Americanafest 2021 was an absolutely incredible event. This was my first time attending Americanafest and I am blown away by the talent, love, acceptance, and passion that was shared with Nashville all week long. Some of the highlighted acts that I was able to witness include Hayes Carll, Harper O’Neill, Jason Eady, Grady Spencer & the Work, Jonathan Tyler, Maggie Rose, Sean McConnell, and more.
Personal Highlights:
On Wednesday I was able to catch ‘Jonathan Tyler’s – The Dance’, held at The Basement East. His lineup included Joshua Ray Walker, Waylon Payne, Jonathan Tyler, and Grady Spencer & the Work. I was able to be there for the last two sets. The Hear Fort Worth event at the gritty Tennessee Brew Works on Thursday was amazing and it was nice to see Jack Barksdale, Grady Spencer, Guthrie Kennard and more. Hayes Carll drew a large crowd and played a rockin’ ray of hope for everyone at the Brooklyn Bowl. Harper O’Neill played incredibly to an eager crowd in the 5 Spot that night too. Sean McConnell was a treat at City Winery and Thomas Csorba over at the Cannery Ballroom was a delight on Friday. Moving from the polished City Winery to the cavernous Cannery Ballroom to the dark barroom of the 5 Spot in East Nashville was a nice way to experience the variety of venues AmericanaFest can offer. On Saturday was Maggie Rose back at the Cannery and Jason Eady over at Eastside Bowl.They played into the late night/early morning and the room was filled with grateful people just happy to be out experiencing music. After a rough year and a half with Covid, the festival was a major release and you could tell by the energy everywhere.
All of these artists shared such honest and beautiful work and it was a joy to be able to experience their showcases.
Americanafest is such a unique and impactful conference and festival and this year was no exception. So grateful to have been there for 2021!
Find another perspective on the event here: Show Review: AmericanaFest 2021 Day 3
Find more about the festival here: https://americanamusic.org/about-americanafest