Annual Americana Gospel Brunch Adds Spirit and Soul to AmericanaFest

 By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

Thirty Tigers Presents the 14th Annual Gospel Brunch at City Winery (Sept. 19, 2026)

     For the third year in a row, Kim Kelly hosted the Thirty Tiger’s Gospel Brunch at City Winery. Barry’s Home Cooking provided complimentary chicken and waffles while pre-show music was supplied by DJ Tim Hibbs. The venue was filled to capacity.

     This year’s show had a super lineup kicked off by Channing Wilson. This gritty, blues-country artist grabbed my attention with “Heaven Waits for Me.” Acclaimed folk singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier, known for her literary-style lyrics and deep emotional truths performed “Mercy Now” with her musical partner Jaimee Harris.  The discovery of the morning for me was Madaline Edwards.  Her soulful vocals and gospel keyboards rally got a hold of me.  Everyone seemed to love her song “How Strong I Am.”  We were all surprised when UK singer songwriter Jake Bugg took the stage.  His crowd pleaser “All I Need” delighted everyone.  

     My favorite time each year is listening to the genre-bridging gospel and roots act, The McCrary Sisters.  They had everyone standing and clapping on their rendition of “Amazing Grace” to the tune of “House of the Rising Sun” and the rousing “Let it Go.”  

     Nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow closed the brunch with “ Pick You Up” and “Freedom Road,” both songs from her new album “Pick You Up,” and her classic “Every Day is a Winding Road.”   

     All of the performers gathered on stage for the encore “Put a Little Love in Your Heart.”  Chicken and waffles never tasted so good!

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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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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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AmericanaFest: Awards Show Honors Legends and Newcomers at Ryman Auditorium

This story provided by the Americana Music Association

Photos from City Winery’s Viewing Party by Chuck Whiting 

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 10, 2025) — The Americana Music Association celebrated distinguished members of its community on Wednesday night, revealing the winners of the 24th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at the historic Ryman Auditorium. 

     A world-class group of musical innovators garnered coveted awards, including Sierra Ferrell (Artist of the Year), Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats (Album of the Year), I’m With Her (Song of the Year), Gillian Welch & David Rawlings (Duo/Group of the Year), MJ Lenderman (Emerging Act of the Year) and Alex Hargreaves (Instrumentalist of the Year).

    Sierra Ferrell continued her reign as the Americana Artist of the Year with her second consecutive win with the ceremony’s biggest award of the evening. Brandi Carlile presented Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats with the Album of the Year honor for their LP South of Here.

    The triumphant trio of Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O'Donovan & Sara Watkins comprising I’m With Her was awarded with Song of the Year for “Ancient Light,” written by the three songwriters themselves. Lifelong musical partners Gillian Welch & David Rawlings were crowned as Duo/Group of the Year award.

    After performing at the 2024 ceremony, and his breakout Manning Fireworks album, MJ Lenderman earned the nod for Emerging Act of the Year. Violinist virtuoso and current full-time touring member with Billy Strings, Alex Hargreaves, took home this year’s Instrumentalist of the Year honors.

    Highlights from the evening include John C. Reilly hosting the momentous evening; John Fogerty presenting the Spirit of Americana Free Speech in Music award to Jesse Welles, and closing the show with three Creedence Clearwater Revival classics, “Up Around The Bend,” “Lookin’ Out My Back Door,” and “Proud Mary.”; and Emmylou Harris and Daniel Lanois reprising Harris’ landmark Wrecking Ball album with “May This Be Love.”

    Buddy Miller — Americana stalwart, songwriter, musician, producer and Americana “MVP” recipient — returned as musical director for the Americana All-Star Band, featuring Don Was, The McCrary Sisters, Fred Eltringham, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, and Larry Campbell.

    Old 97’s, Joe Henry, and Darrell Scott all received Americana Lifetime Achievement honors, with each providing stirring performances and moving presentations by Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell and Hayes Carll, respectively. The McCrary Sisters were recognized with the Legacy of Americana award (in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music [NMAAM]), presented by NMAAM Board member and Producer Shannon Sanders.

