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… 

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: Ten Things I Loved About the Awards Show

 By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

Ten Things I Loved at the 2025 Americana Music Honors and Awards Show:

·      Maggie Rose performing “No One Gets Out of Here Alive.”  I had not heard of her, incredible voice, great stage presence, I’m in!

·      McCary Sisters winning the Legends Award.  Oh, how I love these women and how I miss Sister Deborah.  They deserve every bit of this recognition.  Followed by a flawless rendition of “What Good Am I.”

·      Jesse Welles singing “War Isn’t Murder.”  This took me back to the ‘60s with his poignant lyrics and traditional fingerpicking.  I was glad to see him win the Freedom of Speech Award later in the show. 

·      The banter between Roseanne Cash and Rodney Crowell as they present a Lifetime Achievement Award to the Old 97’s.  Everyone seemed to enjoy this!

·      I’m With Her performing “Ancient Light.”  I am a fan of Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O'Donovan individually, but together they are amazing.  What a great song.So happy to see it win Song of the Year!   

·      John C. Reilly and his band giving a smooth execution of Tom Waits’ “Picture in a Frame.” I didn’t know he could sing!  What a nice surprise.

·      Nathaniel Rateliff, David Rawlings, and Gillian Welch collaborating on “South of Here.”  They sounded so good together.  Nathaniel won Album of the Year, and Rawlings and Welch won best Duo or Group later on.  Well deserved!

·      Dawes singing “Time Spent in Los Angles.”  First released in 2011, the song took on new meaning after the wildfires in January.  Loved this stripped-down version.

·      Joy Oladokun singing “Letter from a Blackbird.”   Heart wrenching and beautiful at the same time.  I want to hear more from her.

·      Daniel Lanois and Emmylou Harris reuniting for “Where Will I Be” from her album “Wrecking Ball.”  Hard to believe this album is 30 years old. I will always champion an artist who wants to break out and risk trying something new.

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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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