Honky Tonk Times takes on Americanafest 2021

BY TAYLOR AUSTIN

The 21st annual Americanafest took place in Nashville Sept. 20-26. Americanafest is a week-long festival put on by the Americana Music Association comprised of hundreds of artists and playing at dozens of locations across the Nashville metro area. The 20th Annual Americana Honors & Awards Ceremony took place Sept. 22.

Most are familiar with the term Americana or have at least heard it in passing, but what does it mean? The Americana Music Association defines it as “contemporary music that incorporates elements of various American roots music styles, including country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B, and blues, resulting in a distinctive rootsoriented sound that lives in a world apart from the pure forms of the genres upon which it may draw.”

This definition goes beyond the honky tonk that this fine publication tends to focus on, and some folks take issue with including traditional country music under the Americana umbrella. Some dislike a large tent and don’t want traditional country rubbing elbows with folk, R&B, and other kinds of music. Some even view these other types of music as competition. Sure, each of the previously mentioned genres of music listed in the association’s definition deserves its own chart. But having them all under the same roof makes for a wonderful medley. Country music certainly has taken influence from each of those types of music. We all grow together when we work together. Safety in numbers, I suppose.

To preface this recap of my time at Americanafest: I had never been to Nashville before, and I hadn’t flown in about 15 years. To say I was overwhelmed before I’d even left would be an understatement. Thankfully, Americanafest had an app that helped me put my schedule together. Since even I am unable to be in multiple places at once, I had to pick and choose which shows to see. These weren’t easy choices: the city was full of incredible artists all week. Many of them would require driving across town to get to; what was I going to do? Well, I decided to shake hands and meet as many of the folks that have been in the magazine as I could.

Day 1

I landed in Nashville and ran a few errands before I did anything else. I needed some Ibuprofen and a new pair of boots. The first “landmark” I saw was the cross with Dottie West’s name on it. If you don’t know the story of the accident that took West’s life, I’ll let you look it up if you so choose. I hoped this wouldn’t be an omen of the week to come. Later that night, I got myself over to American Legion Post 82 for Honky Tonk Tuesday to see the Cowpokes. It was everything I had wished for and more: a packed bar, a dance floor full of two-steppers, and an audience that was having a ball. I did not bring my camera; this night was for me, plus we ran a story about it just last month. If you didn’t read it, go buy a copy of issue No. 7. Another round of Ibuprofen and a good night’s sleep, and it was on to day two.

Day 2

I woke up feeling amazing and still floating from the music of the night before. However, I’d slept in a bit longer than I wanted and realized I had to get my ass in gear to get down to the Ernest Tubb Record Shop as Charley Crockett was recording the Midnight Jamboree there at 11 a.m. I had just missed seeing him play in Boston the week prior, and I wasn’t going to miss him a second time. As I walked in the door, I was greeted by the fabulous Miss Julie, the manager at Ernest Tubb Record Shop. I didn’t expect to be recognized by face (but I suppose that’s what I get for being vain enough to put my picture in every issue). I would like to extend a personal thanks to Julie and the entire staff of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop for the hospitality they showed me while I was in town.

The only events on the Americanafest app were the ones that were actual Americanafest showcases. What I didn’t realize was how many great shows would be happening that weren’t part of the showcase. I hoofed it across town in the rain to get my press pass; it was well past my lunchtime, so I headed over to Robert’s Western World to grab some lunch. I’d heard they were the home of the recession special: for $6, I got a fried bologna sandwich on white bread, fries, a moon pie, and a PBR. Holy hot damn did that make me a happy guy. It reminded me of growing up. I definitely ate my weight in bologna that week. While I was there, I got to catch Paul Kramer, backed by a great band that included our past spotlight feature, Brennen Leigh.

