AmericanaFest—the huge one-word celebration of good, old-fashioned music that takes place in Nashville every year—has announced another slew of performers, including Sturgill Simpson and Bobby Bare Jr. The newcomers join an already bustling list of performers that includes the Avett Brothers and Lee Ann Womack.
AmericanaFest is similar to festivals such as South by Southwest and the CMJ Music Marathon in that it features a number of showcases at venues all over the city, versus setting up a stage somewhere central. And when we say "a number of showcases," we mean somewhere in the 160 range.
This year mark the 13th anniversary of the event, staged by the Americana Music Association. As usual, there will be conferences and of course the Honors & Awards Show. That gig will take place on September 17, at the Ryman Auditorium. Rosanne Cash, Robert Ellis, Jason Isbell and Sarah Jarosz are competing for the Album of The Year award. Loretta Lynn, Jackson Browne, Taj Mahal and Tejano accordion player Flaco Jiménez will receive tributes at the ceremony as well.
This year's festival will run from September 16 to September 21. Those who purchase a wristband for admission to the showcases also receive one ticket to the Honors & Awards Show. Show up early for big acts like the Avett Brothers, as fire code is fire code, so first come, first serve.
