The Country Music Association Awards and the Country Music Hall of Fame invited fans to a free concert at Walk of Fame Park to celebrate the 50th anniversary of each organization.
While the Hall of Fame has been set to turn 50 in 2017, the organizations chose to celebrate jointly. The Time Jumpers and Patty Loveless performed, with Charlie Worsham opening the show on Sunday.
"I've been in love with these two organizations a long time," Worsham said. "To be considered capable to even tune a guitar on this stage is a huge thing for me."
For Loveless, the show was a testament to country's classic roots, which have continued to shape the genre's new artists.
"The new kids in town as I would put it, they discovered country music through artists like myself and Vince Gill, Loveless said. "I think in the long run, old country music has a big influence on them."
For concert attendees, the event brought together die-hard country fans and people just beginning to listen.
"They're not really country girls, but they fell in love with Nashville in 24 hours," said Michele Dunn, who traveled to Nashville from New Jersey, along with three friends, to celebrate her 50th birthday. "I think that says a lot."
The CMAs will take place at Bridgestone Arena November 2.
