"CMT CROSSROADS" WITH EARTH, WIND & FIRE AND FRIENDS ADDS COUNTRY STARS DAN + SHAY, DARIUS RUCKER, DRAKE WHITE, MARTINA MCBRIDE, RASCAL FLATTS AND SARA EVANS TO FIRST-EVER OUTDOOR 'CROSSROADS' EVENT FROM DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE PREMIERING FRIDAY, JUNE 23

Nashville, TN - June 1, 2017 - The first-ever outdoor "CMT Crossroads" event featuring Grammy-Award winners Earth, Wind & Fire is adding more country star power to the lineup as Dan + Shay, Darius Rucker, Drake White, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans and previously-announced Lady Antebellum, are all confirmed to join the critically-acclaimed group, known for their hits including "September" and "Boogie Wonderland," on the 'Crossroads' stage. "CMT Crossroads: Earth, Wind & Fire And Friends" premieres Friday, June 23 at 10pm ET/PT.

The event promises to be a rocking party in downtown Nashville, and fans are invited to attend the taping on Tuesday, June 6, on the corner of 5th and Demonbreun. The taping begins at 8:30pm CT, but fans are encouraged to come early as the event is standing room only, first-come, first-served. The taping kicks-off the star-studded 2017 CMT Music Awards, which will be held the next evening LIVE from Nashville at 8pm ET. CMT's signature music events and specials fuel the summer - in addition to "Crossroads" and the "2017 CMT Music Awards," an all-new episode of "CMT Instant Jam" with Brett Eldredge from Las Vegas premieres Friday, June 16 at 10pm ET/PT; and new episodes of "CMT Hot 20 Countdown" will continue to air weekly on Saturday and Sunday at 9am ET/PT.

"CMT Crossroads" is produced by Tom Forrest with John Hamlin and Margaret Comeaux executive producing for CMT.

Earth, Wind & Fire is one of the most innovative and influential contemporary music forces of the 20th century. With a signature sound beyond category and a groove as deep as the soul of the planet the band has impacted the history of music and pop culture for over four decades. EWF has sold over 90 million recordings earning them a solid spot as one of the all-time bestselling music artists. Rolling Stone and VH1 ranked Earth, Wind & Fire on their lists of the Greatest Artists of Rock & Roll. Originating from Chicago in 1969, EWF's career achievements include a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2000), a total of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. EWF classic songs have remained staples for last few generations including the hits, "September," "Shining Star," "That's the Way of The World" and "Boogie Wonderland." Earth, Wind & Fire's music continues to influence music with artists ranging from Drake, Kayne West, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and more. Founded by music genius Maurice White; EWF's co-founders Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson continue to tour and perform to sold-out audiences around the world.

CMT, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment. CMT, CMT.com and CMTRadio offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and are the top resource for country music on demand. The network's digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music, CMT App, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.