Amy Grant and Melissa Etheridge Rock the House During AmericanaFest

 By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

Americanafest Tuesday Evening at the Station Inn, 9/15/26

     Leaving behind the sweat and heat of the hopping BMI Rooftop Party, Chuck and I headed over to 3rd and Lindsley. I prayed for a free parking space on the way over. We grabbed the last one on the side of the building! Then, we were offered the last two seats in the venue!

     After introducing ourselves to the nice people at our table, Aubrie Sellers took the stage.  The woman next to me showed me her phone. I read “Daughter of Lee Ann Womack and Jason Sellers.”  Well, what do you know about that!  Sellers is part of the new wave of Country artists. Her edgy songs mixed with traditional country vocals set her apart from the pack.  My favorites were “Far from Home” and “My Love Will Not Change.”

     Next up, Amy Grant. Although I’ve seen her in the round in the last 20 years, this was the first time I saw a full set of Amy’s during that time period.  I joined the crowd at the foot of the stage.  Yes, I’ve been a fan since Grant’s first album.  She reached back into her catalog, opening with “Nobody Home” and “Walk on Water.”  Up front, the sound wasn’t too good, more than a little disappointing.  At 65, and after open heart surgery and a serious bike accident, Amy seemed contemplative and reflective.  A quieter woman than the one I saw on arena stages so long ago.  Except for her number one hit “Baby Baby,” most of her set came from her new album “The Me that Remains.”  I loved the ethereal “Beautiful Lone Companion” and the song she wrote with husband Vince Gill, “Until We Get It Right.”  If I headed for home at this point, I would have been filled to the brim.

     Reaching for my phone and opening the AmericanaFest app, I found that Maggie Rose would be next.  I was not familiar with her, but let me tell you, I will not forget her!  She commanded the stage. What presence, what vocals, what a dress!  Her mix of classic rock and blues reached back to the sixties but was every bit in the present.  It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I sure liked “I Could Get Used to It” and “In This Life.” The house was on its feet when Melissa Etheridge walked out during “Poison in My Well.”  Their voices blended well and lifted the song to a new level.  I’ve got to pick up one of Maggie’s albums. You should too!

     What can I say about Melissa Etheridge that you don’t already know?  Powerful, sassy vocals; a gunslinger on guitar; and a Kansas native living in sunny California.  She set the mood for the evening opening with “Don’t You Want a Woman.” Lawd girl!  All of the numbers were from her new album “Rise,” except for the last song.  I could hear every lyric and every word she spoke.  That doesn’t happen much for me anymore.  Although I have several of her albums, I gained a lot of respect for her as a lyricist tonight.  She used direct, open and honest words to convey her thoughts.  She was funny and in a surprising way, quite endearing.  Highlights for me were “Matches” with Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” sandwiched in the middle.  And the closing number, “Come to My Window.”   What a night!

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AmericanaFest Kicks Off with BMI Rooftop Party

 “Americana Music is about all sorts of different music. It is very free and open: a world where people just like authentic music.” — John Oates (AmericanaFest has kicked off in Nashville, and I couldn’t be happier and more excited. This is the music event of the year that draws musicians and music lovers from around the world. The BMI Rooftop kickoff was a prime example, with food, drinks and live music overlooking downtown Nashville. There were no strangers there. Visitors were friendly and eager to introduce themselves while eating BBQ and sipping on their favorite mixed drinks. I met a lady with purple hair from Iowa and a couple from Florida, who decided to stop off in Nashville before heading to Montana on vacation. The music was outstanding with performances by Meels, Flying Mojito Bros, and Hayes Carll. Each year, my friend and staff writer Wil Comstock and I hit the town to cover the festival for my online blog, Music City Arts Update. If you haven’t been to the festival, I would strongly encourage you to take in a show or two this week. Once you do, expect to be hooked. I am attending while juggling my busy teaching at a local college. The music performed by singers, songwriters and musicians has deep roots in genres ranging from blues and jazz to folk, country and rock. You always hear a refreshing mix of the unexpected. Here are a few photos from the BMI event. More coverage to come!) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #AmericanaFest #RooftopOnTheRow #MusicCityArts 9-16-26 

