Nashville’s Americana Music Festival is almost upon us, and while there are a million artists worthy of listening to performing at the festival, we’ve highlighted a few of the acts that’ll absolutely be worth your time to see.
Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen
Thursday, 9/17 at Cannery Ballroom, 11pm
These good friends and Texas phenoms are a treat to see live, and not just because they’re both incredibly talented! Rogers and Bowen are hilarious onstage and off, and told us that they don’t plan their sets – whatever happens happens! Their friendship and decade plus of touring together led to their recent album Hold My Beer: Vol. 1, and the honky-tonk toned record is lyrically, instrumentally, and vocally spectacular.
Gretchen Peters
Saturday, 9/19 at City Winery, 11pm
Though Gretchen Peters is perhaps best known for penning Martina McBride’s smash, Independence Day, her contribution to music extends far beyond the hit. Just last year she was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s hall of fame and earlier this year she released a captivatingly somber album, Blackbirds. Peters’ set at City Winery is sure to take you on a journey filled will wonder and time for reflection – a welcome bit of calm in the midst of a crazy busy week!
Liz Longley
Wednesday, 9/16 at The Basement, 10pm
The Bros. Landreth
Thursday, 9/17 at The High Watt, 11pm
Whether they’re tapping into their bluesy, rocking vibe or are human harmonic Heaven, the Bros. Landreth are a must-see. Stellar musicianship and harmonies that are absolutely breathtaking – and delicately and emotionally applied – make this Canadian band, who count Bonnie Raitt among their fans, incredible to watch perform.
Lindi Ortega
Thursday, 9/17 at The High Watt, 10pm
Ortega’s vocals are out of this world, whether she’s launching into a bombastic song about being straight-up in a relationship to a sultry rendition of Nina Simone. Bluesy and soulful, Ortega has caught the ear of Americana lovers and fans of Social Distortion, with whom she toured, alike.
Sean McConnell
Saturday, 9/19 at The High Watt 9pm
Self ascribed as “lyric driven roots rock with soul,” Sean McConnell is not one to miss. Expressive vocals and captivating artistry color the artist’s live set, paired with songs that touch the soul. Aside from his artist career, McConnell has also had success writing for other artists, and has had songs cut by artists ranging from Tim McGraw and David Nail to the Plain White T’s and Marc Broussard.
Caroline Spence
Friday, 9/18 at The Listening Room, 11:00pm
Following a string of notable success, including being crowned the 2013 Rocky Mountain Folk Festival Songwriter Showcase winner, earning Best Overall Song in the American Songwriter Magazine Lyric Contest, and taking home the title at the 2014 Kerrville New Folk Festival, Caroline Spence released her first full length album, Somehow, this past March. Her crisply captivating vocals and meditative lyrics combine for an Ashley Monroe-like, roots-driven feel.
Glen Hansard
Friday, 9/18 at Cannery Ballroom, 11:30pm
Glen Hansard’s expressive vocals may sound familiar from his lead role in the movie Once; from his duo with co-star Marketa Irglova, The Swell Season; or his band The Frames. No matter what led you to him, there’s no denying his talent and expressiveness. His show next Friday at the Cannery Ballroom falls on the same date as the release of his sophomore solo album, Didn’t He Ramble.
Wow, I thought I knew the independent scene…..I only know Randy/Wade, Gretchen, and Lindi lol. Looks like I have some discography exploring to do! Looks like a really fun event, I wish I could go 🙁