AJ Bigler to Celebrate New Album With Concert on Dec. 9

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 2016) -- Americana/pop/inspirational Singer-songwriter-guitarist AJ Bigler will celebrate the release of his new album "AJ and Friends" with a concert and CD signing from 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 9 (Friday) at Radio Cafe', 4150 Gallatin Pike in East Nashville. 

          Bigler will be joined on stage by vocalist/keyboardist Jake Hill. The 12-song CD features performances by Bigler and noted musicians such as vocalists Frankie Statton, Tia McGraff, Elizabeth Capel, and Sean O'Shea; keyboardist Josh Rosen, bass player Jared Palmer, and drummers Lis Ficalora and Lois Hess. 

          Highlights from the album include the upbeat pop song "Love Is The Reason", the romantic ballad "Inside Job" (performed by vocalist Tia McGraff), and the inspirational anthem "You're The Reason" (performed by vocalist/keyboardist Sean O'Shea). 

          Admission to the concert is free; complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided. For more information about AJ Bigler and his new album "AJ and Friends", visit http://www.AJ-Bigler.com.

Big Shot Records Launches 'The Business of Music' Radio Show

            WASHINGTON (December 2016) – Big Shot Records and Washington Entertainment Connection are premiering the new bi-monthly radio show "The Business of Music" at www.TBMRadioShow.com. 

          The show, which is co-hosted by veteran drummer Brian Choper and music photographer Mickie Hill, provides insights for members of the general public who are interested in bands and/or live music, reviews and where bands will be performing. For their second episode, Choper and Hill discuss how a band's first meeting can result in success or failure. 

             "When a band's in the basement (or in someone's home), they are performing and listening to each other for the first time," said Choper. "They try to see if the chemistry is there, if the music sounds good together, and if everyone's on the same level musically and plays in the same style. Until you put musicians together, you don't know what you have." 

            Other show highlights include music industry news, music career tips and insights, and reviews of Mid-Atlantic area bands and live shows. WEC is an artist management, recording, video and booking firm based in Beltsville, Maryland. Its Big Shot Records division signs, develops, records and books musical acts of all kinds. Company founder/CEO Brian Choper is an internationally known percussionist who performs with popular acts including The Brian Choper Jazz Project with Peter Cannella, Nexus Rock Band, and Kol Haruach Orchestra. 

            For more information, visit www.WashingtonEntertainmentConnection.com, www.BigShotRecords.com, or www.BrianChoper.com.

Songwriters to take Stage for Holiday 'Tunesmithing' on Dec. 14

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 2016) -- "Tunesmithing" will celebrate the holiday season with a special show from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 14 (Wednesday) at The Well Coffeehouse, 690 Old Hickory Blvd. in Brentwood. 

          Attendees will enjoy original and classic holiday songs and/or stories by AJ Bigler, Katie Brooks, Everette Brown, Butterfly, Kelley Cline, Wil Comstock, Gordon Ellis, Dar Frantz, Donna Frost, Lisa Hannah, Mark Horwitz, Paul Nielsen, Candy Paull, Angel Pontier, and Chuck Whiting. 

          Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network and Shine Time Books and Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

 

'Feels Like Home' Bluegrass EP Under Consideration for Several Grammys

            DENVER (November 2016) – "Feels Like Home", a bluegrass EP by award-winning folk-Americana artist Mary Beth Cross, is under consideration for several Grammys.

            The EP, which includes original songs and classics, hit the Top 40 on five separate charts compiled by Roots Music Report. The eight-song project celebrates the importance of home in the lives of average, everyday Americans

            Nominated in various American Roots Music categories are 

            * Best Bluegrass Album - "Feels Like Home".

            * Best American Roots Song - "Threshing Time".

            * Best Americana Roots Performance - "Kathy's Song" and "Long Long Time".

            The EP and selected songs have received airplay on terrestrial and online radio stations around the world, including KVMR-FM in California, WIKX-FM in Florida, KXCI-FM in Arizona, WBAA-FM in Indiana, WPKN-FM in Connecticut, KRFC-FM in Colorado, WIUP-FM in Pennsylvania, WWSP-FM in Wisconsin, WFMT-FM in Illinois, and WAGS-AM in South Carolina. FolkDJ ranked "Feels Like Home" number 31 for radio airplay during the month of June.  

