Dec. 10, 2008 — Downtown Nashville plays host every summer to the CMA Music Festival, but country fans won’t have to wait until June to see artists at public events in the center of Music City. A number of activities are planned downtown for the weeks and months ahead:
• Rascal Flatts guitarist Joe Don Rooney will be on hand at the Hard Rock Café Monday as Gibson Guitar unveils a new Dark Fire guitar, being hailed by the instrument manufacturer as "the most technologically advanced guitar ever produced." The model represents second-generation "Robot technology," and only 2,000 will be sold worldwide.
• Vince Gill is on deck to perform at the intimate Ford Theater in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in its artist-in-residence program Feb. 3, Feb. 17 and Feb. 24. The concerts invariably feature a smattering of special guests — Dobro player Jerry Douglas’ fall performances included surprise appearances by Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, Trisha Yearwood and Alison Krauss. Previous artists in residence have included Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, Guy Clark, Earl Scruggs and Cowboy Jack Clement.
• Little Texas, Andy Griggs and "Waitin’ On A Woman" songwriter Wynn Varble will greet visitors at the Sommet Center with holiday songs on Wednesday.
• Trace Adkins and Lynyrd Skynyrd take part in a New Year’s Eve concert at the Sommet Center. The two acts will also perform in Pikeville, Ky., the same night.
• Craig Morgan plans his own New Year’s Eve concert at the Wildhorse Saloon.