Crystal Rose
The homestretch of this year’s AmericanaFest has just as much to offer as the previous four days. If you can make it to a show by noon, you’re already spoiled for choice. Acme’s Fam Jam at Acme Feed & Seed features sterling country talent including Crystal Rose and Melissa Carper; Kelsey Waldon, Nat Myers and others stop in at The Basement for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Party; and Jordie Lane, The Pleasures and many more grace The 5 Spot for the annual Aussie BBQ.
At 2 p.m., the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosts the local premiere of Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, a new documentary film about the late, great soul singer and pioneering out transgender artist who grew up in Nashville. (You must have at least a Silver Pass to attend; special instructions should already have come via email about how to reserve a seat.)
There’s no wrong reason to go to Brown’s Diner, but the Fluff & Gravy Records Party from 4 to 7 p.m. is a very good one, with performances lined up from storytelling luminaries like Anna Tivel and Kassi Valazza. Fuel up with burgers and beer while you’re there, and plan your next move.
Country pro Ashley Monroe, who’s been trickling out cool singles all year, warms up the stage at Analog at Hutton Hotel at 7 p.m., followed at 8 by bluegrass power couple Darin and Brooke Aldridge. Veteran country great Rissi Palmer plays The Mil at Cannery Hall at 9 p.m., while rising country ace Hannah Juanita and her band The Hardliners play the venue complex’s Row One Stage at 10.
The Kentucky Gentlemen
Back on the East Side, The 5 Spot has you covered with one of the most enticing bills of the whole festival. It’s packed with stellar artists whose work you’ll want to know if you don’t already, and who happen to be queer and/or BIPOC. Settle in at 7 p.m. with Nashville fraternal duo The Kentucky Gentlemen, and make yourself at home all evening for Lawrence Rothman, Paisley Fields, Crys Matthews and Secret Emchy Society. Ending your festival here is very likely to leave you excited for next year’s — there’s little that could be better.
Ahead of AMERICANAFEST, we talk with Emerging Act of the Year nominee Wyatt Flores, run down our favorite shows and more