  

        

            "Feels Like Home" debuted at number one on the APD Americana/AAA Albums chart. To download selections from the EP, visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/feels-like-home-ep/id1097215219.

            "It's wonderful to see my music touching people as far away as New Zealand," said Cross, whose last album, "Beyond Good and Evil", was named "2014 Folk-Country CD of the Year" by the National Traditional Country Music Association. "My latest project includes cover songs that are part of the tapestry of my upbringing in Wisconsin, as well as originals that reflect my current home in Colorado. Good memories or sad memories are evoked by some of my favorite songs."

'The Ryman Diaries' Historical Play Adds November and December Shows at Miss Jeanne's Mystery Dinner Theatre

     NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 2016) – Actor/playwrights Tom Dolan and Debbie Mathis Watts are extending the run of their multi-media musical stage play "The Ryman Diaries" with pre-holiday matinees at Miss Jeanne's Mystery Dinner Theatre in Nashville. 

     Theatre-goers can celebrate Captain Tom Ryman's 175th birthday with the show and brunch on Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. Showtimes are 12 p.m. (dinner) and 1 p.m. (show) on Sunday. Admission is $38 (show with dinner) and $18 (show only). 

     The riverboat legend was born on Oct. 12, 1841. Mayor Megan Barry signed a proclamation naming Oct. 12, 2016 as Captain Tom Ryman Day.

     Described as a 19th Century love story, "The Ryman Diaries" is a historical drama that depicts the life and times of Cumberland riverboat Captain Tom Ryman as told through the eyes of his wife, Bettie Baugh Ryman. The story covers 70 years of the couple's lives through film media, stage acting, and original musical numbers. It tells of their unlikely romance, marriage, entrepreneurship, raising seven children on a riverboat, ultimate success, Christian conversion at a tent meeting, and the building of the Union Gospel Tabernacle. 

     The play is based on Watts' book, with additional dialog from Dolan. The actors penned seven original songs for the production. Film clips feature flashbacks of young Bettie and historical stills provided by the Metro Archives. 

     "We are thrilled to extend the show with brunch as a continued celebration of Captain Ryman's 175th birthday," said Watts, a former producer for various shows on TNN: The Nashville Network. "He and his wife Bettie were true romantics who laid the musical foundation for Middle Tennessee." 

     A veteran educator, professional pianist-vocalist, and author, Watts' theatrical roles include Mollie in "Mousetrap" and Agnes in "I Do, I Do". Dolan has received national acclaim starring as Elwood P. Dowd in "Harvey", Dr. Albert Schweitzer in "Memoirs from Africa", and Sam Clemens in "Mark Twain Live". The actors also star in a new play in San Diego based on the lives of John and Lillie Spreckels. 

     Miss Jeanne's Mystery Dinner Theatre is located at 2416 Music Valley Drive. To buy tickets for "The Ryman Diaries", call (615) 902-9566 or visit http://www.MissJeannes.com. To learn more about the play, visit http://wattsd2.wix.com/rymandiaries.

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Americana Fest: Last Day Features Incredible Sara Potenza at The Family Wash

By Wil Comstock

Music City Arts Contributing Writer

Sunday, Sept. 25  -- Last day of Americana Music Fest

The Sixth Annual Gospel Brunch

11 a.m. -- City Winery

Hosted by The McCrary Sisters. Featuring: Cece Winans, Lori McKenna, Bonnie Bishop, Sons of Bill, and Luke Bell.

I attended this show last year and really enjoyed myself.  I guess word really got around.  My heart sunk as MCA Editor Chuck Whiting and I approached City Winery... The line extended outside into the valet parking area. “They must be starting late like last year”, I told Chuck, not yet giving up hope.  But once I heard music start up, I knew the seats were all taken.  Soon a woman came out and told us they were going to try to get us all in on Standing Room Only.  But that wouldn’t be fun. I was hungry and had skipped breakfast so I could enjoy the chicken and waffles they were serving.  I got out my Americana Fest Guide and looked for plan B. 

Sunday Morning Coming Down

12 p.m. -- Fond Object Records

Featuring JP Harris, Tim Easton, and Ariel Bui

Pulling up, we soon realized that this was not a record company.  It was a vinyl record store with vintage clothes and antiques, housed in a vintage strip mall.  This place was funky, and I liked it.

