Nashville’s CMA Fest Day 2: From Downpour to The Chief

Nothing like a good ol' Tennessee thunderstorm to keep things interesting at CMA Fest! Day 2 kicked off with a deluge that had everyone scrambling for cover like it was some sort of Southern survival test. Lightning strikes within an 8-mile radius? Check. Outdoor activities postponed? Double check. But hey, if Mother Nature thinks she can rain on our parade, she's got another thing coming.

Photo By: Nashville Tennessean

With the weather playing the ultimate party pooper, fans and artists alike were forced to get creative. The festival organizers, bless their hearts, had to make the tough call to suspend all daytime stages. Safety first, y'all! But that didn't mean the fun was over. Oh no, it was just time to shift gears.

All Photos By: Aaron R. Shriver Photography

People hightailed it to indoor venues faster than you could say "yee-haw," proving that a little water ain't gonna drown out their spirit. Some made their way to the Music City Center, which quickly became the epicenter of impromptu meet-and-greets and spontaneous performances. Others found refuge in local bars and eateries, turning a soggy situation into an unexpected adventure. So yeah, the weather tried to throw us off our game, but all it did was add another layer of crazy to an already unforgettable day.

The rain might have been a mood-killer outside, but inside the Music City Center, spirits were high and vibes were even higher. Fans wasted no time heading indoors, transforming the place into a bustling hub of meet-and-greets and spontaneous sing-alongs. You had Hannah Dasher hanging out at the CreatiVets booth, and let me tell you, she brought more than just her charm; she brought stories and smiles that lit up the room.

Trey Lewis was there too, making TikToks like he was on a mission to break the internet. And Frank Ray? This guy wasn't just mingling; he was basically hosting a mini cooking show, sharing his salsa secrets with anyone who'd listen. People were practically begging for his recipe.

Oh, and let's not forget the legend John Berry. Yep, he was just casually hanging out, chatting with fans like it was no big deal. It's not every day you get to rub shoulders with country music royalty while waiting for the rain to let up. So, while the weather outside was frightful, inside the Music City Center, it was nothing short of delightful.

Click The Image Above For All MISC. CMA Fest Photos

Alright, so the rain was relentless, and we needed a dry spot that offered more than just shelter. Enter Doc Holiday's Saloon on 2nd Avenue. This place is practically an institution, and for good reason. Their slogan? “At Doc Holliday's, we're not just a bar; we're a community hub where good times are shared, and memories are made.” And boy, did they deliver on that promise.

We walked in and were immediately greeted by the cozy, warm ambiance that made us forget about the soggy mess outside. The star of the show? Evan Lee, a singer-songwriter from Kansasville, Wisconsin. If you haven’t heard of him, do yourself a favor and look him up. His voice was like a comforting blanket on this rainy day.

Catching up with old friends while Evan played some familiar tunes felt like a scene straight out of a country music video. The saloon’s atmosphere was buzzing with that laid-back, everyone-knows-your-name vibe. People were chatting, laughing, and just enjoying the heck out of being dry and entertained.

Click The Image For The Full Evan Lee Photo Gallery

So while Mother Nature tried to put a damper on things, Doc Holiday's turned out to be the ultimate hideaway. Plus, we got to enjoy some great live music, making the rain feel like just a minor inconvenience.

After the rain turned Day 2 of CMA Fest into a wet mess, we decided to seek refuge at Chief's On Broadway, thinking it would just be a casual pit stop. Little did we know, the universe had a surprise up its sleeve. As we walked in, the Music Row Happy Hour was just wrapping up, and who do we see but the Chief himself, Eric Church. Yep, the man, the myth, the legend, casually strolling into his own bar like it was no big deal.

Everyone instantly went into full-on fan mode. Cell phones shot up faster than a cowboy’s draw, and $50 bills with song requests started flying toward the dueling pianos. The place was buzzing, and it wasn’t just from the drinks.

Eric spotted a request for his iconic song "Springsteen" and decided to hop up on stage with Chris Hatfield from Music City Dueling Pianos. Cue the collective gasp. The entire bar turned into a sing-along extravaganza, complete with people belting out the lyrics like they were auditioning for Nashville Idol.

Click The Image For The Full Eric Church Gallery

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, someone requested "The Weight" by The Band. Eric, never one to miss out on a good jam, jumped right in. Let’s just say, if you weren’t there, you missed one heck of a show.

Click The Image For The Full Levi Hummon Photo Gallery

We then hit up The Neon Steeple on the 3rd floor for the Kinkead Entertainment Takeover, and let me tell you, it was worth every stair climbed. First up was Levi Hummon, who wasted no time getting the crowd pumped with his fan favorites. The room was electric, and you could feel the excitement bouncing off the walls.

Click The Image For The Full Lewis Brice Gallery

Then came Lewis Brice, bringing his Carolina charm and some serious stage presence. His latest single, "She Loves My Country," had everyone singing along like we were all part of a giant, happy choir. The energy was contagious, and for a moment, we all forgot about the weather drama. This wasn't just a showcase; it was a full-blown party, and everyone in the room was invited. So while the rain might have tried to be the star of the day, the real show was happening right there at The Neon Steeple.

We then headed over to The Ascend Amphitheater for Jake Owen & Friends. Read the review here!