Wrapping Up AmericanaFest: Americana Artists and Fans Thrive on Originality

 “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” — Judy Garland (I’m worn out, but totally satisfied. AmericanaFest was even better than in years past with outstanding performances by legends and emerging artists (and plenty of surprises). Friday night, my fellow MCAU writer and I saw a splendid show at the Analog featuring legendary pianist/songwriter Benmont Tench of the Heartbreakers (on Steinway), along with Michaela Anne, Abigail Rose, and Nicole Atkins (with surprise guest Chris Isaac). We soaked in (while sweating) amazing live music for 12 hours on Saturday (the final day). Highlights included the soulful McCrary Sisters at the Americana Gospel Brunch with surprise guest Sheryl Crow (City Winery), the bluegrass-accented Commonwealth of Kentucky Party (Basement West), the Texas swing band Eddie Slide and His Cowtown Dozen (Basement East), and sassy heartbreaker Ashley Monroe (Station Inn). As always, we struck up conversations with visitors from far and wide, which shows just how popular Americana music is (and how far this wonderful festival has come). I also ran into friend/songwriter Lisa Aschmann as always. Unlike the CMA Fest (which spotlights mainstream artists represented by the major labels), AmericanaFest is tried and true, down-in-the-gut originality by immensely talented musicians who have to be themselves. That authenticity (heart and soul) is what music fans like me are yearning for.) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #AmericanaFest #Music #MusicCityArts 9-21-26 Check out our coverage at https://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/?m=0 

MCAU staffers Chuck Whiting & Wil Comstock… 

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 

Follow Music City Arts Update on social media @MusicCityArts. 

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 

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @MusicCityArts