GENERAL HOSPITAL's Jason Thompson & NASHVILLE's Stella Sisters Join CMA Musical Festival Summer Block Party

Get ready for some great performances, your favorite ABC stars, mouth watering food, show giveaways and lots of down home fun as the 2013 CMA Musical Festival rolls out the welcome mat at the ABC Summer Block Party, Friday, June 7 & Saturday, June 8 (10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. CT). Hosted by actor/comedian/host Mike Siegel, this year's block party, which is open to the public, is packed with entertainment for the entire family. Located on the historic Broadway strip in downtown Nashville, the events will feature a performance by Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic group The Railers and exclusive screenings of ABC's new fall pilots TROPHY WIFE, THE GOLDBERGS and BACK IN THE GAME. Take a bite out of the Festival when Nashville's own Grilled Cheeserie Truck visits with sandwiches provided and inspired by ABC's THE CHEW.

In addition, Q&A sessions and autograph signings will be held with The Stella Sisters from the hit series NASHVILLE, Daytime Emmy nominee and GENERAL HOSPITAL star Jason Thompson (Dr. Patrick Drake) and Nashville native Carla Hall from THE CHEW. Stopping by for a special appearance is four-time DANCING WITH THE STARS Champion Derek Hough. There will be tons of music to tap your toes to, lots of stars to gaze at and plenty of food to satisfy your appetite when ABC comes to Nashville.

On MONDAY, AUGUST 12, ABC will broadcast "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET), hosted by Little Big Town and featuring performances by Country's hottest acts. The three-hour ABC special is a primetime postcard of the best Festival concert performances and behind-the-scenes stories with Country Music's biggest superstars. This is the ninth time ABC will broadcast this special -- which features the very best from America's biggest Country Music bash -- since the original Fan Fair was launched in 1972.

EDITOR'S NOTE: ABC's press release referred to GH star Jason Thompson as a Daytime Emmy winner. That could very well be the came on June 16.

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