Going into this year’s Americanafest there was no “one big thing” that I had to see. I was open to anything. Sure, there were a few acts that I had on my wish list, but there wasn’t anything as exciting as last year’s Daniel Lanois appearance so I decided not to make much of a […]
AmericanaFest 2026 – Shawn’s Favorites
Having just wrapped up its 26th edition, AmericanaFest has grown considerable in the years I’ve been going. In the early years a shuttle bus continuously made the rounds between the half dozen or so clubs that were hosting official showcases across the 3-nights of shows (plus the kick-off Awards and Honors event Wednesday night). Now […]
2026 Americana Music Awards
Although the official events of the weeklong Americana Music Association’s AmericanaFest start on Tuesday, the main event is the Honors and Awards show Wednesday evening (Sept 16th) at the iconic Ryman Auditorium. It was streamed live on a variety of sites, and you can see a recap later this fall on PBS. This year’s hosts […]
Mine to Love – A Premiere from Ever More Nest
Photo credit: Greg Miles When was the last time you heard a waltz? And the last time you saw clowns waltzing? I’m guessing that the former is more likely than the latter. Either way, New Orleans’ Ever More Nest has you covered, red noses and all. The waltz in question is “Mine to Love,” and […]
Levi Foster on Luxury Road Food and Wanting to Be Johnny Cash
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Levi Foster, a Rustburg, Virginia native now based in Nashville, recalls writing his first song at 13 in the back of an I Spy book. He talks about framing houses with his dad and brother and living in his van when he first arrived, and shares the one thing he wishes he’d known when he started in music.
Riffs, Heartache, and Swagger: Live in NYC on Nov 4
Some nights are built for quiet contemplation. Wednesday, November 4 at Groove in NYC is not one of those nights. We’re bringing together three powerhouse songwriters who turn angst, roots-grit, and power-pop hooks into an absolute masterclass of live rock and roll. From classic heartland anthems and gritty Texas pop to shimmering, apocalyptic indie-pop, this […]
Monday Morning Video – Leeroy Stagger Honors the Prophets
Leeroy Stagger has something to say: We sing the words of our prophetsJoe Strummer and Joey RamoneThe dream is alive and well, friendsBut we’re out in the streets all alone
Now & Then: Rhiannon Giddens’s Hope Is the Thing with Feathers and the reach of Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues
Rhiannon Giddens has spent much of her career expanding the commonly told history of American folk music, particularly the role Black musicians played in shaping it. Hope Is the Thing with Feathers continues that work while emphasizing ensemble performance and songs connected to North Carolina. Odetta’s 1956 debut, Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues, offers a useful earlier reference point. Both records mix interpretation with a strong sense of ownership over the material.
Readers’ Pick: Rhiannon Giddens – Hope Is the Thing with Feathers
You picked Rhiannon Giddens – Hope Is the Thing with Feathers as your favorite new release for the week of September 18, 2026.
Rita Bliss – One More Winter
I’d wager that if you asked ten people about the banjo, nine of them would say it’s a hallmark of bluegrass music, or adds highlights to some of the indie-style acoustic music that’s been popular the last couple of decades. But if you go back to the 50’s and 60’s it was an integral part […]