    Throughout the night, attendees were treated to performances by Dawes, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Emmylou Harris, I’m With Her, JD McPherson, John C. Reilly, Joy Oladokun, Maggie Antone, Maggie Rose, Margo Price, Medium Build, Nathaniel Rateliff, Noeline Hofmann and
Old 97's.

    “What a great night!” said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association and Foundation. "We saw the breadth of the Americana community and spirit. This legacy has stood strong for over two decades and will continue for many more to come.”

2025 Honors & Awards Winners:

Album of the Year: South of Here; Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats; Produced by Brad Cook

Artist of the Year: Sierra Ferrell

Duo/Group of the Year: Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

Emerging Act of the Year: MJ Lenderman

Song of the Year: "Ancient Light," I’m With Her; Written by Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O'Donovan

& Sara Watkins

Instrumentalist of the Year: Alex Hargreaves

The 24th Annual Americana Honors & Awards is the hallmark event of AMERICANAFEST week, which continues through this Saturday, September 13.

For more information on the Honors & Awards and AMERICANAFEST, please visit www.americanamusic.org.

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AmericanaFest: Gospel Brunch Raises the Roof at City Winery

 Saturday Gospel Brunch presented by Thirty Tigers

By MCAU Correspondent Wil Comstock

It was refreshing to have Kimberly Kelly take over hosting responsibilities for this year’s Gospel Brunch.  She was prepared, entertaining and informative in her introductions.

The show opened with a sweet rendition of “Amazing Grace” by Clover County, followed by a stripped-down version of Lauren Hill’s “Tell Him” by Blessing.

Road warrior Melissa Carper of Wonderwoman of Country did a reworking of her “Christian Sister” song, presenting it as “Christian Brother.” I like her honesty and humor.

Legend Swamp Dog, who is a young 82, had everyone clapping on his “She’s All I Got.” He has some colorful players in his band that added to the excitement of his performance. 

I was taken to another place by the earthy bluegrass of Britt Taylor on “Unclouded Day.” Her husband, Adam Chaffins, accompanied her on guitar and harmony vocals on the beautiful “The Best You Can Do Is Love.”

Texan Country Pop artist Tyler Bryant is sure to lasso a couple of hits with his “Thinking Outside The Box of Wine” and “Stay Wild.”

Liverpudlian Robert Vincent was backed by Lauren Housley and The Northern Cowboys.  His melodic songs slowly grab you and take you to the harmonic stratosphere.  At least he did this for me on “Burden” and “Demons.”

Lauren Housley and The Northern Cowboys, hailing from Yorkshire, UK, treated us to the bluesy “High Time.”  What an intense storyteller.

Who can keep still when The McCrary Sisters take the stage? Their performance of “Run On” with their brother Allen had me dancing.  I was raising my hands with them on the soulful “Help Me.”

Gospel and Americana legends, The Oak Ridge Boys, took the stage singing “Just a Little Talk with Jesus” to a thunderous crowd.  Lead singer and spokesman Duane Allen said, “Up until Joe (Bosnal) died, the four of us (Duane, Joe, Richard, and William Lee) had been together for 50 years. We’ve experienced a lot of grief in the last year. I lost my wife, William Lee lost a son, and Richard lost a father in law.” 

He said their producer, Dave Cobb, suggested they do an album of songs inspired by things their mother taught them.  The result is the upcoming “Mama’s Boys” to be released next month. From the new album, the Oaks sang the Dottie Rambo-penned “Mama Teaching Angels How to Sing” and Willie Nelson’s “I Thought About You Lord.”  Newcomer Ben James more than proved himself on tenor vocals. He was always reverential, taking a step back when Duane was talking. He had big shoes to fill. Introducing the last song, 

Duane said, “A lot of people thought this wasn’t a gospel song, but tell it to our families who were able to pay the bills that year.” They closed with “Elvira.”  No wonder it was a huge hit. I was singing “Elvira” to myself all afternoon!