Gibson CEO James "JC" Curleigh greeted the assembled at his company's Nashville flagship Gibson Garage at the start of AmericanaFest on September 13, 2022 and talked about his love for the music within the genre that he was exposed to as a kid from a musical family. JC also emphasized his noble cause of serving the music and musician community as the chief executive and chief guitar tuner at the long storied brand manufacturer of six strings and accessories. Curleigh even said what his company represents is bigger than their own famous guitars - so much so that they even have room in their hearts for the gasp - "F" word before introducing the artists partaking in the evening's festivities. The night billed as "Transatlantic Underground" celebrated the very best singular artists from the UK and US, across the Big Feat PR roster who provided event PR support, and artists funded by British Underground, a British showcase producer, as well as artists supported by Gibson. Here were some of our favorites from the showcase.

Gibson Brands, President & CEO James "JC" Curleigh at AmericanaFest in 2022.

AARON LEE TASJAN: We always love seeing Tasjan, Tasjan, Tasjan perform live as the sometimes folk artist and Ohio native always finds a way to channel some Brit rock sensibility into his songs. In fact, he told a story about being a fan of Peter Frampton that led to a social media misunderstanding with the man himself. Things ultimately got straightened out. But, when Aaron angled for a free Hummingbird acoustic guitar at the end of his set the staff at the Garage didn't feel the way he did. Can't blame him for trying, though. They are nice!

Aaron Lee Tasjan at AmericanaFest in 2022.

S.G. GOODMAN: Call it third time the charm as we finally got to see S.G. play out in a live setting in support of her sophomore record that mines garage rock, Appalachian folk and post-punk influence as she ruminates on her trauma of coming out as gay to her Southern Baptist rural community, and the homophobic prejudice and ostracization, that has continued to follow her to this day. That's all a bit heavy for a festive AmericanaFest so let's just say we enjoyed her quirky and slightly standoffish artistic approach that most definitely left a mark.

S.G. Goodman at AmericanaFest in 2022.

KYSHONA: This one-time educator and current music therapist found her voice and made her way to the fertile ground of the Nashville creative community and songwriting culture. Since then, she has learned how to balance her music career with her passion to heal the hurting. At the Gibson Garage she took the opportunity to conjure up a teachable moment that included winning over the crowd in three powerful songs that included some audience participation. Lesson learned!

Kyshona at AmericanaFest in 2022.

MEMORIAL: Memorial is a two piece Alt Folk band consisting of songwriters Jack Watts and Oliver Spalding. In Nashville, they were quite good and very stirring - especially if mellow music is your thing. In fact, FolkRadio.co.uk calls their debut the "most fragile, vulnerable, and intoxicatingly beguiling" release they've heard all year. We can only wonder if their act is a memorial to Simon & Garfunkel who mined similar musical ground a half century earlier.

Memorial at AmericanaFest in 2022.

Related Links: For more information on AMERICANFEST and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - AmericanaFest | Gibson Garage | Big Feat PR | All 2022 AMERICANAFEST Coverage on MCN