Americana Fest 9/14/22
By MCAU Staff Writer Wil Comstock
This was the first time I did a whole day at the Americana Fest. Whew!
In the morning I caught Ann Powers interviewing the Indio Girls at the Westin: “A Long Look at the Indigo Girls”. They discussed their youth in the Methodist Church and growing up with a strong sense of community. That experience carried over into the Indigo Girls building a loving communityof musicians and activists. I was humbled when I found out how many organizations they support. They have invested their lives in giving back to the community. I have loved these women since “Closer to Fine.” Now I love them more.
Couldn’t pass up Hillbillies and Hotdogs at Compass Records. I had onions, mustard, dill pickle, and hot peppers on my Vienna dog. Scrumptious! Upstairs in the studio, I listened to Chastity Brown from Minneapolis. What a voice! This artist has great stories that make you laugh and wonderful songs that bare her soul. Of note: “Loving the Question,” based on the book Whoopi Goldberg, gave Lauren Hill’s character in “Sister Act.” She was followed by Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley. I was familiar with Rob as a solo artist, but teaming up with Hensley takes the artistry to another level. Garry West introduced them, saying they were stone cold bluegrass! Hensley’s phenomenal flattop picking and Rob’s tasteful and innovative dobro playing are unmatched in any genre. Add their vocals and you are taken to another land just this side of heaven. You’ve got to hear “The Backstreets Off Broadway” and “Moonshine Runner.”
After enjoying a cup of coffee on West End, it was time to get in line at City Winery for the Americana Award Show Official Viewing Party. MCAU Editor Chuck Whiting and I immediately ran into our friend singer/songwriter Lisa Aschmann, who introduced us to artist/writer Frankie Statan and artist Valerie Hawkins. I fell in love with them by the time we were seated for the show. I haven’t had the time to pull up their webpages and listen to them yet, but I listened to their stories and got a glimpse into their hearts. These are unique and special ladies.
My Award Show highlights:
The Fairfield Four receiving the Legacy Award and Singing the old slave song “Rock My Soul” which was first written down in 1867.
Lukas Nelson presenting and accepting, on behalf of the family, the President’s Award to Don Williams. Oh how I love and miss Don Williams!
JP Harris’ tribute to the recently deceased Luke Bell, andperforming the song he will never get to play at the Ryman, “The Greatest Bullfighter”.
Lyle Lovett’s tongue and cheek song to touring partner Chris Issak, “We Gave Each Other Covid” Lyle also presented Chris with the Lifetime Achievement in Performance Award.
Allison Russell’s incredible performance of “You’re Not Alone” with an all star cast including Brandi Carlile and Sista Strings.
Al Bell receiving the Americana Award in Achievement for An Executive. He was so proud!
Brandi Carlile telling us what the Indigo Girls meant to her as she was growing up and presenting them with the Freedom Award.
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