About NACMAI

In March of 1997, a small group of people who loved country music sat around a table and asked a simple question: where do the independent artists go?

Nashville had its machine. The big labels had their pipeline. But what about the singer in Kentucky who could bring a room to its feet on a Saturday night? What about the gospel quartet in Georgia, or the bluegrass picker in West Virginia who never got a shot at a stage bigger than the county fair?

We didn't have a building. We didn't have sponsors. We didn't even have bylaws yet. What we had was a belief that real country music — the kind rooted in faith, family, heartbreak, and hope — deserved a home, and that the people making it deserved to be seen. So we built one. One state at a time.

That first year, a handful of state associations took a chance on us. Today NACMAI has chapters across the United States and Canada, each one sending their finest talent to the annual Country Music Week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit because this was never about making money — it was about making a difference. We created a Hall of Fame, and over nearly three decades, over 130 music professionals have been inducted: people who gave their lives to this genre.

“Keeping country country.”

That wasn't just a slogan. It was a promise — and every artist who has walked across our stage keeps that promise alive.

To promote the development of the Country, Bluegrass, and Gospel Music industry in each state and country through an international association; to promote and inform members of the industry and the public about resources available in the various states and countries for Country, Bluegrass, and Gospel music production. This is accomplished by bringing together the various state and international country music associations and foundations in an organized method.

NACMAI is dedicated to promoting, encouraging, and educating independent artists and fans through showcases, competitions, and educational seminars.

Every year, competitors representing chapters across the United States and International Associations gather in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for a week of musical competition featuring New Country, Traditional Country, Bluegrass, Traditional Gospel, and New Gospel styles — performed by artists from age 3 to 103 and beyond. Vocalists, Entertainers, Bands, Vocal Groups, Duos, Dancers, Instrumentalists, and Songwriters all representing their host associations coming together for a week of comrade, networking, education, and supporting their fellow artists. The week features seminars led by name talent from the industry, the NACMAI Hall of Fame Show recognizing professionals from renowned performers, songwriters, radio and media personalities, venues, radio stations from small to large markets, concluding with the NACMAI Awards presentation for the artists who compete during Country Music Week.

See Our WinnersHow to Compete

The North America Country Music Associations, Int'l. does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, or military status in any of its activities or operations — including competitions, membership, chapter activities, and the selection of volunteers. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for every artist, family, member, and fan.