Celebrating its 25th year this September, the premier event of the Americana Music Association – AmericanaFest – turns downtown Nashville into a veritable hive of roots music, performers, recording industry professionals and listening fans. The buzz is loud, with both A-list and up-and-coming performers descending upon the music city for a five-day huddle of those who love the sound and culture of roots. It’s headquartered at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown, but the building is overflowing far and wide, with a bevy of performances happening at intimate club and restaurant venues across town. AmericanaFest is a sonic feast for fans of the still-burgeoning genre, which combines and expands various genres.
The original aim of the Americana genre was to expand the diversity of sound made from all corners of (primarily) acoustic styles. The goal was to remove the demarcation lines that might divide folk from bluegrass or country from blues, to include instead of exclude. It’s a way to bring more types of people – and more influences – into the fold. It’s a way to allow for the dissolution of all the old boundary lines and rules and make roots…well…better. Americana appears to be a culture of thinking forward instead of always backward. It’s a culture of welcoming anyone who might not have previously fit perfectly within the confining traditional strictures of specific genre boxes.
Perhaps the biggest event of AmericanaFest is the annual Americana Honors and Awards show, where some of the biggest legends in alternative roots forms will appear onstage alongside newcomers making new waves in the biz. For AmericanaFest 2024, longtime gospel act, The Blind Boys of Alabama shared the same stage as acts as disparate as Jobi Riccio, Dave Alvin, Fantastic Negrito and Larkin Poe. The stage at the hallowed Ryman Auditorium was truly alive as honors were bestowed and music – both classic and new – reverberated among the old wooden pews of the beloved venue. Dwight Yoakam was among six greats who received Lifetime Achievement Awards, and performers such as the eclectic Sierra Ferrell were recognized for their recent work.
"AmericanaFest is the unique event of the year in which a large portion of our scene comes together to commune and share a watering hole for a few days, metaphorically speaking,” explained Clint Roberts of Western North Carolina’s Holler Choir. Roberts and his group – which specializes in old-time Appalachian music – performed at the 2024 fest at the music venue, 3rd and Lindsley.
“It's a chance for artists to make new bridges between one another where they may not otherwise cross paths,” Roberts continued, “and it's a chance for fans to witness that exchange. It is a family photo of those who live on the road."
3rd and Lindsley isn’t the only venue that welcomed the best of Americana – over 50 downtown spots participated in some way, including small lounges, large event spaces such as the Mainstage at Cannery Hall, and stages at famous Nashville night spots such as The Bluebird Cafe, The Station Inn, and more. Bluegrass acts The Kody Norris Show, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Missy Raines & Allegheny, Tray Wellington, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, and The Steel Wheels are just a few names from the 2024 performer slate that might be familiar to readers of The Bluegrass Standard.
The festival offers not just the awards show and concerts but a trade show/vendor area and several days of panelist discussions led by industry professionals. In 2024, there were songwriter rounds, artist management and record label parties, jam sessions, a gospel brunch, and much more. There were tributes to everything from John Denver to Hispanic heritage and women's impact on music. It’s all designed to entertain, educate, and create a meeting place for the entire Americana community. The panel discussion topics were wide-ranging. Conversations included the expected marketing and recording/production techniques topics, plus more cutting-edge concerns, such as using Artificial Intelligence in the music business. Offerings also included cultural-oriented discussions about more than just the nuts and bolts of business.
Photographer Jeff Fasano has been a regular at AmericanaFest for years and plays a recurring role. “Back in 2009, I attended my very first AmericanaFest and absolutely LOVED it,” Fasano said. “It touched my soul deeply.”
In 2011, Fasano partnered with AmericanaFest and created the “AmericanaFest Portrait Sessions.” He takes portraits of the attending artists, and eventually created a rich collection of photos from these years of capturing the character of those who make the music. They were published in book form in his “Americana Portrait Sessions.”
“I have photographed many amazing artists during my 25-year career, and these sessions are my way of giving back to the Americana community. The sessions have served many young artists who give up so much to come to AmericanaFest so they can be seen and heard.”
“That’s the beauty of AmericanaFest,” Fasano added. “One never knows who you are going to see and hear that will blow your mind. Someone you have never heard of will grab your heart; it is guaranteed.”
Someone else you might encounter is RJ Stillwell, Founder and CEO of Sound Healthcare and Financial. It might seem odd for a healthcare company to participate with a booth and as a panelist at AmericanaFest, but Stillwell’s company is interconnected with the music business. The company reports representing “approximately 70 percent of Nashville’s Music industry professionals” for health insurance solutions.
“The enthusiastic energy from attendees, panelists, showcasing artists, participating venues, and fans alike is infectious,” explained Stillwell of his company’s participation. “I love that the Americana Music Association creates such an inclusive and exciting container to celebrate Nashville’s entertainment industry. Most importantly, the all-encompassing mission of the conference – to offer incredible all-level counsel for artists and musicians to enhance their careers and experiences – speaks volumes about its value to our community.”
AmericanaFest Honors & Awards Winners, 2024:
“Album of the Year” – “Trail of Flowers” by Sierra Ferrell (produced by Eddie Spear and Gary Paczosa)
“Artist of the Year” – Sierra Ferrell
“Duo/Group of the Year” – Larkin Poe
“Emerging Act of the Year” – The Red Clay Strays
“Instrumentalist of the Year” – Grace Bowers
“Song of the Year” – “Dear Insecurity” by Brandy Clark, featuring Brandi Carlile (written by Brandy Clark and Michael Pollack)
AmericanaFest Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees, 2024:
The Blind Boys of Alabama0615
Dave Alvin
Rev. Gary Davis
Shelby Lynne
Don Was
Dwight Yoakam
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