For people with a bad case of FOMO, Nashville’s annual AmericanaFest is enough to push them over the edge. With an official start on Tuesday, the annual festival and conference of the Americana Music Association (AMA) draws attendees from around the world—from musicians, songwriters, and producers, and engineers to publicists, journalists, and music fans.
The central focus for the week is the AMA’s award show, held at the iconic Ryman Auditorium each year and streamed live at the City Winery. The Milk Carton Kids returned as emcees this year, keeping the pace moving. Buddy Miller again served as band leader with the McRary Sisters singing background harmonies.
Logan Ledger opened with a tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett with “Come Monday,” recorded fifty years ago. In another high point of the night, the Milk Carton Kids joined Noah Kahan on Paul Simon’s “Amerian Tune,” from his Rhymin’ Simon album from that same year. Rufus Wainwright later performed another 1973 classes, Tom Waits’ version of his song “My Old ‘55” from his 1973 album Closing Time, a later hit by the Eagles.
The sheer variety of music recognized each year is a testament to the big tent that is Americana music. The Avett Brothers, recipients of the Trailblazer Award, along with Nickel Creek, noted that while artists often get put into a category and want to get out of it, they did not want to leave this one. Sistastrings, the sister duo on fiddle and cello were recognized early as winners of the Instrumentalist of the Year. They returned to accompany other performers throughout the night, assuring anyone unfamiliar with their music exactly why they won.
Betty Lavette received the 2023 Legacy of Americana Award, after being overlooked for years and beginning what she called her “fifth career” at 55 and receiving her first Grammy nomination at 60.
SG Goodman, winner of the Emerging Artist Award, was introduced by author and fellow Kentuckian Silas House. When The War and Treaty introduced nominee William Prince, Michael Trotter went off script, comparing Prince to the late John Prine, another Americana icon.
The show ended with “Up on Cripple Creek,” a grand finale in tribute to the late Robbie Roberson of The Band.
In addition to the Emerging Artist nominees—Goodman, Prince, Adeem the Artist, and Summy War—performers and presenters including rising stars and veteran icons—Brandi Carlile, Lyle Lovett, and “Mr. Americana,” Jim Lauderdale. Patty Griffin received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting, and Allison Russell’s Spirit of Americana/ Free Speech in Music Award was presented by the legislators known as the Tennessee Three.
Bonnie Raitt, winner of Song of the Year for “Just Like That”, performed, as did three-time nominee Margo Price, who moved into the Ryman audience as she sang. When Billy Strings was named Artist of the Year, he accepted the award and admitted he’d been at home on his sofa when he was told he ought to attend.