THE CMA -- START SPREADING THE CASH

BY DAN MILLER
(originally posted September 21, 2005)

To me, staging the CMA Awards Show in New York City makes about as much sense as bringing the Tony Awards to Nashville.

Broadway shows are at home in New York, and country music is at home in Nashville.

Now comes the astounding announcement that the CMA is shelling out $500,000 to fly country stars, their bands and crews, to New York to participate in the awards show in November.

Thanks to the CMA, the stars will fly first class to NYC, for free.
Crew and band members will fly coach, for free.
They'll all be provided with free ground transportation.
The stars will stay at leading hotels, for free....
The bands and crews will stay free in more modest accommodations.

And while I don't begrudge the country stars a thing, let's not forget that some of the top acts earn tens of millions of dollars a year.
I'm certain many will consider this a bribe of sorts, to assure a turnout of big names.

The CMA says assistance will also be offered to some other performers and presenters.
I wonder who determines which other performers will get free trips?
Will they provide this perk for "old timers" who simply want to attend the show?

This is unprecedented for a televised awards show, and -- to me -- signals a fear by the CMA that some of the marquee acts might decide to be "no shows" in the Big Apple.

This remarkable act of generosity by the CMA also comes at a time when artists are being asked to donate the proceeds from one night's concert to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which is struggling financially.
Goodness, that $500,000 would go a long way toward helping the Hall of Fame.

Based on private conversations, I know many performers are deeply dismayed that the show is being staged in New York. But they don't make their feelings known publicly, so as not to offend the powerful CMA.

A CMA spokeswoman said, "we wanted to show our support and ensure that it is a positive experience for everyone."

Well, that $500,000 would certainly make a "positive experience" here in Nashville for the limo services, florists, catering companies, hotels, security personnel, restaurants, tuxedo rentals and other Nashvillians who'll miss out entirely this year, but -- what the heck -- they can all take comfort in having the "honor" of seeing their show broadcast from New York City.

I weighed in on this same topic last October, following the announcement that the show would move to NYC.

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