AmericanaFest Brings Madison Cunningham and Hollow Hand to The Blue Room

 By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

The Blue Room, Thursday Evening 9/17/2026

     Arriving early, we parked at the foot of 7th Avenue and were among the first to arrive at The Blue Room.  I’m thinking there must have been a message from AmericanaFest to all of the venues this week to open the doors early, so no one is standing in line in the excessive and oppressive heat.  We were able to walk right in!   The Blue Room is located at Jack White’s Third Man Records.  A unique venue with a tree-lined atrium with tables and chairs, unisex bathrooms, and three small bars.  The Blue Room performance area has oriental rugs, taxidermy, and irregular walls.  I love this place!

     The indie pop retro sound of Hollow Hand was a pleasant surprise.  They reminded me of the Kinks, they reminded Chuck of the Who, the women next to me said Lou Reed.  All of us were right!  From the harmonic “Here Are the Tulips,” the rockers “Kiss the Boot” and “Heavy Metal T-Shirt,” to the closing groove ballad “Someone Else’s Dream,” I was captivated.  I felt like I was in on a secret that was about to explode across the globe.  This Brighton, England, band led by Max Kinghorn-Mills sounds familiar, yet members are clearly forging their own path.  Pick up their new record “Wish Road South!”

     I first saw Madison Cunnigham, four years ago when she had a full band.  On that tour, she played a Moog Synthesizer accompanied by guitar, bass and drums.  They had a rock opera/orchestral sound.  Last night, Cunnigham was accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Jesse Chandler, who was responsible for the woodwinds, synthesizers and vocals.  Instead of going for a rock sound, each number sounded more like a soundscape.  Heavy use of the bass clarinet run through effect boxes, adding an avant-garde slant to the set list.  Madison played acoustic guitar with effects, her lyrics, at times, indistinguishably sacrificed for the otherworldliness of the song.  I felt as though I had traveled to another region of the planet, or maybe to another world altogether. Not a bad thing in today’s climate. My favorite pieces were “Break the Jaw” and “Golden Gate.”  There are only a few more dates left for this tour. Grab a seat while you can!

     We sat out the next act, having stood for over two hours. We sat in the atrium and made new friends from Hawaii and Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  We exchanged AmericanaFest stories and shared a little about our lives. And before you know it, time for the next act…

     The indie southern rock sound of Hiss Glorious Messenger, led by MC Taylor, was easy on the ears, comforting and down home.  The lyrics were confident and steady, giving hope for a world in turmoil.  The songs that stood out for me were “Passing Clouds” and “Heavy World.”   The crowd had thinned out, and only loyal fans remained, cheering on and rocking out to one of their favorite bands.

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Amy, Melissa and Madison: AmericanaFest Spotlights Legends and Soon-to-Be’s

 

“There’s a beauty to wisdom and experience that cannot be faked. It’s impossible to be mature without having lived.” — Amy Grant (AmericanaFest is going full blast with a host of talented acts taking stages at music venues across Music City. On Tuesday night, we had the opportunity to see legendary artists at 3rd and Lindsley, including the remarkable Amy Grant and blues-rock lady Melissa Etheridge. Amy, who hasn’t performed live for a long time, sang fan favorites including “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Baby, Baby.” Melissa’s renditions of “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One” had us rockin’ and rollin’ to our feet. Another venue not too far from there called The Blue Room featured the incredible Madison Cunningham on Thursday night. Madison first wowed me during an outside performance in Lexington, Virginia, several years ago. She impresses even more now with brilliant avant-garde arrangements and voicing’s that leave music fans speechless. I have felt the same way in the past listening to Joni Mitchell, Yes, and others. Another wonderful thing about AmericanaFest is being able to hear newer, yet-to-be well-known artists. You might want to check out Hollow Hand, Aubrie Sellers, and Maggie Rose. MCAU contributing writer Wil Comstock has been busy writing reviews for some of the performances we’ve taken in. You can check them out at https://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com .) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #AmericanaFest #AmyGrant #MusicCityArts 9-18-26 

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Americana Music Association Announces Award Winners with Dolly Parton Tribute