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AmericanaFest: Joe Henry and Mike Reid Take Music Fans to Heaven

 By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

City Winery

Sept. 12 (Friday)

Ron Pope went viral on My Space in 2007.  He released four independent albums before signing with Universal Republic, which released two singles. After that, Pope created his own label, Brooklyn Basement Records.  His appeal to the party crowd was evident on the swamp rock numbers “Let’s Get Stoned” and “Nobody’s Gonna Make It Out Alive.”

Joe Henry and Mike Reid met as fellow instructors at a local song camp. Mike started the conversation by asking Henry who his favorite poets were.  They hit it off right away resulting in Henry sending Reid some lyrics.  The next day, Joe received an mp3 of what Mike came up with.  This continued until there was an album’s worth of music. Joe took the original piano vocals and added sparse production. 

The band at City Winery was comprised of Reid on piano, Joe on guitar, a pedal steel player, and Levon Henry (Joe’s son) on tenor sax and clarinet. The music swelled and took me off to another land, reminding me of mid-career Joni Mitchell.  Mike Reid’s seasoned voice was the perfect vehicle for these songs. Heavenly!  I especially enjoyed “The Bridge,” “Life and Time,” “History,” and the huge Reid/Shamblin co-write for Bonnie Raitt, “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”

I could listen to David Nail’s honest and aching voice all night. He sings country like it should be sung, from experience.  He writes or co-writes most of his songs. He’s not afraid to talk about his depression, saying “It’s just who I am.” Highlights of the evening included “Strangers on a Train,” “Let it Rain,” and the new “I Got Everything I Want.”

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AmericanaFest: The War and Treaty Tease, Flirt and Wail at Skinny Dennis

 By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

WassTeam Party at Skinny Dennis

Featuring The War and Treaty

Sept. 13 (Saturday):

Grammy nominees The War and Treaty took the stage at Skinny Dennis (East Nashville) for a rousing and energetic late afternoon performance.  Michael and Tanya Trotter gave their all on the steamy “Keep You Warm Tonight.” They teased, flirted and wailed on this up-tempo number. The confessional “Hey Judith,” a song about Tanya’s recently deceased mother, spoke to all who have lost a parent.  

All of the musicians were top notch, enjoying every moment of sharing the stage with the dynamic couple. The addition of saxophone and trumpet beefed up their sound and raised the excitement on stage by several notches. 

The upbeat scat-swing of “Crazy” had me dancing and swaying. They gave the band ample time to showcase their instruments as Michael left the stage and stood in the audience beside me. All of a sudden, I felt a warm arm around my shoulder.  

I won’t forget this show!  Mike preached a little and said he was going to run for president under the slogan “Shut the F**K Up,” saying people have the freedom to speak and the freedom not to speak.  

They ended with the audience participation number “Can I Get an Amen,” as the crowd sang, danced and shouted their “amens” in appreciation of The War and Treaty’s splendid show.   

AmericanaFest: Artists Bring ‘Hallelujah and Amen’ at Annual Gospel Brunch

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

Gospel Brunch at City Winery

Sept. 13 (Saturday)

I always enjoy the Gospel Brunch; delicious chicken and waffles and a chance to see some new talent and a few old favorites.

Surprise guests, The McCrary Sisters, opened the brunch with a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace.”  It was set to the melody of “House of the Rising Sun.”  Each sister took a verse, with Ann reaching deep down inside and crying out to God like I have never heard her before.  Amen!

Artists of note were:

 Uwade who is from West Africana and living in Charleston.  Her sweet vocals and persona endeared her to the audience.

Courtney Marie Andrews who sounded a lot like an early Joni Mitchell with her lilting vocals and folk fingerpicking. 