The music was out back in the yard.  Things were just starting up.  I grabbed a vodka cocktail and sat on a cinder block to watch the first act who I had already determined was damn good.  Randolph, the guy behind me, said this was “Tim Easton, had you ever heard of him?”  I replied, “No, why hadn’t I?".  Easton is a suburban blues artist.  Virtuoso guitar and killer vocals.  This is one of those guys that really should have made it big.  He played a few more songs, and his set was finished.  I made a note to check this guy out later online.   At that moment, the Mas Tacos Por Favor food truck pulled up. I have been hearing great things about Mas Tacos for years but have never sampled their gastronomical delights. Here was my chance.  I ordered a Cuban Carne for me and a Quinoa Sweet Potato for Chuck.  These tacos were the bomb!  But it was time to catch the show in East Nashville that I had been waiting for…

Sunday School Hosted By Sarah Potenza 

2 p.m. -- The Family Wash

Featuring Mary Gauthier, Christine Ohlman, Lilly Hiatt, Kimberly Nichole, Meghan Linsey, and Sarah Potenza paying tribute to the Staples Singers, Mavis Staples, Mahalia Jackson, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

After being introduced to the incredible voice of Sarah Potenza on Thursday, there was no way I was going to miss this show.  We arrived 45 minutes early to find there were no seats left.  We got on the waiting list, and just before the show started, got a seat behind a closed window that looked across the room to the stage.  Not exactly what I had in mind!  I ordered a Yazoo Sour and a Camardo Sandwich, yum, and Chuck ordered the crispy Catfish Sandwich. Once host Potenza took the stage, I was on my feet elbowing through the crowd.  What a voice this woman has, a sultry alto that will make you weep.  Back in my seat finishing my sandwich and beer, I enjoyed the soulful Kimberly Nichole, followed by the refreshing Lilly Hiatt.  Unfortunately I had lost my pen and was unable to jot down what songs were sung by whom, and I can’t rely on my memory  ; ).  The great discovery, for me, of the show was Meghan Linsey!  All of these women were incredible vocalists, but Meghan had us all in the palm of her hand.  This woman drew water from the well and poured it all over the thirsty crowd. Phenomenal!  Back on my feet and inching my way to the front, I could touch special  guest, veteran Christine Ohlman (the Beehive Queen) who brought a smile, a whoop , and a holler to everyone in attendance.  Christine began as a lead vocalist for the Saturday Night Live band in 1991.  She has provided background vocals for the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Nils Lofgren and a host of others in her long career.  Inviting Potenza up to the stage to duet with her on the closing numbers sent my soul into the stratosphere.  Hallelujah! Sunday School has never been better than this!

Americana Fest: Bruce Hornsby Plays Dulcimer During Spectacular Show

By Wil Comstock

Music City Arts Contributing Writer

Bruce Hornsby and the Noise Makers

Thursday, Sept. 22 at  11 p.m. -- City Winery

High on the mercy and love from the “Mercyland’ show, I walked across town to catch Bruce Hornsby.  I was seated at a table with two other baby boomer gentlemen who had come alone.  We were a little perplexed as the stage was set for Hornsby’s show. Where is the piano!  What are all the dulcimers and the washboard doing up there?  We soon found out as Bruce and the Noise Makers took the stage.

Hornsby played dulcimer (there were three with different tunings) holding it upright in his lap.  Next to him sat the percussionist/washboard player extraordinaire, followed by the mandolin/fiddle player.  Behind them were the drum kit, which the percussionist used on a couple of songs, electric bassist, and the electric guitarist.  Form the first chords of “New Chair”, the sound was unmistakable Hornsby!  The rhythm patterns of Bruce strumming the dulcimers to the familiar Hornsby fills carried by the mandolin/fiddle player... the sound was all Bruce!   The man next to me commented that Bruce was beginning to look like FDR. Laughing, I told him he was right. 

I loved the Celtic arrangement of “Black Rats of London” and “M.I.A. in MIAMI”.  “Soon Enough” had me swaying and smiling.  Ricky Skaggs joined the band, playing mandolin for the rest of the set beginning with “Rehab Reunion”...  followed by the  fun “Who Do You Love”, the exquisite “Valley Road, and the classic “Pretty Polly”.  After Ricky entered, I leaned over to the guy next to me and said, “We not only have FDR, but now we have Ben Franklin”.  We all had a good laugh.

So what if I only got four hours of sleep that night!  This show was well worth sleep deprivation. The melodies are still running though my head carrying me through the day.       

