Jimmy Buffett To Host "CMT PRESENTS JIMMY BUFFETT & FRIENDS: LIVE FROM THE GULF COAST" Premiering Thursday, July 1 At 8 P.M. ET/PT ON CMT

Jimmy Buffett and Special Guests including Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, Allen Toussaint, Sonny Landreth, Jesse Winchester, and More to Perform Free Show Airing Live from Gulf Shores, AL

In a show of support and solidarity for residents of the Gulf Coast, Jimmy Buffett will host a free concert in Gulf Shores, AL, airing live and commercial-free Thursday, July 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CMT. The 90-minute event CMT PRESENTS JIMMY BUFFETT & FRIENDS: LIVE FROM THE GULF COAST will feature performances by Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, Allen Toussaint, Sonny Landreth, Jesse Winchester, and additional special guests. Performances will be simulcast live on Radio Margaritaville, available on Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio, and streamed live on www.CMT.com.

Tickets will be available beginning Wednesday June 23 at 10 a.m., CT. For details go to www.CMT.com, Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. There is a 4 ticket limit and tickets are required for entry. Organizers expect to accommodate up to 35,000 people at the event, which will be held on the beach in Gulf Shores, AL, where Gulf Shores Parkway (Highway 59) meets the coast.

"There are always welcome breaks in every storm but the unfortunate reality is that this disaster is not going away for a while -- but a few hours of fun, void of the constant reminders of the situation, is a good thing and that is basically what I do," said Jimmy Buffett.

"I thank Jimmy Buffett and these other great artists for coming to perform on Alabama's coast. Their music will lift up spirits and help encourage visitors to come here and enjoy our world famous Southern hospitality," said Governor Bob Riley of the State of Alabama.

"Music has healing powers and who better than Jimmy and friends to summon them up?" said Brian Philips, President, CMT. "It is CMT's privilege to present this special. We send a message to the people of the Gulf Coast that our audience -- and the world -- stands beside them."

"Gulf Shores is at the center of the vast coastline affected by the oil spill, and we hope that people from all across this beautiful stretch of America will come down, support local businesses on the way, and enjoy some great music to elevate an important cause," said John Hamlin, SVP, Music Events and Talent, CMT.

CMT PRESENTS JIMMY BUFFETT & FRIENDS: LIVE FROM THE GULF COAST is produced by the State of Alabama, the City of Gulf Shores, AL, CMT and Live Nation. Local promotional services are provided by Mobile-based Huka Entertainment.