Opry star Marty Stuart will once again help kick off CMA Music Fest with his annual Late Night Jam on June 9, 2010 beginning at 10:00 p.m. at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. This year’s concert is inspired by Stuart’s highly rated TV show, The Marty Stuart Show, and will benefit the MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief Fund.

“Bringing traditional country music into homes across America is something I am honored and proud to be a part of … and to be able to recreate the styles and themes of our show on the Ryman stage, the epicenter of our country music heritage, is a dream,” says Stuart. “I created the Late Night Jam in order to kick off country music’s biggest week with a show unlike anything else that the fans would be able to see while they were in Nashville, and the results have been legendary."

"At the heart of the show is my love and respect for MusiCares. This year of all years MusiCares is needed after the flood the city just experienced. I know of musicians who’ve lost their homes, vehicles, instruments, and in a couple of instances, families. With that in mind, me and my friends are going to play our hearts out for our friends who are hurting and in need. I’ve called lots of numbers in my phone book and invited wonderful people to come and participate in the Late Night Jam. It’s actually quite staggering who is coming.”

Joining Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives for this year’s marathon of live music are Keith Urban, Dallas Frazier, Cowboy Jack Clement, Ronnie Milsap, steel guitarist Ralph Mooney, Connie Smith, the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band and a few very special surprise guests representing the Country Music and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame.

To date, Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam has raised over $150,000 for MusiCares, the philanthropic arm of The Recording Academy. The Marty Stuart Show is RDF-TV’s highest-rated show and adds a new chapter each week to the tradition of simple, electrifying country TV.

By Peter Cronin