Like a smaller, more focused SXSW, AmericanaFest is part industry conference, part music festival, and part social event. Although it’s a much smaller event, you still have to accept you’re not going to be able to see everyone you want. The official count was about 250 artists, but there were dozens of events that weren’t even part of the official unofficial calendar, so the actual number was undoubtedly over 300. Divide that over 5 days and you can see the magnitude of the problem. This year I decided to reduce the amount of time spent in an Uber trying to bounce between individual performances and instead absorb more of the vibe of the afternoon/evening.
That paid off handsomely on a few occasions. Absolutely one of the highlights was a run of bands Friday afternoon at the 5-Spot. Although I’d seen Humbird before, it was in an acoustic setting and this time they let loose with some indie/electronica tunes that were awesome and unexpected. They were followed by Norwegian duo Ask Carol with an incredibly entertaining display of looping power pop magic. Next up was Afton Wolfe. As musical director for a variety of charitable events in Nashville, Afton has an incredible Rolodex of musicians to back him up on his jazz-laced Americana sound, and this set was no exception. From there, Hannah Fairlight lit up the room with her 3-chord power rock, and then a whiplash to sort-of bluegrass darlings Twisted Pine.
Later that evening, back at the 5-Spot I heard a trifecta that began with honky-tonkers (and sometimes Emily Nenni back-up band) Teddy and the Roughriders. They were followed by Australian singer-songwriters, and now band, The Pleasures. The real surprise for me, though, was Margot Cilker. Her sweet country songs flavored with the geography of her travels were instantly likable, and on this evening punctuated with superlative guitarist Sophie Gault.
Three was also my luck number on Saturday afternoon. Keystone Artists set up shop at The Fitting Room studio and compound up in Madison. The outdoor stage agenda while I was there included The HawtThorns, West Texas Exiles and, for my second time of the week, India Ramey. (The only other artist I made sure to see twice during the week was Kevin Gordon, fresh off his new release the week before.)
Thursday afternoon on the rooftop of the Bobby Hotel was the Lone Star Shindig, featuring, obviously, musicians from Texas. The line-up while I was there couldn’t have been better. It started with J. Isiah Evans and the Boss Tweed, rolling into the Wonder Women Of Country, the Vandoliers, and Uncle Lucious.
One of my unexpected surprises during the week was discovery of a new-to-me dive bar/music venue, The Underdog. The granddaddy of East Nashville music dives is undoubtedly Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge. If you had done nothing all week but sit on a stool at Dee’s you’ve have heard at least 50 different artists, from Grammy winners to acts you’ll never see again. With even less decor and half the room size, I saw unforgettable sets from John Surge and the Haymakers, India Ramey, Manda Mosher and, later in the week, Lee Gallagher.
I wrapped up my week with a Sunday visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame. I’m already looking forward to next year.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.