Americana Fest: Tim O'Brien, Paul Burch, Shawn Colvin, and Steve Earle Create Lasting Memories

By Wil Comstock

Music City Arts Contributing Writer

Tuesday, September 20th at City Winery:

I decided to stay put for the first night of Americana Music Fest.  I wanted to save my strength for the late nights that lie before me. This evening turned out to have some pleasant surprises.   

Tim O’Brien,  8 p.m.

I was excited to see Tim O’Brien having enjoyed his solo efforts over the years.  Tim did not disappoint.  Tim kicked off with the toe tapping “Working” displaying his fiery finger work moving across the strings.  I loved the personal “Family History” and “Not Afraid of Dying” a song about his 96-year-old father, who had recently passed on.  I enjoyed the crowd-pleaser  “Chicken and Eggs” and the touching “The Water is Wise”.  Tim sang the  eternal “Go Down To the Water” off of Billy Bragg’s Mermaid Avenue, lyrics by Woody Guthrie with music by Bragg.  He ended his set with James Brown’s “Get Up Off of That Thing” to the delight of the hand clapping, foot stomping crowd.

Paul Burch,  9 p.m.

This was the surprise show of the night... I loved it!  Paul played through his latest album “Meridian Rising”, which tells the story of his hero Jimmy Rodgers.  This is an imagined musical autobiography.  Sounds a little crazy but Burch really pulled this off.  When Rodgers was growing up, Meridian was a railroad crossroads.  He was exposed to all of the current music of his day.  Burch takes these rhythms that the rails brought to Meridian and incorporates them into this project.  Burch’s vintage 1940 Gibson L-48 Sunburst was the perfect vehicle for these songs.  The blues of “Meridian” and “Cadillacin”  had me shaking my head in agreement.  “Black Lady Blues” was reminiscent of Django Reinhart.  The dirty wail of the alto sax and clarinet on “Gunter Hotel Blues” reminded me of vaudeville on a hot steamy night.  Surprise guest Billy Bragg  joined in on “If I Could Only Catch My Breath”, supported by a soaring clarinet.  This is a show I will not easily forget. 

Shawn Colvin and Steve Earle,  10 p.m.

I was a little skeptical how this pairing might work. But they turned out to share the same magic that worked vocally for Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, silk and sandpaper.  From the first chorus of  their co-write “Come What May”, I was hooked. Then they nailed one of my all time favorite songs, We Fives’ “You Were on My Mind”. Okay, I’m in heaven... it can’t get any better…  then Shawn introduced the Emmylou Harris-penned “Raise the Dead”. I’ve got a big smile listening to this one.  Next I hear the familiar words, “She would never say where she came from."  Shawn and Steve sounded like  “Ruby Tuesday” was written just for them... they owned it!  Steve delivered “Burnin’ It Down”, and Shawn countered with her hit “Sonny” as Earle backed her up on the bouzouki . Earle explained that he started to write “Tell Moses” when he was in Israel several years ago.  It is a song about heroes, first Moses, then Martin Luther King, and since there isn’t a hero in the forefront now, it’s about the people raising up and making their voice heard.  A great catchy spiritual song. They closed the evening with a song producer Buddy Miller’s wife Julie started and handed over to Shawn who added a verse and gave it to Earle who wrote the chorus. Shawn did not know the first verse was about Julie’s father’s death when she wrote the second verse about her dad’s passing. Earle knew none of this when he wrote the chorus to “You’re Still Gone”.  These tender and heartfelt vocals almost had me crying. 

Sam Bush,  11 p.m.

It was time to go home... couldn’t find the waitress so I could pay the bill.  I ended up leaving to the driving bluegrass of mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush. What an unforgettable night!

Middle Tennesseans to Celebrate Captain Tom Ryman's 175th Birthday at Fort Negley on March 12

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 2016) – Middle Tennesseans will celebrate the 175th birthday of legendary riverboat Captain Tom Ryman -- the man who built the Union Gospel Tabernacle (now the Ryman Auditorium) -- during a celebration at historic Fort Negley on Oct. 12 (Wednesday).