They were just wonderful! Former spotlight feature Sarah King came and joined me later in the day as we went back to the Ernest Tubb Record Shop to snag a few photos before the award show. The Americana awards were at the Ryman Auditorium, just off Broadway (where ETRS and Roberts are). My phone promptly died, so I have no photos or notes from the award show. Hopefully I’ll have better luck next year. Stepping into the Ryman Auditorium for the first time put a lump in my throat. I was there early, so I got to take my time walking in and to my seat (pictured from a different day). The show kicked off with an amazing performance from the Americana All-Star Band featuring Don Was, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, David Mansfield, Jerry Pentecost, Aaron Lee Tasjan, and the incredible McCrary Sisters. They started with a tribute to Charlie Watts, who recently passed away, and played “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’.” The room sounded so crisp. Brandi Carlile came out to welcome us all to the show and introduce the band. The awards show is on YouTube, and I suggest you watch it. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve and have no problem telling you that some of the performances we saw that night made me tear right up. Here are the Americana Awards categories and winners for 2021:

Instrumentalist Of The Year: Kristin Webber

Emerging Artist of the Year: Charley Crockett

Duo/Group of the Year: Black Pumas

Song of the Year: “I Remember Everything” by John Prine

Album Of the Year: “Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1” by Sturgill Simpson

Artist of the Year Award: Brandi Carlile

In addition to these awards, the association also presents lifetime achievement awards. In my opinion, one of the best presenters was Ketch Secor giving the Lifetime Performance Award to Keb’ Mo. Mo thanked the association for honoring him with the lifetime achievement award so early in his life. Sheryl Crow presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for a producer to Trina Shoemaker with a heartfelt speech. The Lifetime Achievement Award for Legacy went to the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Carla Thomas won the Lifetime Achievement Award for Inspiration, and the Mavericks took home the Lifetime Achievement Award for Trailblazers.

The show closed with Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell paying tribute to the late Don Everly as they sang “Let It Be Me.” It was a night to behold with performances by many great artists.

Day 3

Day three found me a little unsure of what to do because of the wealth of options (there were several parties thrown by record labels that were five-plus hours long). That morning, I headed off to the State Fair Records party and caught a few acts there. Around this time, I learned that my phone had given up for good. After replacing my dead phone, I went to the Basement East in East Nashville, where the Shootouts were playing. As you’ll see from the photos, it was not the full band, as their official showcase was not until later in the week.

They were filling in for a band that was unable to make it. As a trio, they put on one helluva show. I got to say hello to Andrea and Mud, who had just gotten into town from a tour. I also spotted Summer Dean but didn’t catch her quick enough to say hello (I tend to get pretty into my photography). To my surprise, the emcee for this event was Clownvis. Yes, you read that right, Clownvis—an Elvis impersonating clown. He was a bit unsettling at first, but I found him very funny, and his songs were damn catchy. Look him up, and you’ll see for yourself. The next act at Basement East was 40 Acre Mule. Holy smokes, did these guys kick ass! They had a captivating stage presence; they were high-energy and commanded the room. Definitely not your grandpa’s honky tonk, but not pop-country either. If you prefer the rock side of things, these guys should be on your radar. I caught wind that Andrea and Mud were playing over at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint. Martin’s was not an official showcase location, but I ended up seeing some great shows there! After Andrea and Mud, Chelsea Lovitt played a set with her band. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch Chelsea’s full set as I had to shoot across town to Musicians Corner to see Whitney Rose perform, followed by Michaela Ann. I think you can start to see how this can quickly become sensory overload. I was so excited to see many marvelous musicians and meet so many great folks that I forgot to eat and drink water. There was still more to see! I headed off to Cannery Row, a multi-level venue with several different stages and bars. I mean, this place was massive. Joshua Ray Walker was on the fourth floor. He got up on stage and poured out his heart and soul. Vincent Neil Emmerson was going to play a while after him, and I had some time to kill. I’m not entirely sure that walking from Cannery Row to the Station Inn was my best idea, but I made it to the Station Inn in time to see Melissa Carper perform. Her voice had me on the brink of tears-it was a surreal experience. Just listen for yourself; you’ll see what I mean.

Melissa sang and played bass. She was backed by Brennen Leigh on guitar, Jeff Taylor on the keyboard, and Rebekka Patek on fiddle. I knew I was right where I was meant to be because the audience was also filled with musicians who were finished with their showcase shows. I got to visit with Andrea and Mud, Chelsea Lovitt, and Melissa Carper before running back to Cannery Row to see Vincent Neil Emmerson play his set. Emmerson did something I hadn’t yet seen in Nashville. He got on stage, just himself and his guitar—he played, he sang, and he silenced the entire crowd. The room was just as full as any other, but you could have heard a pin drop while he sang. His songs tell a story, and you can’t help but hang off every word. I didn’t even take that many photos as I was too engaged in the music. Day three certainly left me with a lot of wonderful memories.

