David Nail is one of many artists scheduled to perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville during the 2012 CMA Music Festival this week. Nail will kickoff the Hot Nights at the Hall concert series with his performance, which is slated for Tuesday night (June 5).

"I have a strong respect for all the music that happened long before I came to this town," notes Nail. "I remember when I discovered Garth Brooks, and that made me go back. I wanted to learn where his music came from, and I started digging. I found Glen Campbell, and I just kept going because country’s past is what gives a lot of my music its soul.

"To be asked by the Hall of Fame to perform, especially on the verge of CMA Fest, that makes me feel like what I’m doing isn’t lost," continues the singer-songwriter. "When folks like that recognize what’s going in my music, then I know I’m moving in a good direction, especially when they think I’m strong enough to play on the verge of CMA Music Fest, literally the night before the CMT Awards, when so many country fans will be coming in from all over America."

In addition to the performances at the Hall of Fame, fans will also have the opportunity to walk through the exhibits, enjoy various food options, and get up close and personal with the stars during multiple autograph sessions.

"The Hall of Fame is itself so important and such a dream for so many artists," says Nail. "What they do to preserve and call attention to all the artists who’ve helped create and expand this music is pretty hard to believe. They protect the instruments, clothes, records and recordings – and in that, they make sure that country music’s past isn’t lost forever. It doesn’t take much for that to happen, either. So I am honored in any way to help support the work they do."

Other artists scheduled to play the Country Music Hall of Fame during the CMA Music Festival week include Josh Thompson, Kellie Pickler, Love and Theft, Lee Brice, Joanna Smith and more. Click here for a full lineup of artists performing and signing this week.

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