            "Remembering Captain Tom Ryman" will kick off at 2 p.m. with the reading of a proclamation signed by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry naming Oct. 12 as "Captain Tom Ryman Day". The proclamation will be read by the bill's sponsor, Metro Nashville Councilman Brett Withers. Attendees also will enjoy monologues and music from the musical stage play, "The Ryman Diaries", featuring actor/playwrights Tom Dolan and Debbie Mathis Watts. The historical drama depicts the life and times of the Cumberland riverboat captain through the eyes of his wife, Bettie Baugh Ryman. Watts (i.e. Bettie) will close the event by serving guests Tom Ryman's favorite dessert, homemade Hazelnut Tarts.

            Captain Tom Ryman Day will continue at 7 p.m. Wednesday with a special dinner-show performance of "The Ryman Diaries at Miss Jeanne's Mystery Dinner Theatre, 2416 Music Valley Drive. To learn more or buy tickets, call (615) 902-9566 or visit http://www.MissJeannes.com.

            "This is a great opportunity for Tennesseans to honor the life of a man who helped lay the musical foundation for Middle Tennessee," said Watts, whose play is based on her book, "The Rymans: Reflections and Recipes". "He had such a phenomenal financial success with his fleet of packet boats on the Cumberland River."

            Admission to "Remembering Captain Tom Ryman" is free for all ages. Fort Negley is located at 1100 Fort Negley Blvd. near downtown Nashville. For more information, visit http://wattsd2.wix.com/rymandiaries.


            Dolan, who first portrayed Ryman for Gaylord Entertainment, considers it a "deep honor to revive this portrayal of the Nashville icon."

            Ryman, who was born on Oct. 12, 1841, used his fortune to fund construction of the Union Gospel Tabernacle after his Christian conversion at a tent meeting led by the Rev. Sam Jones. He also wanted to invite the world’s greatest musical acts to perform in the acoustically perfect concert hall. The building opened to great fanfare in 1892, but as long as the captain lived, he would never allow the building to bear his name. However, upon his death in 1904, the building was immediately renamed in his honor the Ryman Auditorium.

            During its early days, the landmark drew some of the biggest names in show business, including Mae West, Rudolph Valentine and W.C. Fields. It served as the home of Trevecca Nazarene University from 1911 to 1914 and the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974.

            Earlier this year, Watts contacted the mayor's office to see if the city would consider naming Oct. 12 Captain Tom Ryman Day. Withers introduced a bill in the Metro Council.

            Portions of "The Ryman Diaries" historical play will be presented to give attendees the opportunity to learn more about Tom and Bettie Ryman. Watts and Dolan have staged their production at a host of venues across Middle Tennessee.

            "Both Bettie and Tom had the hearts of musicians, so it was totally fitting that they would play and sing," Watts added.

            During her research at the Metropolitan Library Archives and the Tennessee State Library Archives, she discovered a "remarkable" love story. Their chemistry seemed to jump out from 19th Century photos. The play presents a give and take from the captain and Bettie's diaries, documenting some of the same events from totally different viewpoints. The captain loved music because he wanted the Gospel Tabernacle to be a concert hall for the world's great musicians, as well as a house of worship.

            Individuals also can celebrate Captain Ryman's 175th birthday by attending "The Ryman Diaries" dinner-show at Miss Jeanne's Mystery Dinner Theatre on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 12 or 16. Showtimes are 7 p.m. (dinner) and 8 p.m. (show) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. (brunch) and 2:30 p.m. (show) on Sunday. There will be a special school matinee at 2 p.m. Oct. 7 (Friday). To learn more or buy tickets, call (615) 902-9566 or visit http://www.MissJeannes.com.

Americana Fest: Songs From Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest Of Us

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

Mercyland Concert, 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22 at Downtown Presbyterian Church:

         I am so glad I attended this show. I enjoyed talking to people as we sat on the front steps of Downtown Presbyterian waiting for the doors to open. We shared our church backgrounds, or lack of…  What a treat once we were inside. The 1850s-era church was designed in the Egyptian revival style.

John Paul White and Emmylou Harris

         Phil Madeira, on guitar, hosted the show backed by the Red Dirt Boys, Emmylou Harris’ former band (Will Kimbrough, guitar; Chris Donohue, bass; and Bryan Owings, drums).

         Madeira is the man behind the CD “Mercyland. For this show, he rounded up some of the best and heartfelt musicians in town to join him. Among the guests were The McCrary Sisters, The Wood Brothers, John Paul White (The Civil Wars), Sarah Potenza (an alto like none other you have ever heard), and Emmylou Harris.

