XM Satellite Radio plans to broadcast several country music fan club parties on its Highway 16 channel during next month's CMA Music Festival in Nashville. The parties generally include acoustic performances by the artists and sometimes question and answer sessions between artists and their fans.
The broadcasts kick off with Chely Wright's fifth annual "Reading, Writing and Rhythm" benefit concert, which will be broadcast live from the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville June 7. The event raises funds for public school music programs.
XM will also air the fan club parties of artists Tracy Byrd, Andy Griggs, Terri Clark, Dierks Bentley and Phil Vassar, as well as others still to be announced.