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 schedule and just go with the flow.
First stop after exiting Dolly Parton International (not technically named that yet but I’m using it anyway) was Arnold’s Country Kitchen for some chicken, beans and potatoes. And maybe a couple of cornbread rolls. Then a walk over to Carter Vintage to strum a few dream guitars. After playing the 1943 D-28, listed for $105,000, (seriously…it sounded good, but not that good) and a good many cheaper pieces (but not cheap enough), I dropped luggage and met up with Twangville’s own Mayer and Shawn along with my brother Clayton to start the festivities. Here’s an easy to read breakdown of a few of the acts that made my Americanafest tops!
Hayes Carll – I caught Hayes’s entire set last year but seeing him on the BMI roof as the sun set was just right. A tight, fun, carefree set and a great start to the week.
Lamont Landers – Classic soul for a new generation. I had not heard Landers before but will definitely be checking out his back catalog and new releases. Such a tight band!
Josh Rouse – A great songwriter with one of my all-time favorite albums, Subtitulo, Rouse played a fun acoustic set. I’ve been a fan for years but somehow this was the first time I’d ever seen him live. A sparse crowd at City Winery meant that my brother and I had front row seats…with Lucinda Williams sitting across from us.
Awards Show – Too much to say so I’ll make it quick and point out a few of my favorites. For an in depth look check out Shawn’s post. The Heartbreakers with Chris Stapleton was nice, but for my money I would have preferred to hear Mike Campbell sing these tunes. Stapleton seemed a little distracted and I’m not sure he and Campbell made eye contact the whole time. Robert Plant singing with Buddy Miller and the house band for “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down” was splendid. I’m With Her along with Brandi Carlile for Dolly’s “Coat of Many Colors” had me (and others) in tears. Jesse Welles and Boy Golden both got cheers for their political tunes. Another that had me choked up was Hayes Carll and Elizabeth Cook singing Todd Snider’s “Play a Train Song.” I have to admit that Snider’s passing shook me for a good while. I didn’t know him personally but went to many shows and connected deeply with a lot of his music.
Dale Watson & His Lone Stars – Just plain fun honky tonk. Dale and his band are amazing performers that had the crowd tapping their toes and laughing equally.
GA-20 – Raw blues (2 guitars, drums, no bass) in the Nashville heat. Sweat, draft beer and loud guitars…does it get any better?
Emily Nenni – Beautiful voice with a tasteful country band.
John R. Miller – One of my favorites out on the road today.
Mike Campbell & the Dirty Knobs – I know Americanafest is a lot about checking out new artists, but I’ll be damned if the old guys didn’t put on the best shows this year. Campbell and crew, Dale Watson, and Steve Poltz showed the youngins how to hold audiences in the palm of your hand.
The Suitcase Junket – Dirty acoustic tunes with, you guessed it, a suitcase (and frying pan and more) to provide the percussion. A great intimate set.
Marfa – These guys got 50% louder than when I saw them last year. And while they are still missing that catchy original tune, they supplemented their set with a rocking cover of the Strokes’ “Last Night.”
Boy Golden – I’d of added this one to the list for “Suffer” alone but the whole set was well done and Liam Duncan is a kick ass musician.
Aaron Lee Tasjan – I preferred the few acoustic songs at the beginning of the set, but rocking ain’t bad.
Brown Horse – English Pearl Jam with ambient pedal steel?
Buddy Miller – It’s freakin’ Buddy Miller…
Steve Poltz – Who else can be singing an intimate song, hear an audience member sneeze, shout out “bless you,” not miss a beat, add in “I’m like Santa Claus I hear everything” and finish the tune. Still one of the great performers of Americana and beyond.
Looking forward to next year!
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.