ABC Prime Time Special: CMA Music Festival: Country Music's Biggest Party

will air on Tuesday August 2, 2005 at 9/8c

   From the Country Music Association press release:

...In one segment during the special, a group of five young musical prodigies from Texas, California and Florida get to meet and perform with two of their musical heroes. Hosted by Kix Brooks, of super duo Brooks & Dunn, he puts the aspiring impresarios through their paces before introducing them to Ricky Skaggs and legendary Earl Scruggs.

"I was listening to him on my iPod on the way over," exclaimed fiddle player Christian, 13, of California.

"Being a banjo player, it's pretty incredible to be playing for the master," added Corey, 15, of Florida.

The music masters, including Brooks blowing a mean harmonica, joined the impromptu bluegrass band on the stage of the Coliseum for a full-tilt performance of the Scruggs' classic, "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."

"When you see hungry hearts like that, you want to feed them," said Skaggs. "And they appreciate it, and they will never forget it."

                Please scroll down for some candid shots of the kids during production.

Jamming with Ricky Skaggs and Earl Scruggs.

The kids being introduced by Kix Brooks.

50,000 people in attendance.

Christian Ward, Austin Ward, Cory Walker...

with Earl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, Jarrod Walker and Sarah Jarosz.

Christian and Austin on the Jumbo Tron.

The band with the ABC show producers.

An ABC camera crew followed the kids around all day.

    At the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN

Busking for fans on the streets of Nashville.

Christian politely keeping his eyes on Dolly's face.

Chatting with Kix Brooks.

Recording at Ricky Skaggs' studio.

With Ricky Skaggs.