Pulled into Nashville on Tuesday and headed right over to Roberts Western World for fried bologna sandwiches, PBR’s, and Brennan Leigh and her smoking classic country. Wednesday dashed over to Ernest Tubb’s Record shop for a special taping of Midnight Jamboree with Charley Crockett. The reincarnation of a true Nashville tradition. Toured the Country Music Hall of Fame. Spruced up and made our way the Ryman for the 20th Annual Awards Show which was amazing. The 3 hour national live broadcast was full of surprises and performances. Album of the Year went to Sturgill Simpson for Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1, Artist of the Year went to Brandi Carlile, Duo/Group of the Year of the Year went to the Black Pumas, Emerging Act of the Year went to Charley Crockett, Instrumentalist of the Year went to Kristen Weber, and Song of the Year was for “I Remember Everything” written by Pat McLaughlin and John Prine.
Lifetime Awards Awards were presented to the Fisk Jubilee Singers for Legacy of Americana Award, The Mavericks for the Trailblazer Award, Keb’ Mo for the Performance Award, Trina Shoemaker for the Producer/Engineer Award, and Carla Thomas for the Inspiration Award.
Performing artists were Brandi Carlile, Charley Crockett, Steve Earle, Fisk Jubilee Singers, The Highwomen, Jason Isbell, Sarah Jarosz, Valerie June, Amythyst Kiah, Keb’ Mo, The Mavericks, Margo Price, Allison Russell, and Carla Thomas with surprise performers Yola, Aife O’ Donovan, Amanda Shires, Emmylou Harris, and Rodney Crowell.
Backing band performers were Buddy Miller, Don Was, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, David Mansfield, Jerry Pentecost, Aaron Lee Tasjan, and the McCrary Sisters. A good time was had by all including the surprise presenters of Keifer Sutherland and Shooter Jennings and the closing commentary by Anthony Mason.
Changed and the dashed over to the Cannery Ballroom for a unbelievable set by the Mavericks where dancing was not an option! Find the AmericanaFest 2021 schedule and merch, here: https://americanamusic.org/about-americanafest
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