The annual music festival, which takes place June 8-11, attracts thousands of country music fans to Nashville to get close to their favorite artists. For those who cannot attend, GAC will help viewers feel like they are front row center all week with special programming developed around the week's activities.
"This marks the second year in a row that GAC has devoted a full week of programming dedicated to Music Fest. Even if country music fans cannot attend the festival, we want to make them feel as if they are there," said Sarah Trahern, the network's senior vice president of programming.
GAC warms up the audience starting June 3, when Grand Ole Opry Live presents a special tribute to the music and influence of the late Ray Charles. Country music superstar Vince Gill hosts an all-star lineup that includes Martina McBride, Ronnie Milsap and special guest Michael McDonald.
On Wednesday, June 7, GAC brings viewers an exclusive rebroadcast of the 41st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (8 pm ET / 9 pm PT), recorded in late May at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The star-studded program, hosted by Reba McEntire, includes performances by Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride and Brad Paisley.
Three of country music's hottest male stars are featured in a new edition of OFFSTAGE with Lorianne Crook on June 8 (8 pm ET / 9 pm PT). Billy Currington, Joe Nichols and Chris Cagle talk about their personal and career struggles, and about the people and places that inspire them.
The Friday (June 9) edition of GAC Nights (8 pm ET / 9 pm PT) originates from Nashville's Riverfront Park. Hosted by Suzanne Alexander, the show takes viewers behind the scenes of the music festival and gives them the inside scoop on what it's like to experience the annual event.
Gretchen Wilson, Montgomery Gentry and Keith Anderson heat up Grand Ole Opry Live on Saturday, June 10 (8 pm ET / 9 pm PT).
The annual GAC Backyard Bash kicks off the Father's Day weekend on June 17 (1 pm ET / 2 pm PT). GAC hosts gather to share their favorite summer music and events, and GAC viewers are invited to drop by. Then on Father's Day, June 18, GAC presents an exclusive concert special featuring Montgomery Gentry and Keith Anderson, shot on location at Ft. Campbell, Ky.
Below is a complete lineup of special programming and premieres for June:
Saturday, June 3
Grand Ole Opry Live Tribute to Ray Charles, 8 pm ET / 9 pm PT
Monday, June 5
2006 George Strait Team Roping Classic, 8:30 pm ET / 9: 30 pm PT
Phil Vassar: Piano Man in a Guitar Town, 10 pm ET / 11 pm PT
Tuesday, June 6
Alan Jackson's Precious Memories, 8 pm ET / 9 pm PT
Grand Ole Opry Live Ray Charles Tribute (encore), 9 pm ET / 10 pm PT
Wednesday, June 7
2006 ACM Awards Orange Carpet Special, 8 pm ET / 9 pm PT
41st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, 9 pm ET / 10 pm PT
Thursday, June 8
OFFSTAGE with Lorianne Crook, 8 pm ET / 9 pm PT
Friday, June 9
GAC Nights from the CMA Music Festival, 8 pm ET / 9 pm PT
Saturday, June 10
Grand Ole Opry Live with Gretchen Wilson, Montgomery Gentry and Keith Anderson, 8 pm ET / 9 pm PT
Saturday, June 17
GAC Backyard Bash, 1 pm ET / 2 pm PT
Grand Ole Opry Live with Alan Jackson
Sunday, June 18
GAC Summer Concert Special with Montgomery Gentry and Keith Anderson, 8 pm ET / 9 pm PT
Saturday, June 24
Grand Ole Opry Live presents a special black & white edition featuring Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings and special guest Elvis Costello.
About Great American Country
Great American Country is America's main street for the widest variety of country music, its artists and the lifestyles they influence. In addition to country music videos, GAC features original programming, special musical performances and live concerts, and is the exclusive television home of the Grand Ole Opry. GAC is available in more than 40 million households.
RSS Feeds