I woke up this morning in the great city of Nashville, Tennessee with the realization that two months is wayyyy too long between writings. There have been so many of you reading the old stuff, which is absolutely wonderful. Thanks for keeping it going!
The 15th edition of the Americana Music and Festival and Conference kicks off today, and what a week it is shaping up to be. There are many indicators as to the new heights that the Americana genre is reaching, not the least of which is the significant increase in attendance at this year's Conference and the expansion of the Festival to include City Winery as a performance venue. The addition of a special concert this Saturday at Riverfront Park featuring the Avett Brothers with guests Shakey Graves, Angaleena Presley and The Lone Bellow is a huge addition to the festivities.
Kicking things off tonight is the 13th annual Americana Music Association Honors and Awards show which will see the best in Americana get their just recognition, and will witness all time greats such as Jackson Browne and Loretta Lynn receive Lifetime Achievement honors for their contribution to the growth of American music.
And of course, once we get through all of the conference panel sessions through the day, we get to the reason why we're all here and that's the music. The nightly showcase performances will satisfy any musical hunger you could possibly have. From artists that have had mainstream country radio success like Marty Stuart, Suzy Bogguss and the great Lee Ann Womack, to rising stars Sturgill Simpson, Lindi Ortega and Robert Ellis, to festival newcomers such as Matt Andersen and the Caleb Klauder Country Band, a broad range of musical styles and tastes can and will be explored. This is Music City USA, after all.
Some artists I'll be checking out this week are Greensky Bluegrass, the aforementioned Angaleena Presley, Del Barber and Robbie Fulks to name a few. What's great about this festival is that you will find that one artist or that one group where you're not familiar with their music and they will blow your mind. It's the one thing that is guaranteed to happen. Last year for me, that artist was Drew Holcomb and the Neighbours. I can't wait to see who it will be this year.
Starting tomorrow check back for the daily wrap up of the previous night's activities and by all means, if you're not here start making your plans now to join us in Nashville next year. Get on board this train, there is room for everyone.
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