, "Kiss Me," pegs her as one of 2005's most promising new country artists, and her solid debut album delivers several more performances that are just as good. The young Mississippian knows how to work a stage, and she'll challenge veterans like the Bellamy Brothers, Neal McCoy and Steve Holy to step up and show their best stuff. 4 p.m., Greased Lightning Daytime Stages, Riverfront Park—Michael McCall

CHEVY ALL ACCESS STAGE Lane Turner delivers cleverly written dance-floor honky-tonk with a winking kick. He'll follow the eclectic newcomers Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband, who bring a down-home funk to country music. 6 p.m., Sports Zone at foot of Shelby Street Bridge —Michael McCall

CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL NIGHTLY CONCERT The Festival's big-ticket shows get off to a sizzling start with a strong lineup that's heavy with new twists on tradition. Lee Ann Womack's latest album takes an uncompromising yet subtle neo-traditionalist tack, re-creating the feel of '70s country with a charming warmth and sly sophistication, and Dierks Bentley's new Modern Day Drifteris an exercise in muscular roadhouse country, ranging from honky-tonk weepers to Waylon-flavored chuggers and good-timin' raveups. Hall of Famer Dolly Parton recaps her recent triumphant tours by reuniting with hot new bluegrass band The Grascals. Julie Roberts rounds out the neo-traditional slant by offering a simmering glimpse of the crossroads where country and southern R&B meet, while Keith Urban charts newer territory by alternating feisty country-rockers that showcase his guitar pyrotechnics with "sensitive guy" ballads that occasionally reach deep. With LeAnn Rimes, Sugarland and Phil Vassar. 8 p.m., Coliseum —Jon Weisberger

Happening in the clubs

B.B. KING'S BLUES CLUB John England & the Western Swingers play jazzed-up Western swing perfect for spinning around the dance floor. The veterans of Lower Broad feature well-traveled musicians whose skill is as apparent as their love for ageless tunes by Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb and Ray Price. 8 p.m. —Michael McCall

STATION INN Named for Bill Monroe's horse, King Wilkie are six young Virginians dedicated to traditional bluegrass who capture the music's tightly wound passion while leaving room for youthful exuberance and growth. 9 p.m. —Michael McCall

FAMILY WASH Paul Burch brings a troubadour's soul and an artful angle to honky-tonk, swing, acoustic blues—indeed, to all variety of American roots music—and delivers it in front of an outstanding band, the WPA Ballclub, who emphasize tasteful notes and loose-jointed rhythms. 9 p.m. —Michael McCall

Friday, 10th

BOOT SCOOTIN' BRUNCH Friday's Riverfront festivities begin with this flurry of recent Nashville signings, plus sturdy veteran Aaron Tippin. There is a realveteran in this mix, actually: talented up-and-comer Keni Thomas was an Army Ranger who fought in the famous "Black Hawk Down" battle. With Jessi Alexander, Amy Dalley, Hilljack, Jon Randall and American Idolfinalist Carmen Rasmusen. 10 a.m., Greased Lightning Daytime Stages, Riverfront Park —Chris Neal

NASHVILLE STANDARD TIME Call this one the cavalcade of youngsters. Rebecca Lynn Howard is a big-voiced Kentucky native whose skillful songwriting and intense vocal style have kept her busy—she already has three albums under her belt—even though she has yet to consistently reach the charts. Bobby Pinson is a singer with a throat full of gravel whose debut album has turned critics' heads with its detailed slice-of-life portraits, while his first single, "Don't Ask Me How I Know," recently crept into the Top 20. Malibu Storm's siblings are young, but already had plenty of experience and chops when they created the pop-bluegrass blends that make up their self-titled debut. The slightly older Wrights offer a refreshingly spare take on neo-traditional country on their initial effort, Down This Road. With Blaine Larsen and Lila McCann. 2 p.m., Greased Lightning Daytime Stages, Riverfront Park —Jon Weisberger