Issue #115: How to Americana Fest for free
Good morning and welcome to one of the busiest, wildest weeks in Nashville: Americana Fest. Awards shows, showcases, panels, day parties - this year feels more packed than ever, with shows spread all across town and all the way through Sunday (get ready to eat a lot of midnight quesadillas standing up in your kitchen, or is that just something I do?). Though this year's official conference programming is pretty great (Margo Price, Brother Jones and Allison Russell all on a panel, Brandi Carlile on another), access to see those is pretty pricey and requires a special pass. But fret not, since the big secret of Americana Fest is just how much good music you can see for zero dollars - case in point, I once saw Sturgill Simpson for free in a record shop backyard and Yola alone on acoustic guitar in a bar courtyard. So here's our rundown of the best stuff to see for free - though if you're financially able, make sure to leave with some merch or a record! P.S. here's what we loved last year.
Tuesday, September 9
On the first official day of the festival (i.e. today) I think the spot to be during the day is the Whizzbang Review over at Fran's Eastside, starting at 3 p.m. Make sure to stay for Abby Hamilton and John R. Miller in particular, two newsletter favorites. Then I'd hop over to Dee's for the Old Fashioned String Band Throwdown or Olivia Management & Friends at Gray Matters Studio (2301 Bransford Ave,) from 6-10 p.m., where you can see Aaron Lee Tasjan, Ruthie Collins, Remi Goode and more.
There is also an insanely good writer's round at Inglewood Lounge, featuring Amythyst Kiah, Lizzie No, Denitia, Flamy Grant and more, from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Wednesday, September 10
One spot to be during the day on Wednesday is definitely over at Grimey's, for the Secretly Distribution show. Palmyra is playing at 2pm, and Wednesday is doing a solo set at 4 pm - I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to "Elderberry Wine" at this point, but it's probably embarrassing. Dee's also has another day party until 6 pm - I'd look for India Ramey, Kimmi Bitter, Rosy Nolan and Tyler James-Kelly. Vinyl Tap has a great day lineup where you can see Nicole Atkins, for free! Maybe I'll bike over - parking will be a beast there and everywhere.
But you're gonna have to make some really tough decisions because the party at Skinny Dennis, hosted by Thirty Tigers, is slightly ridiculous (complimentary) - Hayes Carll, Joshua Ray Walker, Craig Finn and Luke Bell DJ set, from 12 - 6 pm. Not sure how one goes to all that, but I shall be attempting before hitting the Awards and showcases later.
Thursday, September 11
I'd start your day with the Queer Roots showcase at Lipstick Lounge (12 pm - 5 pm) where you can catch Lizzie No and Mercy Bell, before heading back to Skinny Dennis for the New West Records and Oh Boy party from 12- 6 pm. Hot dogs, actual dogs and music from Emily Scott Robinson, Joshua Hedley, Palmyra and Tré Burt. The Paste + Illegal Mezcal party at Love + Exile from 12 pm - 7 pm is also super solid: Tift Merrit, Willi Carlisle, William Prince, Ruston Kelley.
You can also catch the Mojo's Music City Mayhem at Robert's downtown, for Kristina Murray and Rosie Flores, hosted by Elizabeth Cook and Sarah Gayle Meech, from 2:45 pm to 6 pm. Then over at Julia Martin Gallery you should catch Jonny Fritz & Friends, from 6 pm. - 10pm.
Friday, September 12
Start the day with the Cowtown Gitdown celebrating the music of Forth Worth at Tennessee Brew Works - Brandi Waller-Pace, Jack Barksdale and Summer Dean are all well-worth catching (11:30 am. - 7 pm). I'll also be checking out the Righteous Babe party at Love + Exile, celebrating 35 years of Ani DiFranco's label with Joy Clark and others. Lou Grass, at Acme, will also be great - 3 pm - 6 pm, focused on Kentucky bluegrass via Louisville. There's also an excellent lineup at the 5 Spot, for the Interstate 88 Day Party - Mindy Smith is at 230 pm!
Then I'll be hustling over to Imogene + Willie for their Roundup, from 4 - 9pm, with one of my all time favorites, Phosphorescent along with the awesome Lera Lynn, Jade Bird and others. I'll then be racing to Musician's Corner to catch Amanda Shires (that's 5 pm to 8 pm). It'll be squeeze but definitely worth it...and yes, all free.
Saturday, September 13
Friend of the newsletter Josh Crutchmer, along with Cafe Wha and Twangville, have put together a great day party at Urban Cowboy, celebrating NYC - catch Olivia Ellen Lloyd, Kirby Baby and others from 2 - 7 pm, plus free (actually good!) pizza. Then hit the Teamwass party at Skinny Dennis, for Elizabeth Cook, Mon Rovîa and the War + Treaty from 1 - 5 pm. The Commonwealth of Kentucky party at the Basement, from noon to 5 pm, will also be great.
Another fun one is the Mulekick Records + Little Hollywood rock n' roll brunch at Love & Exile: catch Kanesha Sampson, Suzie Brown and Scot Sax and more (12 pm - 6 pm), plus tai chi with Jim Lauderdale!
Please let us know in the comments what you're most excited about seeing, or what we missed - I'll see ya out there!
