Taylor Swift, Randy Travis, Gretchen Wilson Get "Close Up"

Taylor Swift performs at the "Hooked on Music Show" at the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park on Friday, June 9 in Downtown Nashville during the 2006 CMA Music Festival. Provided by Country Music Association. Photographer: Amanda Eckard / CMA

May 2, 2008 - GAC will help fans at the CMA Music Festival get close to three major country stars at different points in their careers as Taylor Swift, Randy Travis and Gretchen Wilson take part in the CMA Celebrity Close Up Series at the Ryman Auditorium June 5.

Each of the artists will take questions from fans with the aid of moderator Lorianne Crook as they provide insight on their music, their personal lives and their hopes for the future. All three acts are former winners of the Country Music Association's Horizon Award, given to artists who show the most growth during the course of a year. Randy is a veteran with more than 20 years of country superstardom under his belt; Gretchen was able to turn her first single, "Redneck Woman," into a career-jumping anthem that's led to significant touring action, the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year honor and a book in just four years; and Taylor is still working her triple-platinum debut album at a mere 18 years of age.

"The CMA Celebrity Close Up Series is such a spontaneous event," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "You never know what the artists are going to reveal to the audience in the course of their conversations. It really allows them to share their personal lives with their fans."

GAC will sponsor the session, which will be taped for later broadcast on the channel.

The Close Up Series is ticketed separately from the CMA Festival. Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 3, for $12 in advance or $17 the day of the event. To purchase, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) or visit ticketmaster.com.The CMA Music Festival runs June 5-8 in Nashville.