Drawing more than 30,000 rabid country music fans to Nashville, the CMA Music Festival always ends up the centerpiece for a wide array of events, and this year is no exception. In addition to the autograph sessions and concerts - which so far include the likes of Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood and Dwight Yoakam - the list of associated events is already expanding well past the festival's official dates, June 5-8, 2008.

Lonestar has set its fourth annual Lonestar & Friends Strike Out For The Kids bowling bash for Monday, June 2. The benefit always turns out a long list of country stars, and this year is no exception. Already committed are Trent Tomlinson, Jo Dee Messina, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Bo Bice, Diana DeGarmo, Joe Nichols, Jake Owen, Jamie O'Neal, Darryl Worley, Chuck Wicks, Bryan White, Chris Young, Ty Herndon, Heidi Newfield and Crystal Shawanda.

The Country Music Association is bringing back its Music City Rising Star Youth Vocal Soloist Competition, which finds 250 high-school students from around the country vying for a grand prize that includes two tickets to the CMA Awards in the fall.

Country Weekly magazine has slated its second annual charity fashion show for Wednesday, June 4. And the same night, Marty Stuart presents his yearly Late Night Jam at the Ryman Auditorium. Charlie Daniels, Sunny Sweeney and the Steel Drivers are among the acts currently on the bill, with more to come.