 This coverage provided by the Americana Music Association: 

Molly Tuttle, Tyler Childers, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Brandi Carlile, Ken Pomeroy and Mandy Fer Crowned as Winners of the Americana Music Association’s 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 17, 2026) — The Americana Music Association celebrated distinguished members of its community tonight, revealing the winners of the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at the historic Ryman Auditorium. A world-class group of musical innovators garnered coveted awards, including Molly Tuttle (Artist of the Year), Tyler Childers (Album of the Year), Brandi Carlile(Song of the Year), Gillian Welch & David Rawlings (Duo/Group of the Year), Ken Pomeroy (Emerging Act of the Year) and Mandy Fer (Instrumentalist of the Year). Molly Tuttle was crowned as the 2026 Americana Artist of the Year for the first time and took home the ceremony's biggest award of the evening. Tyler Childers earned Album of the Year honors for his LP Snipe Hunter, produced by Rick Rubin and Nick Sanborn. Americana stalwart Brandi Carlile was awarded Song of the Year for her latest album's title track "Returning to Myself," written by Carlile herself. Lifelong musical partners Gillian Welch & David Rawlings were also awarded as Duo/Group of the Year for the second consecutive year. Following her breakout year and acclaimed 2025 LP Cruel Joke, Ken Pomeroy earned the trophy for Emerging Act of the Year. Electric guitarist and touring musician for Allison Russell, Mandy Fer, took home this year's Instrumentalist of the Year award. Highlights from the evening include Bernie Taupin presenting Brandi Carlile with the Song of the Year award; a moving tribute to the late Todd Snider by Hayes Carll with Elizabeth Cook; and the finale ensemble delivering a special performance honoring the legacy of Raul Malo with "Dance the Night Away" by The Mavericks. Buddy Miller — beloved Americana songwriter, musician, producer and Americana "MVP" recipient — returned as musical director for the Americana All-Star Band, featuring Larry Campbell, Fred Eltringham, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, The McCrary Sisters, and Don Was. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Robert Plant, and Dolly Parton all received Americana Lifetime Achievement honors, which were accompanied with powerful performances by The Heartbreakers reuniting featuring special guest Chris Stapleton; the triumphant trio of Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O'Donovan & Sara Watkins comprising I'm With Her teaming up with Brandi Carlile to deliver a moving tribute to Dolly Parton with "Coat of Many Colors"; and Robert Plant returning to the Ryman stage at the Americana Honors & Awards for the first time in 15 years as a 2026 Lifetime Achievement Honoree and performance of "Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down" and "Angel Dance." A video recorded by Dolly Parton before her death in August 2026 was aired during the ceremony, as she accepted the honor. Video link HERE. (Video courtesy: THE DOLLY PARTON ESTATE) Throughout the night, attendees were treated to additional performances by Boy Golden, Crowe Boys, Flatland Cavalry, Jesse Welles, Kashus Culpepper, Kathleen Edwards, Ken Pomeroy,Margo Price, Molly Tuttle, Mon Rovîa and S.G. Goodman.  "What an incredible way to celebrate the 25th annual Americana Honors & Awards," said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association and Foundation. "The breadth and depth of talent on stage this evening is beyond words. Celebrating The Heartbreakers' historic reunion with special guest Chris Stapleton, getting to honor the legendary Robert Plant and our beloved Dolly Parton made this show one of the most special ones I've been a part of. Congratulations to all the winners and honorees; we are so grateful to everyone who is a member of this Americana community." 2026 Honors & Awards Winners: Album of the Year: Snipe Hunter; Tyler Childers; Produced by Rick Rubin and Nick Sanborn Artist of the Year: Molly Tuttle Duo/Group of the Year: Gillian Welch & David Rawlings Emerging Act of the Year: Ken Pomeroy Song of the Year: "Returning to Myself," Brandi Carlile; Written by Brandi Carlile Instrumentalist of the Year: Mandy Fer The 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards is the hallmark event of AMERICANAFEST week, which continues through this Saturday, September 19. For more information on the Honors & Awards and AMERICANAFEST, please visit www.americanamusic.org.

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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