Charlie Worsham, The Time Jumpers, Patty Loveless Play Free CMHoF Concert

Charlie Worsham performs. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA

The Country Music Association and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum joined forces Sunday (Sept. 25) to officially kick off festivities during Forever Country Live presented by Southwest Airlines, a free concert at Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville.

The show included performances from Charlie Worsham, The Time Jumpers (including Vince Gill), as well as a special guest appearance from Patty Loveless.

Patty Loveless (center) performs with The Time Jumpers, featuring Jeff Taylor, Larry Franklin, Kenny Sears, Joe Spivey, Billy Thomas, Vince Gill, Brad Albin, Paul Franklin, and Andy Reiss. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA

“The partnership between CMA and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in honor of our 50th anniversaries is a great reflection of the theme of The 50th Annual CMA Awards’ – Then. Now. Forever Country.,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. “When CMA created the Hall of Fame, it was with the vision of preserving the heritage of the music that we are all gathered here today to celebrate. They’ve done an outstanding job fulfilling that vision and we look forward to another 50 years of promoting and preserving America’s music.”

Preceding Trahern’s remarks, Justine Avila, Music City Council Executive Director, shared official proclamations on behalf of Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and State of Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam proclaiming October as Country Music Month. Before kicking off the music, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sharon Brawner emphasized the importance of October when, later in the month, the Country Music Hall of Fame will welcome Charlie Daniels, Fred Foster, and Randy Travis as its newest members during the annual induction ceremony.

Back row, (L-R): Justine Avila, Music City Council Executive Director; Damon Whiteside, CMA Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Larry Franklin, Jeff Taylor, Andy Reiss, and Brad Albin of The Time Jumpers; Sharon Brawner, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing; and Peter Cooper, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Editor. Front row (L-R): Patty Loveless, Charlie Worsham, and The Time Jumpers’ Kenny Sears, Billy Thomas, Paul Franklin, and Joe Spivey. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA