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AmericanaFest in Nashville - Silver Anniversary Edition Exceeds Expectations as Genre and Gender Bending Celebration Expands Footprint in Music City
For a number of years AMERICANAFEST has become one of our favorite annual traditions here in Nashville, Tennessee. AMERICANAFEST 2024 ran from September 17th through the 21st in celebration of their momentus 25th anniversary. As in past years this popular music conference was spread out over numerous fabled locations in Music City. Each day was packed with industry seminars, lots of live music, networking, parties and themed concerts.
Jim Lauderdale lived up to his title of "Mr. AmericanaFest" in 2024. For many the Americana Honors & Awards Show at the celebrated Ryman Auditorium is the high point of this multi-day festival. But, that is really only the tip of this gigantic musical iceberg that surfaces every year in Music City. AMERICANAFEST has a wide range of people and places to choose from which means we all have unique experiences to share so without further ado here is our AMERICANAFEST review. On Tuesday - since we had to pick up our passes at the City Winery - we decided to stay for the Tribute to Mary Gauthier. We made a good choice as this acoustic dedication to who many call a "songwriters' songwriter" showcased a diverse all-star lineup featuring Aaron Lee Tasjan, Barry Walsh, Creekbed Carter Hogan, Emmylou Harris, Gretchen Peters, Lori McKenna and more.
Kevin Gordon and Malin Pettersen were sounding fine at Love & Exile in East Nashville. Jim Lauderdale - who was also the master of ceremonies - opened with a solid "Our Lady of the Shooting Star". Each artist shared a favorite piece paired with their accolades of Gauthier and her prose. Gauthier was in the house and took the stage to perform three songs with Jaimee Harris who organized this terrific tribute. Mary chatted a bit about life and recovery before concluding her set with the dynamic "Drag Queens in Limousines". Decisions, decisions – with so many artists and venues to consider we chose the East Side Bowl as we were familiar with three of the musicians and two would be new for us. Wednesday's line-up reflected the diversity of the Americana genre. Lizzie No an indie folk artist with support took the stage right at noon. Lizzie strummed a guitar but what made her unique was that she also played harp so that sound enhanced the nuances of her songcraft. Next, was the personable Paul Thorn who simply yet brilliantly reflected on life in stories that were comical, compelling or emotional. As usual, his often hilarious banter between songs only added to his performance.
Bob Dylan and The Band were discussed in great detail at The Blue Room. The award-winning blues, soul and Americana singer Shemekia Copeland backed by a full band sang the genre she is known for but surprised us with a number of tunes that reflected country influences including the amusing and animated "Fell in Love with a Honky". Guitarist Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers fronted a power trio that included Jano Rix who magically played drums and keys for the group. Their set was a blend of blues, jam and roots. Cris Jacobs from Baltimore, Maryland was impressive on the various guitars that he used. Chis was reinforced by a potent rhythm section that increased the punch of his prose. Thus, ending an amazing afternoon at the East Side Bowl that had been broadcasted live by Roots Radio WMOT 89.5. One thing we have noticed about AMERICANAFEST over the years is that it attracts a large international audience of music afficianados - many of whom return year after year for the comradery and top notch performances from an impressive slate of quality artists. Global music from around the world is also reflected back from many regions displaying the far-reaching, hard to define genre's growing influence across the planet.
The Rocket City Ramble lifted off at Acme Feed & Seed with Victoria Jones, Luna Koi and Hugh Lindsey. For example, this year we were delighted to "discover" Malin Pettersen - who came all the way from Norway! Apparently with her EP Alonesome (2019) and full-length album Wildhorse (2020) this globe-trotting girl has become an international sensation with coverage in magazines like Forbes, Billboard and Rolling Stone. Consider too - that the Aussie BBQ, Canada House, U.K. Welcome Party and a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month were all featured showcases during a very busy week with dozens of artists representing their specific countries and sub-genres. More locally, AMERICANAFEST continued their ongoing focus on regional arts. Music from Alabama, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas and more were showcased as well. A quick poll might reveal that everyone's favorite event is Fort Worth's Cowtown Git Down party held at the Tennessee Brew Works due to their two drink tickets, a generous slate of schwag and sumptuous bites paired with some of that city's best bands including Simon Flory, Cody Cross & The Burden, The Vintage Yell and the Vandoliers who all reflected a cowboy ethos in eclectic and engaging ways. On Saturday, we went to Love & Exile to see one of our favorite East Nashvillians - Kevin Gordon - who is known for his intense and insightful muse which he delivered at the Fest.
At the Eastside Bowl with Oliver Wood and Paul Thorn. Simon Flory captured the spirit of old school country and gospel. Cody Cross was inspired by Townes Van Zandt and John Prine thus his songs were visual soundscapes. The Vintage Yell are a duo from North Texas whose sound can be described as soulful Americana with depth. The Vandoliers played boot stomping grooves while tipping their hats to the diverse musical landscape of the Lone Star State. The city of Huntsville, Alabama made their AMERICANAFEST debut at the Acme Feed & Seed on Thursday. Many visit that city for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center which is why its nickname is the "Rocket City" however they are also aiming for the stars with concentrated efforts to increase their position on the musical map. Their Huntsville Music Office was developed to foster a more dynamic environment to support and strengthen Huntsville's growing economy, attracts visitors and enhance the quality of life for current residents. This will be done through policy and strategic planning that includes more venues. Overseeing this initiative is Huntsville's Music Officer - Matt Mandrella, an advocate for the city's growing music sector and a key organizer. Matt along with representatives from Huntsville were at the Acme to talk up "Rocket City" and perhaps learn a few things from Nashville on how to capitalize on the arts.
The Cowtown GitDown at Tennessee Brew Works was a hooting and hollering good time with Simon Flory, The Vintage Yell and Vandoliers. Huntsville's Victoria Jones with her band kicked off the event with insightful, stirring songs with soul. Luna Koi was a dynamic duo who went for a softer and often sadder tone even joking that their "happy song" was written in a minor key. The engaging Hugh Lindsey went with a more rocking vibe. Later Camacho, Common Man and The Wanda Band demonstrated that there is a lot of star power based out of Rocket City. A number of businesses which are also venues participated in AMERICANAFEST 2024. Carter Vintage Guitars who recently moved to a bigger showroom across the street from their previous legendary location hosted writer rounds. Carter has an expansive display of stringed instruments plus an event space where chairs were set up for fans to experience Nashville rounds and we enjoyed acoustic sets from Gina Venier, Sean McConnell and Bowen * Young. Another well-known guitar maker featured live music during the festival. On Friday, we caught some acts at the Gibson Garage. They partnered with Keystone Connect for an official AMERICANAFEST affair to honor women in music including the one and only Mary Ford with performances from Jade Marie Patek, Kimmi Bitter, Taylor Hunnicutt, Katrina Cain, Sophie Gault, India Ramey, The HawtThorns, Courtney Santana, Victoria Camp and Caitlin Cannon.
Bowen * Young and Mary Gauthier added star power to the proceedings in Nashville. The Blue Room hosted Shoals Music Makers and later a special event which sometimes pops up at the Fest. This one was a discussion of Bob Dylan working with The Band in the 1970’s and a gigantic box set of those performances. The Catus Blossoms were part of the panel and they played a couple of classics for those in attendance. The Blue Room at Nashville's Third Man Records headquarters is an intimate performance space that can be used for live shows, videos and more. AMERICANAFEST 2024 certainly put forth an abundance of diversity in genres and genders. Not only does the category defy definition as the music spans country, blues, roots, rock, R&B, soul and so much more. But the music represented at the festival is presented near equal parts women and men while also putting the spotlight on the non-binary. For example, OUTlaw Queer Country held at Lipstick Lounge showcased an all-star lineup of some of the queer country's most exciting performers including Jaimee Harris, Shawna Virago, Cindy Emch, Julie Nolen, Bobby Dove & more. Elsewhere, Queericanafest at Canvas presented the intriguing acts Big Richard and She Returns From War. By switching their headquarters in 2024 to the more centralized Embassy Suites AMERICANAFEST was able to continue offering a wide selection of industry panels and seminars including - Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music: Building On Legends; Behind the Curtain of the Vinyl Industry; Panel Discussion: Fifty Years of Austin City Limits; Live Performances: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?; and many more.
Blind Boys of Alabama; Desiree Dorian; Shemekia Copeland; Tim Quinn at TN Brew Works; Jaimee Harris; Lizzie No; Emmylou Harris; and, Rodney Crowell. The expanded exhibition space at Embassy Suites allowed them to present more vendors in one consolidated area pointing to an exciting sector of growth for the festival as its next twenty-five years begin in 2025. We enjoyed meeting Jimmy Wheeler from the TN Music Directory who was on hand signing up musicians and businesses to the state's free and growing online resource. We learned more about a favorite local and emerging international genre from speaking with Susan Woelkers of The Bluegrass Standard. Plus, meeting the Blind Boys of Alabama as they roamed the hall was also particularly exciting. But, it was a few minutes with Johnny Phillips of Select-O-Hits that proved opportunity and innovation exists around every corner of AMERICANAFEST. Not only did he supply us with a big ole gift bag of items he was repping at the show he also turned us on to a new format for music distribution. The "Tap To Play" provides a streaming service that allow listens to hear music on their mobile phones just by tapping or scanning a QR code. This differs from other methods of digital transmission because the end user receives a tangible card that they can file and use to remind them of the music in their collection. Now, we are off to give this new method of music consumption a try by listening to Blu Ja Vu by Tom Hambridge while we get the rest of this report online!
Jim Lauderdale; Matt Mandrella - Music Officer, City of Huntsville, AL; Cris Jacobs; Katrina Cain; Sean McConnell; Gina Venier; Sophie Gault; and Ellen Froese. AMERICANAFEST is hosted by The Americana Music Association who collaborates with artists, labels, radio stations, retailers, print media, festivals, agents and publishers to support the infrastructure needed for the genre to achieve success creatively and monetarily. In addition to organizing AMERICANAFEST they publish a weekly Americana Airplay Chart, conducts research, participates in business matters, produces a newsletter and more. AMERICANAFEST also appeals to industry leaders, music lovers, Nashvillians and tourists from around the world. So, start planning now for AMERICANAFEST 2025 so that you can experience this eclectic, educational and entertaining event that has become for many a much-anticipated annual tradition.
AmericanaFest celebrated 25 years with an expanded floor full of vendors; the schedule at Canada House. Related Links: For more information on AMERICANAFEST and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - AmericanaFest | WMOT 89.5 | Huntsville Music Office | City Winery Nashville | Eastside Bowl | TN Brew Works | Acme Feed & Seed | Love & Exile | Carter Vintage Guitars | Gibson Garage | The Blue Room | Mary Gauthier | Lizzie No | Paul Thorn | Shemekia Copeland | Oliver Wood | Cris Jacobs | Simon Flory | Cory Cross | The Vintage Yell | Vandoliers | Victoria Jones | Luna Koi | Hugh Lindsey | Kevin Gordon | Malin Pettersen | Blind Boys of Alabama | Tennessee Music Directory | The Bluegrass Standard | Select-O-Hits | Nashville's AmericanaFest Is a Far-Reaching Feast For the Senses in 2023 | AmericanaFest 2022: Wrap-Up and 10 Additional Reports from the Music City Nashville Reporting Team | Americanafest Celebrates Two Defining Decades of Excellence in Music City | AmericanaFest was Overflowing with Spirit in Nashville | Searching For the Meaning of Americana in Music City
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