AmericanaFest 2024 “Must See”
It’s time for AmericanaFest 2024! I’m highlighting some must-sees for anyone else who’s making the trek to Nashville, as well as sharing my choices for the Americana Awards (to be held Wednesday evening at the Ryman Auditorium). My ground rules for the musts – they have to be folks I haven’t seen play before, and they have to be playing at events open to all passholders.
Must-sees
Gabe Lee – Nashville’s own Lee has been on my radar for a bit, but I somehow haven’t managed to catch a show. Last year’s excellent Drink the River convinced me that had to change.
Tuesday, 10pm – Row One Stage at Cannery Hall
Caitlin Cannon – One of my favorite fellow Coloradans released a gorgeous EP, Beggar, earlier this year, which saw her balance her 90s country sass with a bit more of a classic feel.
Wednesday, 11pm – Jane’s Hideaway
Also: Friday, Noon-6pm – A Celebration of Mary Ford & Women in Music, Gibson Garage
OUTlaw Queer Country – Music AND a movie? Sign me up! In addition to appearances from Bobby Dove, Jaimee Harris, Joy Clark, Julie Nolen, Madeline Finn, Melody Walker, Mercy Bell, Paisley Fields, Secret Emchy Society and Shawna Virago, there will also be a screening of Lavender Outlaws, a short about a whole new generation of outlaw country artists.
Thursday, Noon-5pm – Lipstick Lounge
Swamp Dogg – This roots music legend took a big swing at bluegrass this year with the charmingly raunchy Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St. With some of the luminaries that appeared on that record, who knows who might show up at his Friday night showcase?
Friday, 8pm – Station Inn
Also: Wednesday, Noon-5pm, Independents’ Day at AmericanaFest – Vinyl Tap
Thursday, 2pm – Conversation and Performance – Ford Theater, Country Music HOF
Friday, Noon-4pm – Mountain Stage/Missing Piece Shindig – Analog at Hutton Hotel
Saturday, 11am-1pm – Gospel Brunch: Presented by Thirty Tigers – City Winery
Lawrence Rothman – The producer/songwriter released a very personal album earlier this year, The Plow That Broke the Plains. Come on down if you’d like to hear what country radio SHOULD sound like, including their gorgeous “Doesn’t Look Like That,” in the coolest bar in East Nashville.
Saturday, 8pm – The 5 Spot
Awards
Album: The Past Is Still Alive, Hurray for the Riff Raff – Alynda Segarra’s post-democracy masterpiece took a lifetime of experience to write, but the themes of queer love, fentanyl poisoning and America’s downfall are as of-the-moment as it gets. Put this album in 2024’s time capsule to help explain to future generations what the hell’s going on with us today.
Artist: Sierra Ferrell – No one in Americana has taken a bigger jump in visibility over the past year. That’s largely a credit to her songwriting and musicianship on Trail of Flowers, but Ferrell also has that indefinable “It” quality that makes her such a compelling figure.
Duo/Group: Turnpike Troubadours – The boys from Oklahoma followed up a wildly successful return to the stage last year with a new album, A Cat in the Rain, and a tour this year that helped introduce audiences to two of this year’s Emerging Act nominees, The Red Clay Strays and Wyatt Flores.
Emerging Act: Jobi Riccio – This category, as usual, is absolutely stacked, but the Coloradan in me can’t help but pull for the Morrison native. It doesn’t hurt that her Whiplash was one of last year’s best records.
Instrumentalist: Joshua Rilko – The mandolinist, perhaps most familiar from playing with Sierra Ferrell, has a list of credits that includes Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings and Lindsay Lou, as well as his solo career.
Song: “Right Back to It,” Waxahatchee feat. MJ Lenderman – Katie Crutchfield’s gorgeous song about deeper, lasting love is only enhanced by harmonies from indie rock’s biggest rising star. The two are performing together at the Honors and Awards Show Wednesday at The Ryman – it’s sure to be the highlight of an amazing night.
For all the information you’ll need about AmericanaFest, download the app, or go here: https://americanamusic.org/americanafest/
Go here to purchase tickets to the Americana Honors & Awards:
https://americana.flicket.io/events/51bf3328-98ae-4dd1-a98e-dd8c11e8c5e1/reservation
