It was another AMERICANAFEST for the books.
Every year is another five-day escape from the mundane rigmarole of daily life, where you can pinball all over Nashville to an array of showcases, events, panels, parties, and the like from early morning ’til late at night. The excitement sets in from the moment you pick up your pass at City Winery on Tuesday afternoon (if that’s your day & locale of choice) and the delightfully overwhelming sensations sink in.
It’s a week where you strap on your walkin’ shoes, forget about a good night’s sleep, and prepare to discover exciting new artists. Unfortunately, cloning is still not really a thing, (I mean it’s 2024, let’s get on this scientists) so as one human trying to attend the 149 things I wanted to see, I managed a reasonable percentage. So much to do, so little time.
Here are the Top 15 things I saw at this year’s AMERICANAFEST that made me want to write about it.
15. The Weather
The sky Gods were kind to AMERICANAFEST attendees this past week, as sunny skies and warm days cradled those coming to and fro. Compare the beautiful weather of last week with the inclement weather spurred from Hurricane Helene currently, and we all lucked out. Sure we can manage to gut out most any weather, but we’re thankful we didn’t have to contend with the elements. [This was written before it was clear just how much damage Hurricane Helene did, and our hearts are with those in neighboring states who experienced the brunt of this disaster. Here is the American Red Cross link in which to donate if able.]
14. Willie Watson @ Grimeys
This was the very first event I witnessed at AMERICANAFEST, as it happened at 4:00 PM on opening day (Tuesday) and it was a marvelous, intimate performance at Nashville’s best record shop. Watson was celebrating and promoting his new self-titled album, which greeted the world four days prior on Friday September 13th. His strong yet quivering voice is otherworldly and beyond one-of-a-kind, and his post-Old Crow Medicine Show days have seemed to done him just fine. But more on that later…
13. Steve Poltz @ 3rd & Lindlsey
If Tommy Chong and Weird Al Yankovic morphed together and came out as one like Jeff Goldblum and a fly in The Fly, the result may just be Steve Poltz. The wacky unrelenting SoCal hippie energy was strong with Poltz, who is absolutely one hell of a performer. Just him and his guitar Smokey Joe, he was half standup comedian and half incredibly talented folk singer. Chock full of satirical lyrics and fast-rhyming phrasing, he rifled through a number of tracks with 110% energy at the ripe age of 64. He spoke of tales writing songs for Jewel, telling fibs to Molly Tuttle in Telluride regarding Jewel who was also present in Telluride (confusing I know), and it was hard to know if it was all a bit. He spoke of co-writing Jewel’s mega-hit “You Were Meant For Me,” to which upon a Google search proved no joke — his tales were likely truth. The kooky long gray-haired singer is indeed a storied and seasoned songwriter with some serious credits, but without knowing who he was going into this, he had the Thursday night 3rd and Lindsley crowd in the palm of his hand with his sharp wit, pristine guitar playing, and infectious and zany comedic energy.
12. Robert Jon & The Wreck @ Exit/In
Blistering riff after riff, Robert Jon & The Wreck mirrored heavy hitters like The Black Crowes or The Allman Brothers, eliciting a soul-quaking show that did the Exit/In ghosts of performances past proud on Saturday night. It was the band’s first time playing the venue, and their first AMERICANAFEST, but something tells me it won’t be their last. The blues rock n’ rollers put on a face-melting performance that rumbled throughout the venue, leaving listeners delighted in their wake of sonic destruction. I got to hop backstage in the green room and chat with the sweaty beer-needing shredders after about their performance, tour horror stories, and other post-show topics which you can read here.
11. Ask Carol @ The 5 Spot
This was a curveball I didn’t quite see coming, and possibly the most unique showcase of the whole week. Put on by 1888 Media and Charlotte Avenue Entertainment, the Interstate 88 showcase at The 5 Spot Friday afternoon delivered one hell of a lineup (Anna Tivel, Afton Wolfe, Humbird, Hannah Fairlight, Nick Taylor, Malena Cadiz, & Hannah Connolly), but the standout act was Norwegian duo Ask Carol. Comprised of “Ask” on drums and “Carol” on lead vocals, electric guitar, and trombone, the unlikely pair delivered an alternative indie rock n’ roll sound that does not simply blend in with others. Carol expertly utilizes a looping pedal for her guitar and trombone while then playing over it accordingly, delivering an array of gritty grunge rock, or sometimes more haunting and hypnotic soundscapes underneath powerful vocals. Carol’s excitement was palpable, as it was their first show in Nashville, and by God let’s hope it’s not their last.
