The Queering of CMA Fest 2022
By Abel Muñoz
It’s that time again, Y’all!
After a two-year hiatus, CMA Fest, which is the longest-running Country Music festival in the world, returns to Nashville for Spring 2022. The festival is scheduled to run from June 9th to June 12th. Not only does this year’s lineup include multiple queer country acts sprinkled throughout, it also features Country Proud, the first ever specifically queer showcase in the history of CMA Fest. This is a big deal, Folks! So, head on down to Nashville and show some support if you can.
There are a couple of ticket options that include a 4-day pass and single day passes. Ticket information can be found at https://cmafest.com/tickets/
The mindboggling complete schedule can be found here: https://cmafest.com/schedule/#/schedule/byVenue
Below is some information pertaining to featured queer artists at CMA Fest ’22.
Gina Venier
Venier will be part of the ASCAP Presents showcase on Thursday, June 9, 2022. This showcase takes place at 2:00 pm to 2:50 pm at the Spotlight Stage.
The Kentucky Gentlemen
These two gents will be part of the Black Opry Showcase, which also includes some great allies like Tylar Bryant, Roberta Lea, and Julie Williams. The Black Opry showcase is making its CMA Fest debut this year and will take place on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm on the CMA Close Up Stage.
Lily Rose
Rose will be making three appearances at this year’s festival. On Thursday, June 9th, Rose will be performing at 2:00 pm to 2:30 at the Chevy Vibes Stage. She will also appear at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 10th. Rose can also be found at Fan Fair X on Sunday, June 12 at 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Booth #340.
Ty Herndon
Herndon, who has a new album entitled JACOB coming on July 15th, can be seen performing on June 12th from 2:45pm to 3:15 pm at the Chevy Vibes Stage.
Brothers Osborne
Brothers Osborne will be performing on Saturday, June 11th at Nissan Stadium as one of the day’s headliners. Exact set times are TBA.
Country Proud
The Country Proud showcase is an official CMA Fest event exclusively featuring queer country artists, including Harper Grae, Chris Housman, and Maia Sharp. It’s the first CMA Fest event of its kind! This is being held at Assembly Food Auditorium on Thursday, June 9th, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Abel Muñoz (He/Him/His) is originally from Texas and now lives in Nashville. He is passionate about art, but most days he can be found working at a sexual health clinic. He loves 90s country music, especially Linda Ronstandt and George Strait. His ramblings and adventures can be found on various social media platforms (Twitter: @artofspectator, IG: @artofthespectator).