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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AmericanaFest Kicks Off with the Memorable BMI Rooftop Party

 “There are always generic terms like ‘Americana’, but there are no boundaries as to where it can go.” — Robert Plant (AmericanaFest has started! The Tuesday kick-off party at BMI (an annual tradition) was a blast. The performing rights organization, a festival sponsor, pulled out all the stops to make its celebration memorable… a rooftop setting overlooking downtown, complimentary BBQ and drinks, and stellar live entertainment. Taking the stage were Briscoe, Ken Pomeroy, and The Droptines. The weather was ideal with sunshine and moderate temperatures. Per usual, my Music City Arts Update staffer and I met some very friendly people in the Nashville music industry, including a group of very nice BMI employees. The AmericanaFest draws performing artists and fans to Music City from around the world for an educational conference and live performances at numerous venues. The Americana genre breaks musical boundaries… an authentic voice of American roots. Performers, songwriters and musicians blend elements of folk, country, blues, rock, R&B, and gospel. No act sounds the same. There is a freshness and deeply soulful expression of life and yearning through music and storytelling. You will rarely hear “canned” or “homogenized” melodies or lyrics. It’s real-life authenticity for the everyday man... an alternative to the predictable. You have to attend the festival to understand this fully, or listen to radio station WMOT-FM. It’s easy to see why this is my favorite event of the year.) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #Americana #AmericanaFest #Music #Nashville #MusicCity #AmericanaMusic #Art #Arts #MusicCityArts 9-10-25 @AmericanaFest 

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Indigo Girls, Compass Records, and Awards Show Highlight Day Two of Americana Fest

Chuck’s Diary: Day Two of Americana Fest 2022

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 “We don’t write songs together… We arrange together.” Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls. (A fascinating interview with one of America’s legendary pop duos… hotdogs and ice cream on Nashville’s Music Row… live musical performances and parties at the Hutton and City Winery. Wednesday was a full day of activities at the Americana Music Fest. The Indigo Girls told their life/career stories during a special morning panel discussion at the Westin. They were later honored as recipients of the AMA’s 2022 Free Speech Award. Around noonish, we took in a series of performances at Compass Records, including the wonderful Chastity Brown and the duo Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley (the best musicianship I’ve heard in a good while). Compass always serves up complimentary hotdogs, chips and beer. Later, we took in a series of Texas-style showcases at the Hutton hosted by State Fair Records. We were especially impressed with Nathan Mongol Wells, whose songs were brought to vivid life by tight players. We arrived at City Winery just in time for the 10th Anniversary Happy Hour and a performance by the vibrant Kyshona. We missed the toast, but still enjoyed a glass of champagne with a delicious piece of chocolate cake. This year, we decided to stay at City Winery for the Official Viewing Party of the 21st Annual Americana Honors and Awards. I’m so glad we did. I always see someone I know. This time it was Lisa Aschmann (who seems to be at several events at once). She introduced us to two fellow singer-songwriters, whom we ended up spending the evening with. Speaking of the awards show, one can’t go wrong watching performances and banter by the likes of the Fairfield Four, Brandi Carlile, Lyle Lovett, Chris Isaak, Allison Russell, the Indigo Girls, War and Treaty, the McCrary Sisters, and more. Robert Plant made a special appearance to honor fellow musician and friend Buddy Miller. The show was emotional at times, with the honorees giving heartfelt acceptance speeches. Americana Fest is just getting started… More music tonight!) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #IndigoGirls #AmericanaFest #Americana #AmericanaMusicFest #Music #Art #Arts #Nashville #MusicCityArts 9-15-22