10. Old Crow Medicine Show @ Robert’s Western World
Seeing a surprise press release for a day-of pop-up show by Old Crow Medicine Show at Robert’s Western World was quite exciting, even if it threw a monkey wrench in my initial Wednesday plans. What’s life without spontaneity anyways? That’s the nature of AMERICANAFEST — plans can shift on a dime and the spontaneity and excitement never ceases. Just like the joy never ceased from the blazing hot Broadway bar that is Robert’s, which was sardined with unbeknownst tourists and informed attendees alike basking in the wily untamed charm of Ketch Secor and his old buddy Willie Watson and crew, who rifled through hits including their closer which some folks might know with — you guessed it — “Wagon Wheel.” It was an epic impromptu hootenanny, and I got a commemorative poster while walking out. Hot damn.
9. Emily Nenni on the BMI Rooftop
Flanked by her backing band aka Teddy & The Rough Riders, rapidly rising traditional country songwriter Emily Nenni performed on the BMI rooftop letting her honky tonk music reign down Music Row. Her voice is something special, as it harnesses that old time energy you’d hear emanating from a road house jukebox in 1973. She played songs from her acclaimed May album, Drive and Cry, and her band carried her delightful country sound into the atmosphere to kick off AMERICANAFEST along with Wyatt Flores who followed. And for the record, as much as Flores is blowing up, Nenni’s music stood out much more. But the masses need their watered-down vanilla music too.
8. Swamp Dogg @ City Winery
I can’t get enough of the old timers. Because once they’re gone, they’re gone. And they’re the ones who’ve paved the way for each and every artist of a certain generation. Enter Oh Boy Records artist Jerry “Swamp Dogg” Williams, an 82-year-old legend who took to the City Winery stage on Saturday morning for the Thirty Tigers Gospel Brunch event. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand with his hip old man swagger, as he and his band around him slayed a handful of songs. Most notably, (in my opinion) Swamp Dogg is known as the songwriter for the Johnny Paycheck hit, “Don’t Take Her (She’s All I Got)”, which the band closed with. They delivered an epic prolonged performance of the song, and did so in a smooth groovin’ soul R&B way, much different than the original. Swamp Dogg would go on to talk about his documentary in the making, and had the crowd chuckling with glee the whole way through.
7. The Music of 1974 @ The Basement East
As is the case each year (or at least last year), The Basement East held their annual 50th anniversary party for the music of 50 years ago. I caught the last leg of it, which featured Webb Wilder, Kristina Murray, Judy Blank, Adam Chaffins, a seemingly intoxicated JP Harris, and others. With Griffin Winton holding down lead guitar and emcee Tim Jones manning the charge, the who’s who of acts delivering classic performances is always a treat. This ain’t your Broadway cover show gig either, that’s for sure.
The set kicked off with one of this writer’s favorite Neil Young tunes, “Vampire Blues,” which Winton sung, and damn was it badass. Other notable songs included Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful,” in which Jones delivered an epic prolonged performance traipsing to and fro on stage, The Eagles’ “Already Gone” was sung by the always charming and crowd-working Jon Latham, ABBA’s “Mama Mia,” sung by Nordic songstress Judy Blank, and the epic closer, “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone (never would’ve gotten that in trivia), in which all performers of that leg came out and sang the crowd off. The energy in the room was sky high, and I left the venue feeling euphoric and nostalgic for a time myself and most of the performers never even lived through.
6. Dave Alvin in various places
Ashamedly not having much knowledge of Dave Alvin going into the week, I would be well aware of his legend by the end of it. He and his older brother Phil Alvin pioneered the Downey, California band the Blasters, who delivered more under the radar hits like “Dark Night” (as featured at the end of From Dusk Til Dawn), “Marie Marie,” and “American Music” among others. He also had notable stints in X and the Knitters, delivering his epic blues rock n’ roll lead guitar chops. He was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Americana Honors & Awards show, and performed his 1987 track “Fourth of July,” which opens his debut solo album Romeo’s Escape. Dwight Yoakam even joked that the only reason he came to the award show was because of Alvin.
I would catch him again at 3rd & Lindsley with Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and lastly at Eastside Bowl, getting a solid dose of his electric excellence. I also had the chance to hear him tell his story in a back and forth conversation with author Warren Zanes for a panel at the Embassy Suites.
He told a tale of going up to his idol Big Joe Turner after his show one night and telling Big Joe he wrote a song for him, and when he asked him to sing it, Alvin couldn’t remember it. “Well if you can’t remember it, it’s no good to begin with,” Alvin said speaking the part of Big Joe. “And I’ve lived by that rule ever since… if two weeks from now I’m walkin’ around singing ‘I’m a happy duck’ then it’s a good song.” Zanes then challenged Alvin stating that he told him he couldn’t count the amount of good songs he’d lost essentially because he’d let them marinate a little too long, and they’d be forgotten. (back before handy cell phone voice memos of course) Alvin then retorted with, “Well I lost a lot of good songs… but, I didn’t write too many bad ones.” This got a hearty applause from the crowd.
