Y'know, I was almost willing to let the whole $250 CMA Awards ticket thing go, even after checking to see where the seats would be on Ticketmaster.com and discovering that they would be in the 300 level of the Garden, far, far away from the stage and any actual celebrity-type people. But then I checked the CMA Awards website and found this press release:
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CMA WILL COVER ARTIST EXPENSES FOR 2005 CMA AWARDS IN NYC
CMA Board Approves Additional $500,000 For "Country Music's Biggest Night" In The Big Apple
NASHVILLE -- To help offset additional costs of traveling to New York City for "The 39th Annual CMA Awards" in November, the CMA Board of Directors approved a $500,000 budget appropriation to cover expenses for nominees as well other artists who are performing or presenting awards on the three-hour gala.
"This is an unprecedented situation. We recognize that hosting the CMA Awards in New York City for one year will result in added expenses for everyone involved -- especially the artist community," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson. "The Board feels strongly we should help minimize those costs this year. The artists are central to our industry and the CMA Awards and we want to demonstrate our appreciation of their time and talents in this pivotal year by making it easier for them to travel and be part of this important occasion."
CMA will cover hotel, air and ground transportation for the nominees (artists, musicians, songwriters, album producers and video directors) and artists appearing (performing and presenting) on the 2005 CMA Awards, Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden. Hotel accommodations will be covered for a specific number of days based on an artist'’s rehearsal schedule. In addition, hotel, air and ground transportation for a performing artist's band and essential crew members will also be covered (with some limitations). CMA will send detailed information about the travel program to all nominees and to presenters/performers as they are confirmed. . . .
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OK, so let me see if I have this right. Kenny "Fraud" Chesney, who probably already possesses a criminal amount of money, will be getting an all expenses paid trip to New York City, while Mr. and Mrs. Country Music Fan have to pony up $250+ for a seat so far away from any actual goings-on that Trace Adkins will look like he's Little Jimmy Dickens? And the CMA thought this was information worthy of sending out a press release for? Is that guy from FEMA now running the CMA?
On a slightly brighter note, today I was able to buck the odds and get a ticket to the Grand Ole Opry at Carnegie Hall show on November 14. And upon attending, my dream of finally seeing the real, live Little Jimmy Dickens will be fulfilled.
2 comments:
Sweetheart, you know that's the way of the world. Those that don't need the help get it and those in need don't. Celebrities get more free crap, (goodie bags for presenting, free clothes, outrageously priced loaner jewelry, free publicity), than should be allowed. It's really ridiculous.
Have fun at the Grand Ole Opry.
I know, I know. But that doesn't make it right. And sending out a press release touting it as something noble and commendable is particularly galling. Even for the Country Music Association.
And you're running away with the Tinsel and Rot Fan of the Year award.
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