Music fans around the globe, and Nashvillians in particular, know the Americana Music Association Festival and Conference as “AmericanaFest” for short. And they’ve been flocking to Music City since the inaugural fest in 2000 to see dozens upon dozens of performers showcasing their not-always-easy-to-classify work, which might draw on country, blues, rock or one of a heap of other traditions.
AmericanaFest is back at venues all over town Sept. 9 through 13, with panels and performances in abundance. Our preview starts with a conversation with North Carolina indie-rock phenom MJ Lenderman, who’s nominated for three awards at the keystone Honors and Awards ceremony. He talks about his creative process and inspirations like late, great Nashville-residing songsmith and poet David Berman.
We also catch up with songsmith extraordinaire Gillian Welch regarding her and David Rawlings’ nomination for Duo/Group of the Year, and get some perspective on the genre’s relationship with artists — especially artists of color — whose work draws on Black music traditions like blues, soul and R&B. We also share our top picks from among the hundreds of sets to see during the week, and bring back our annual Americana Artist or Baseball Player quiz, playing on the folksy nomenclature common to the two disciplines.
The lauded songsmith and multiple Americana Awards nominee discusses his influences, including the late, great David Berman
Catching up with the folk champion about ‘Woodland’ — her lauded LP with longtime partner David Rawlings — and their Americana nominations
Discussing diversity and inclusion in Americana with Buddy Red, Kyshona, Buffalo Nichols and Becky Parsons
Our picks for performances, parties and panels you won’t want to miss at this year’s festival
Test your knowledge of Americana and pro baseball with our quiz
MJ Lenderman
