2011 CMA Music Fest Performers Announced

Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean and the Band Perry are the first performers announced for the 2011 CMA Music Festival, to be held June 9-12 in Downtown Nashville.

Reba has been performing at CMA Music Fest since it was called Fan Fair and was held at Nashville's fairgrounds. "Air conditioning is the main difference, to not sweat," she told The Boot, recalling that the buildings where she signed autographs at the fairgrounds were not exactly designed for comfort. "These days, I can wear long sleeves and be very comfortable. It never ceases to amaze me, the dedication of a country music fan. They always come up with something for me to go, 'Wow. Now why would you do that?' But they've always been there, they are sweet."

Keith credits the fans with his CMA Music Fest success. "It's 50-50. I like to think that we're an oversized ghetto blaster, to a certain degree," Keith told The Boot. "We'll provide the PA and you guys show up and we'll make it happen. Like any party, they've got to be into it, otherwise it isn't going to happen. So, for me, it's just making sure that every single person feels connected. Because the best concerts I ever went to from [John] Mellencamp to [Bruce] Springsteen, they all made me feel so connected and they made me feel like they cared about being there, so that's what we try to do."

"I used to come as a fan, on family vacation," Miranda Lambert admits. "Now it's all about the fans. We'll rock for them because they're awesome and dedicated."

Darius Rucker may have already been a star when he attended his first Music Fest, but that didn't stop him from being a fan. "Oh my goodness, I'd stand in line to get Brad Paisley's autograph," the former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman says. "I'd still be in Carrie Underwood's line, definitely Rascal Flatts. This is such an amazing event."

The CMA made the announcement of this initial list of performers via its Facebook page this morning (February 8). 'Like' the page to see the full list, which is expected to expand soon.

Get four-day passes and single night tickets to the 2011 CMA Music Fest here.