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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