Robert’s Western Wear, home of the Recession Special, provided sustenance throughout the five days Honky Tonk Times visited Nashville.

Taylor Austin

Day 4

I woke up absolutely ravenous, so it was off to Robert’s Western World for another bologna sandwich. I wasn’t going to have another day of not eating. To my surprise, Joshua Hedley was on stage! (Please forgive the lack of photos of Joshua; I was too focused on my food). I heard that Elijah Ocean was playing over at Martin’s, so once again, I packed myself up and drove across town to the venue. Elijah and his band were on fire! Later, I drove in circles trying to find the Basement (not to be confused with the Basement East) in Nashville to hear Mac Leaphart’s showcase. Golly, that place is hard to find. It’s down a side alley, and you feel like you’re cutting crosslots to get there; it’s a neat little venue. I didn’t catch all of Mac’s set as I had to get back to East Nashville to see Caleb Lee Hutchins.

I’d never heard of Hutchins before until his publicist sent me an email telling me I had to check him out. She wasn’t wrong. That young fella has got it going on! Hutchins has the voice of a 35 year old, the soul of a 50 year old, and the band of a well-put-together musician. I saw his whole set, and I think you folks need to check him out. I hope he’ll have a full LP out soon. There was a gal in the audience that drove all the way up from Georgia, where she used to see him perform in bars, just to see him play that set. These were not long sets, mind you (about 30-40 minutes). It just goes to show, wherever you are, your fans will find you.

Sterling Drake had gotten ahold of me earlier that day. I’d brought down a stack of magazines to give him—he was on the cover, you know (if you don’t, you should probably get yourself a copy of issue No. 6). He’d told me I had to meet him over at the Local to introduce me to Timbo. Sterling also assured me that Timbo had the best band in town by a mile, and I’d be a fool to miss it. Sterling introduced me to the entire band and half the room. I get the feeling that nobody stays a stranger for long around Sterling Drake. He talked to me like we were old pals. It’d be hard to say what my favorite show was down in Nashville, but I can tell you that Timbo and his band are right in the running. It wasn’t too long into the set that I saw a familiar face walk in; Melissa Carper came to catch Timbo’s set. I grabbed a table and had a nice chat with Melissa between the songs and during the set break. One thing that really stuck with me is how humble and nice everyone in Nashville is. There wasn’t an artist I met that didn’t have a smile and a welcoming thing to say.

Sarah King, in town for Americanafest, stopped by the Ernest Tubb Record Shop for a photo with her spotlight in Honky Tonk Times.

Taylor Austin

Day 5

Day five was a wash. I was so tired, my feet were sore, and I had a 4 a.m. flight back to Vermont the following day. I spent the day in bed at my Airbnb, resting and working on the photos I took throughout the week. There were about five more shows I wanted to see that were all happening late that night. I was exhausted and couldn’t possibly pick one show to go to: I would have to have gone to them all.

I had an absolutely amazing time at Americanafest. I did some touristy things while I was down there that I won’t bore you with (you’re welcome). I walked...A LOT! If you go next year, wear boots you’ve already broken in. Most venues have covers, so buy a festival pass, which will get you into the Americanafest official showcases. Keep your eyes on social media because you’ll find out about all sorts of extra shows that are going on in town. Pay attention to suggestions from the musicians on shows you should see; they aren’t wrong. Make sure you bring cash for tipping and merch: please, please, please, if you like good music, always tip the band and buy the merch when you can. They deserve all the support we can give them. Americanafest has announced the dates for the 2022 festival (Sept. 13-18). Get your tickets early and plan the trip now. l won’t bore you with (you’re welcome). I walked...A LOT! If you go next year, wear boots you’ve already broken in. Most venues have covers, so buy a festival pass, which will get you into the Americanafest official showcases. Keep your eyes on social media because you’ll find out about all sorts of extra shows that are going on in town. Pay attention to suggestions from the musicians on shows you should see; they aren’t wrong. Make sure you bring cash for tipping and merch: please, please, please, if you like good music, always tip the band and buy the merch when you can. They deserve all the support we can give them. Americanafest has announced the dates for the 2022 festival (Sept. 13-18). Get your tickets early and plan the trip now. •