All Feature Articles

Two Very Different American Dreams Come True at AmericanaFest

by Rich and Laura Lynch

Two very different yet equally unique takes on the American dream were fully on display at the First Annual East Nashville Community Fish Fry hosted by Easy Eye Sound, Spotify and Luck Presents as part of the week-long, action-packed AmericanaFest activities on Thursday, September 15, 2022.


Ugandan-born songwriter Jon Muq impressed with his music.

What caught our ear first was the foreign accent that belonged to the captivating figure of Ugandan-born songwriter Jon Muq who confidently introduced himself before playing a number of stirring songs that presented the soulful and expressive pop music that he is quickly becoming known for. Muq described how his family who remains in his country didn't necessarily understand his choice to follow his musical dreams. But, somehow he made it all the way here currently camping out in Austin with an eye on relocating to Nashville as soon as possible.


AmericanaFest was working overtime to fulfill some unique American dreams in 2022.

Jon developed his natural songwriting ability, dreaming up stories and songs as he listened to conversations between his parents and sisters late at night. He gained experience performing on the streets of Kampala, and was eventually hired for a regular spot performing for guests in an upscale local hotel. In Music City - he just wrapped up recording a number of songs with Dan Auerbach who Muq reports helped provide a bigger band sound to the solo artist.


All hail Robert Finley - a Sharecropper's Son.

A little later on at the inside stage of the American Legion a substantial crowd gather as the legally blind singer Robert Finley was led to his place in the spotlight and proceeded to tear down the house with his almost unbelievable story of achieving success late in life. Finely, an army veteran is an American blues and soul singer-songwriter and guitarist who spent most of his early career as a street performer before making a comeback in 2016 with his debut studio album, Age Don't Mean a Thing. After that record, Finley began a productive and prolific association with Dan Auerbach and Easy Eye Sound with their latest collaboration resulting in the critically acclaimed Sharecropper's Son that came out earlier this year. Robert kept telling the audience to believe in their dreams as he is a living example that they can come true and Finley's tale has to rise to be the most inspirational story of this year's AmericanaFest. At least, he's our pick for that unofficial title.


Robert Finley's fine band brought the blistering blues to the American Legion.

Related Links: For more information on AMERICANFEST and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - AmericanaFest | Jon Muq | Robert Finley | Dan Auerbach's Annual Fish Fry Sizzles with the Best AmericanaFest Has to Offer in East Nashville | All 2022 AMERICANAFEST Coverage on MCN


.





Did you know that MCN Founder Rockin' Rich Lynch hosts some of the world's top musicians and songwriters on his regularly scheduled webcast - watch all the episodes here - and please share the links far and wide!





Do you like MCN??? Did you know that the easiest way to support this site is to BUY our founder's Latest Single on BANDCAMP? At check out you can even throw in a bit more to really say "we appreciate you"! Thanks!!!





When It Comes to Dolly's DNA and Dynasty, There's More Where That Came From via OwePar Records



Just Call It the SV SG: Sadler Vaden Unveils His Signature Model at the Gibson Garage in Nashville



Music Valley Is on the Rise With New Shops, Upgrades and an Annual Easter Service as Spring Has Sprung in Nashville



Celtic Woman Casts a New Era Spell Over The Fisher Center in Nashville



Music City Blitz 2026: Where Inclusion Took the Field and Nashville Brought the Noise



Robert Plant and Saving Grace Deliver a Riveting and Redemptive Set at the Ryman in Nashville



Alt Country Legend Steve Earle Is a Hard Act to Follow at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville



Garage‑Country Rebel Aubrie Sellers Makes a Villainous Return to the Grand Ole Opry



A Big Tent Pops Up on the East Bank as Do Portugal Circus Makes Its Nashville Debut



Cheekwood Springs Forward with Bold Plans and a Massive Replanting Push After the Storms



Megadeth Erupts in La Vergne: #1 Celebration Becomes a Testament to Thrash's Staying Power



Skinny Dennis Gets a Year Under Their Belt at Popular Music Venue in East Nashville



NRB Returns to Nashville With Praise for the Power and Potential of Podcasting and New Media



Tab Benoit and the Paul Thorn Band Play One Memorable Night Together in Madison



New Exhibit Makes a Great First Impression on Opening Day at the Frist Art Museum in Nashville



Andrea Bocelli Is the King Of Op at Bridgestone Return in Nashville



Outlaw Country's Tyler Halverson Steps Into the Spotlight With His Opry Debut



Why Now Is the Time for New Nashville Circle City



Morgan Myles Raises Her Voice With Powerful Laced Album Release Party in East Nashville



George Thorogood Had a Thoroughly Great Week in Nashville





• Meet Rich and Laura Lynch.

© 2026 MusicCityNashville.net
All Rights Reserved