Jay Buchanan, who along with his band, put on quite a three-song show.  His soaring vocals and magnetic stage presence made a fan out of everyone.

Tigers co-owner David Macias told us there would be a set change before the last guest came out. Sarah Potenza was the only person on the program who had not performed, so I rightly assumed it would be her. She usually has just her husband on guitar as backup.  But out came the drums, bass, electric guitar and a baby grand, along with the talented Sista Strings on cello and violin.  As the strings began, Sarah made her grand entrance in a sequined gown and sumptuously uttered the first line to “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot.” (For those of you who are old enough, think of Areatha Franklin filling in for Pavarotti on the Grammy’s in 1998.)  A stunning performance!  She ended with a gospel choir backing her up on “Hallelujah Amen.”  I’ve followed Sarah for 12 years and have been waiting for this moment; to have a company recognize her talent and give her the support she needs.  Hallelujah and Amen.

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AmericanaFest: An Enchanting Evening at the Blue Room with S.G. Goodman, Dawes and Others

 By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

An Evening at The Blue Room

Sept. 11 (Thursday)

This was my first time at the Blue Room.  What a great venue.  The capacity is 150, which makes it a warm and intimate place.  They have a nice selection of beer and adult beverages, a small outdoor area, and clean bathrooms!

Murray, Kentucky’s, S.G. Goodman was up first.  She has a unique and vulnerable approach to her songwriting which is her strongest point.  Her stories between songs are engaging and endearing. Dusty Escalante accompanied her on backup vocals and utilitarian guitar. S.G. opened with the sparse “Planting by the Signs,” which reminded me of Hazel Dickins.  Good stuff!   She was challenged by a friend to write a love song, because she didn’t have any, so she did!  The not-so-happy sounding “I’m in Love.”  My favorites were “Nature’s Child,” written by her friend, Tyler Ladd, and “Never Want to Leave this World.”

The first time I saw Dawes was at the Honors and Awards Show.  I was impressed.  That’s why I came out for this show.  The band usually has four members, but tonight it was just brothers Taylor (lead vocals and guitar) and Griffin Goldsmith (background vocals and drums).  I didn’t miss the other two members.  They kicked off with “Things Happen” and had the audience in their hand the entire show.  They reminded me a bit of Steely Dan on the jazz rock “Enough Already.”  These guys are really good!  Crowd favorites were “Waves” and the island vibe-influenced “House Parties,” written about going on vacation with the wife and kids when you’d rather be at home.  For the last number, fellow Altadena resident John C. Reilly joined them for “All Your Favorite Bands.” Great harmonies!   Besides the exceptional musicianship and tight vocals, Taylor’s songwriting stands on it’s own.  I’ll be picking up a few of their albums. I’m hooked.

I didn’t have any expectations for Medium Build, whose real name is Nicholas Carpenter.  Turns out, I was pleasantly surprised. Medium puts it all out there. He’s upfront about being a former alcoholic, drug user, and “asshole.”  His opening song, “In My Room,” even talked about him masturbating.  He’s zany, a little over the top, and completely real.  His vocals are raw and filled with passion as displayed on “Downtown Theater.”  One of my favorite moments was when he brought Dawes back up to harmonize on their collaboration, “This is Life.”  His cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “Nick of Time” brought the house down. He closed with his most popular songs, “Last Time” and “White Male Privilege.”  Carpenter has a voice, and I’m glad it is being heard!

Last up was Joy Olodokun, a child of Nigerian refugees. Growing up, she felt she didn’t really fit in anywhere. This was the inspiration for her first song, “Somewhere.”  Accompanying herself on guitar, Joy’s melodic and soulful voice captured our hearts. Later she told us her parents were leaving America, the result, the lilting “No Country.” Growing up she was taught that you help your neighbor, but as she grew older and looked around her, she saw that this was not what people were doing.  This became the basis for “Take Care of your Neighbor.”  A highlight of her set was the love song “Sweet Symphony,” written for her father to sing to her mother.  He had sung Motown to his wife while Joy was growing up, and she missed those sweet symphonic moments.  If you get the chance to see Joy Olodokun, take it!  You will be glad you did.

