This much we know for sure: Colt Ford knows how to take it up a notch with an already pumped-up crowd. And while Colt closed out the inaugural Country Weekly Kick-Off Party Tuesday night (June 5), openers Matt Stillwell and LoCash Cowboys did their part to get the near-capacity party started.

Held at Nashville's Hard Rock Cafe, the party was the unofficial kick-off to CMA Music Festival, and it wasn't just the fans who were ready to party. Surprise guests Randy Houser, newcomer Tyler Farr and Ali Dee, a star on CMT's Texas Women, were also in the house. Meanwhile, DJ Silver, who tours with Jason Aldean, kept the music moving between sets.

Colt's 60-minute set included a mix of his fan favorites and new material, including "All In" from his forthcoming album. He also delighted the crowd with his version of "Dirt Road Anthem," which he co-wrote with Brantley Gilbert and which later became a hit for Jason Aldean.

The concert, sponsored by Durango and Roper, raised more than $10,000 for Musicians On Call, an organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in health-care facilities.