         To quote audience member Jake Burkhalter, “It's a joy and a rare treat in my otherwise humdrum life to be lifted up and reminded through song of the sublime beauty, sorrow, sacrifice, love and redemption that the world has to offer. Thank you!”  That sure sums it up for me. What a show!

Americana Fest: Dwight Yoakam Delights Crowd at Mercy Lounge

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

Dwight Yoakam, 11 p.m. Sept. 21 at Mercy Lounge

            By the time this show started, I had stood for five hours. Four hours at the AMA’s closed  circuit viewing at The Family Wash and one hour during Green River Ordinance’s performance. It was worth it!  It was my birthday, and staying up late and seeing Dwight was my present to myself!   

            Yoakam grew up listening to Bluegrass. "Being born in Pikeville, Kentucky, it's been inevitable from the beginning of my career - from the beginning of my life - that I would end up making a bluegrass record" he told Billboard magazine.  Dwight recently recorded eleven of his deep catalog songs with bluegrass arrangements for his new album “Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars...” a reference to the Beverly Hillbillies theme song. Producers Gary Paczosa and Jon Randall rounded up some of the best pickers in town for this project.  Bryan Sutton on guitar, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, Barry Bales on bass, Adam Steffey on mandolin, and banjo player Scott Vestal. These are the players, plus Jon Randall, that came out to back Dwight for this show! Chris Lord Alge, who mixed the album, insisted on coming out to do sound!  

            They played through the whole album, delighting the crowd and giving me goose bumps on numbers like “What I Don’t Know”,  “These Arms”, Two Doors Down”, “Guitars, Cadillacs” and  “Please, Please Baby”. These songs were made for Bluegrass! The delivery was impeccable. Dwight joked that he was the only one on stage making mistakes. Yoakam finished with the tender “Gone (That’ll Be Me)”. Coming  back for an encore, on a somber note, Yoakam said that while they were recording, they got word one morning that Prince had died.  Dwight explained that the love of music crosses all genres. He asked the band that morning if they could play a Prince song. While the tape was rolling, they went into “Purple Rain”, never intending for it to end up on the album. This is the song they closed with and the last song on Yoakam’s new album.   

  

Americana Fest Kicks off on Sept. 20 with Parties, Shows and Camaraderie

          NASHVILLE - The Americana Music Fest kicked off on Sept. 20 with parties and live music. Here are a few "casual" photos from some of the shows. Americana Fest draws musicians and fans from all over the world. To learn more about the festival, visit www.AmericanaMusic.org. (Photos by Chuck Whiting, MCAU editor)

The Suffers perform at the BMI Kickoff Party overlooking downtown Nashville.

The BMI Kickoff Party was sponsored by Dickel.

Downtown Nashville from the roof of BMI headquarters on Music Row.

Tim O'Brien performs at City Winery.

Paul Burch & WPA Ballclub perform at City Winery.

Colvin & Earle perform at City Winery.

Colvin & Earle perform at City Winery.

Alison Krauss and Steve Earle to Headline Honors and Awards Show at Americana Music Fest

         NASHVILLE — Legendary artists Alison Krauss, Bob Weir, Steve Earle and Joe Henry will open the Americana Music Association’s 15th Annual Honors & Awards show on Sept. 21 with a musical presentation to honor the legacies of Guy Clark, Merle Haggard, Dr. Ralph Stanley and Allen Toussaint – giants of Americana and the American musical landscape.

         The tribute will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. on the stage of the historic Ryman Auditorium. Known for promoting the next generation of stars, including Jason Isbell, Margo Price and The Lumineers, the Americana Music Association has always revered and paid tribute to the legacy and artistic history of its tightly knit community. In keeping with tradition, the Honors & Awards show will close in celebration of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, who marks its 50th anniversary this year. The band will be joined by several artists in an unforgettable performance of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken".

  

         "We encourage attendees to the program to be in their seats by 6:15 p.m. Central Time," the organization said in a special announcement to festival-goers.

         The 17th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference takes place in Nashville from Sept. 20-25. For more information about the Honors & Awards show, AmericanaFest, the Americana Music Conference, and membership to the Americana Music Association, visit www.americanamusic.org. 

         Festival wristbands are priced at $60 for the week and are available at mercylounge.com or in person at all participating nighttime venues, Grimey's New & Pre-Loved Music and The Groove in East Nashville. Conference registrations are still available at the walk up rate of $475 at Americana Headquarters in the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel at 623 Union St.