I saw one estimate that in addition to the 150-ish musical acts with official showcases at this year’s AmericanaFest, there were another 150 you could only see at an unofficial event. If rumors of the dramatic slashing of music at SXSW are true, that may make AmericanaFest the largest event of the year, at least in terms of bands. Thankfully, not so much in terms of attendees. Nonetheless, you need some sort of strategy for how to pick what you see. For the unofficial shows I’ve settled into a practice of finding one where I want to see 2-3 artists who will be playing in a 2 hour or so window and then turn myself over to the power of whoever curated the event for the rest of the time slot. That turned into some special moments this year.
I started Wednesday afternoon at Skinny Dennis to see Joshua Ray Walker. In addition to the obvious good news of his recent cancer remission diagnosis, he turned in a strong solo set that has me rethinking whether he’s better with a band. After a good set from Craig Finn focused on his solo album, I headed over to the GemsOnVHS event. I was attracted by the chance to see John R. Miller, William Matheny, and Christina Vane. Although I had to leave before Matheny came on, Miller and Vane were both in their element playing solo. On top of that I got to see an unannounced set from Brennan Leigh, who continues to be one of the most underrated performers and songwriters in country music.
Another unofficial showcase that exceeded expectations by far was the Mule Kick party at Love + Exile on Saturday. The day started with Rosy Nolan and as the band found its old school country groove they set the stage for an afternoon heavy on California-soaked Americana. Following Rosy was an act? presentation? lecture? from Jim Lauderdale on the basics of tai chi, and how you could use it to keep up with a week of concert-going. It was unexpected, but the crowd got into it. By mid afternoon, Mule Kick founder and working musician KP Hawthorn played a set from her new record. She was followed by cowpunk quartet Nocona and then a transition to Rosie Flores. I call it a transition because at one point members of Hawthorn’s band, Flores’ band, and Nocona were all on stage. And they were having an absolute blast. Following the high-energy Flores would be a challenge for anyone, but India Ramey pulled it off with her sassy brand of honky tonk.
I’m frequently asked what new groups I saw that impressed me. This year the top of that list would have to be Denver’s Marfa. They’ve been together barely a year, but they have a well-deserved buzz and some upcoming opening spots that are sure to build their reputation. I was fortunate in that they were bookended at the Interstate 88 show (full disclosure: I emceed part of it) at the 5 Spot by Taylor Rae on one side, and Hannah Connolly and Mindy Smith on the other. Earlier in the week also at the 5 Spot I got my introduction to Olivia Ellen Lloyd, a force-of-nature country siren from New York by way of West Virginia.
As for the tried-and-true acts, let me just say, not for the first time, there’s no such thing as a bad Kevin Gordon show. And he delivered yet again, Tuesday night at the 5 Spot. Adrian + Meredith opened Friday afternoon at Chief’s on Broadway with a Slavic folk punk sound. After they got things rolling Robert Ellis took the stage for a solo performance. With maybe 50 people in the room he delivered a set that I’ll remember for years. Alternating between guitar and piano he was full of stories and well-rendered songs guided in large part by what the audience wanted to hear. And ask me sometime about the running Wagon Wheel gag.
So there you have it. Another AmericanaFest in the books. Start planning for next September.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.