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AmericanaFest: Ten Things I Loved About the Awards Show

 By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

Ten Things I Loved at the 2025 Americana Music Honors and Awards Show:

·      Maggie Rose performing “No One Gets Out of Here Alive.”  I had not heard of her, incredible voice, great stage presence, I’m in!

·      McCary Sisters winning the Legends Award.  Oh, how I love these women and how I miss Sister Deborah.  They deserve every bit of this recognition.  Followed by a flawless rendition of “What Good Am I.”

·      Jesse Welles singing “War Isn’t Murder.”  This took me back to the ‘60s with his poignant lyrics and traditional fingerpicking.  I was glad to see him win the Freedom of Speech Award later in the show. 

·      The banter between Roseanne Cash and Rodney Crowell as they present a Lifetime Achievement Award to the Old 97’s.  Everyone seemed to enjoy this!

·      I’m With Her performing “Ancient Light.”  I am a fan of Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O'Donovan individually, but together they are amazing.  What a great song.So happy to see it win Song of the Year!   

·      John C. Reilly and his band giving a smooth execution of Tom Waits’ “Picture in a Frame.” I didn’t know he could sing!  What a nice surprise.

·      Nathaniel Rateliff, David Rawlings, and Gillian Welch collaborating on “South of Here.”  They sounded so good together.  Nathaniel won Album of the Year, and Rawlings and Welch won best Duo or Group later on.  Well deserved!

·      Dawes singing “Time Spent in Los Angles.”  First released in 2011, the song took on new meaning after the wildfires in January.  Loved this stripped-down version.

·      Joy Oladokun singing “Letter from a Blackbird.”   Heart wrenching and beautiful at the same time.  I want to hear more from her.

·      Daniel Lanois and Emmylou Harris reuniting for “Where Will I Be” from her album “Wrecking Ball.”  Hard to believe this album is 30 years old. I will always champion an artist who wants to break out and risk trying something new.

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AmericanaFest: Unforgettable Moments from 2025

AMERICANAFEST: “American music is always best when it comes from a mixture of things.” — Rhiannon Giddens (AmericanaFest always has unforgettable moments. This year was all about helping bring people together. My MCAU staffer and I took in a number of shows that dug deep into the various “roots” of American music. My hunger and thirst for authentic, expressive, down-deep singing and instrumentation seemed to grow fiercer with every performance. The McCrary Sisters (at then Gospel Brunch) took us to Heaven with a deeply emotional opening performance of “Amazing Grace.” Legendary songwriters Joe Henry and Mike Reid brought pin-dropping silence, appreciation and tears… especially when performing the tune “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” War and Treaty blew the roof off of the building with groove, dance and soul… and heartfelt testimony. The Carlisle Family (Brandi Carlile kin) offered relaxing, down-home folk in an outdoor setting. Newly IBMA Lifetime Achievement Award-winner Tim O’Brien (with Jan Fabricius) brought smiles and laughs to bluegrass fans young and old. The Isaacs filled the room with heart and harmonies. Musicianship hit the stratosphere. The festival, which celebrated it 25th year, has grown to a whopping 58 venues across Middle Tennessee. There were other festivities, too, including the Commonwealth of Kentucky Party and the Americana Marketplace. Along the way, we had nice conversations with fans from states including California, New Hampshire, and New York. And you are always likely to run into someone you know. I am thankful to have opportunities like this in Music City. Here are a few photos from four straight days of live music and merriment.) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #RhiannonGiddens #AmericanaFest #Americana #Music #McCrarySisters #JoeHenry #MikeReid #WarandTreaty #TheCarlileFamily #TimOBrien #JanFabricius #Music #Nashville #Arts #MusicCityArts 9-14-25 (Observations and photos by Chuck Whiting, MCAU Editor)

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