5. Tim Heidecker at various places
This one was circled, starred, and asterisked. If you don’t know, Tim Heidecker paired with Eric Wareheim back in the mid-late aughts to form the delightfully obscure comedic duo, Tim and Eric. Their sketch comedy show was on Adult Swim, and they would have a slew of notable actors cameo on it from Paul Rudd, to Will Ferrell, to John C. Reilly, and many more. This spurred several other shows and movies, establishing a solid cult following for the duo. While Heidecker’s claim to fame is his brilliantly offbeat acting and comedy, his music has quietly emerged in recent years. His playful, cheeky disposition maintains strong in his music, as his lyrical storytelling almost always elicits a smile. He cut his set short at 3rd and Lindsley Thursday night, and after chatting with him after his showcase at Vinyl Tap the following day, he essentially said the vibes were off there — but he was feeling good after his Vinyl Tap set. He played acoustic guitar with a younger female bassist who joined him on harmonies, and made for a great intimate experience. Heidecker recently released several singles, including “Well’s Running Dry,” “Like I Do,” and “Dad of the Year.”
4. Duane Betts @ The Ryman
Kicking off the Americana Honors & Awards show, Duane Betts — son of Dickey Betts — took to the stage with the top flight house band to perform the classic Allman Brothers song, “Blue Sky.” Written by Dickey, Duane paid homage to his recently deceased father who passed away at 80 this April with this iconic number. Every note was on point, and got the crowd immediately swept up in the evening to come. “That one’s for you dad, I love you,” he said as the song came to a close. It was a beautiful moment that put a definitive stamp on the award show.
3. T Bone Burnett @ The Embassy Suites
“The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane.” This 1954 song by The Ames Brothers is the first song T Bone Burnett remembers hearing as a kid. He was floored with it due to its seemingly obvious nature, but it tricks you at the end, as the song is actually about an infant, not some promiscuous adult woman. This completely floored Burnett he said, as it showed the power and magic of music, and that it doesn’t have to be — and perhaps shouldn’t be — predictable.
In hearing Burnett speak, I’ve never heard more of a modern day philosopher. His panel at the Embassy Suites — which was in conversation with Joe Henry — was nothing short of astounding. Sometimes you never know with the eccentric old time musicians and producers, as they can get a little kooky or forgetful or be out of touch, but not T Bone. He was as sharp, informative, and progressive as anyone. “I think of myself as a Buddhist, and I also think of myself as a mystic, but mostly I try to not think of myself at all,” he said, which elicited a laugh from the crowd. He brought up his Christian roots, and followed it up with this sentiment, getting to the point of being an all-encompassing empathetic human, and not tied to one ideology, and how this pertains to his music-making.
After talking about a book regarding how humans used to communicate with each other not through the meaning of words but through tone, Burnett stated, “What I realized is, if you listen to tone — if you don’t listen to language and you only listen to tone — then no one can lie to you. It’s freedom. Listening to tone is the way through this dystopia that we’re currently living in.” This led him into the dangers of AI and how to identify human voice from an artificial voice, and again his wisdom kept the crowd hanging on every word.
He also spoke on the importance of analog music in an increasingly digital world. For the past several years, he and a team have been working on a new tech venture, Ionic Original discs, which offers the greatest fidelity and durability on an analog record, which is distributing the music on acetate. This preserves the best possible sound. But why hasn’t this been done before? Well, it has to do with the heat and friction created when the needle hits the record, and with basic acetate, it overheats and warps it after only a few uses. But with the technology Burnett and company are pioneering, this new look acetate is meant to last and do right by the artists making the music.
2. Dwight Yoakam @ The Ryman
I know a lot of the spirit of AMERICANAFEST is about discovering and supporting new and emerging songwriters, but it’s hard when making a list like this not to include a living country music legend. Anticipation built for Dwight Yoakam to take the stage at the Americana Honors & Awards show, and as we eclipsed the 10:00 PM hour, everybody knew it was any minute that he would take the stage. Before long, the man in the the low slung cowboy hat took to the stage to accept his Lifetime Achievement Award.
The multi-faceted artist got emotional talking about his wife and 4-year-old son, saying he felt like he was “living his life in reverse.” He (perhaps in jest) tried to slink off the stage before band leader Buddy Miller coaxed him to come back and play a song for everybody. And that he did. With the goosebump-inducing opening riff, the band kicked into “Fast As You,” with Yoakam delivering his signature leg wobbles before rifling off into the song. He crushed it, and everybody was on cloud nine.
1. Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell @ The Ryman
To close out the epic award show ceremony at The Mother Church, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell took to the stage to pay homage to Gram Parsons and his iconic song, “Return of the Grievous Angel” from his final album, Grievous Angel, which released 50 years ago in 1974. Harris was just getting her career off the ground in those days, as she provided background vocals for Parsons not just on this song but many, along with duets such as “We’ll Sweep Out The Ashes in the Morning.” Parsons is a personal favorite of mine (and many), as is this particular track, and after all the incredible performances that night, this was the ultimate cherry on top. Along with others around me in the pews of The Ryman, we sung this song to the heavens for ol’ Gram. This takes the cake for the top moment of AMERICANAFEST for this writer.
