With Americana covering so many musical genres it’s a relief to see that ‘real’ country music, whether traditional or more contemporary continues to be well represented at the annual AMERICANAFEST, now celebrating its 23rd anniversary. This year was no exception with so much on offer for those looking for twangy guitars, weeping pedal steel and country fiddles. Here are a number of the acts that hit the Lonesome Highway sweet spot at the festival.
Skinny Dennis @ Sound Sharp hosted by Zephaniah OHora
A dream line-up that included sets by the hardest working artist at the festival, Brennen Leigh together with Kristina Murray - showcasing new songs from her next album, Joshua Hedley and Zephaniah OHora. Despite the constant chatter by over half the audience - why attend these if you’re going to spend the time chatting loudly with your friends? - this was a fun-filled event hosted by Zephaniah, whose recent relocation to Nashville promises many memorable shows like this one.
Pat Reedy & The Long – at Bobby’s Idle Hour
A highlight of the week with Pat Reedy and his cracking band at Music Row’s legendary neighbourhood honky tonk. Pat’s guests included Dylan Earl, West of Texas, Rosy Nolan and Bob Wayne. Great music, dancing, company and fun at one of Music Row’s finest music rooms.
Brennen Leigh at Dee’s Cocktail Lounge
Given the amount of ground she covered, Brennen’s white travel van could be seen parked at various locations around Nashville, both legally and illegally. We managed to catch two of her shows, the latter and an outdoor event at Dee’s Cocktail Lounge. A stalwart of country music for the past two decades, Brennen has hit a purple patch in recent years, reflected by this show which featured a selection of songs from her last three albums.
Victoria Bailey at Acme & Seed
Appearing at the California Country Show alongside twelve other acts, Victoria’s twenty-minute slot was quality and a reminder, if we needed it, of an artist on the brink of a breakthrough to a career that’s going to find her gracing much larger stages in the future.
Summer Dean
A relatively late starter as a professional, Summer Dean has made up for lost time with two fine albums in the past few years. Popping up on so many stages during the festival, we caught her dynamic show at Dee’s Cocktail Lounge where her slot mirrored the quality of those albums.
Jim Lauderdale
An artist that never fails to deliver, his appointment with The Game Changers as his backing band is a match made in country heaven. Jim played a storming set at East Nash Bowl and also featured at The Basement East for A Tribute of the Songs of 1973.
Emmy Nenni
Our first opportunity to see Emily perform live and no better venue to do so than the American Legion on Tuesday Honky Tonk Night. Performing a setlist drawn from her album ON THE RANCH, she reminded us why that album is one of our favourites of this year.
West Of Texas
HEARTACHE, HANGOVERS & HONKY TONKS, from 2021, was our introduction to West of Texas and they delivered a set packed with Bakersfield and Texan-influenced country tunes at Love & Exile and Bobby’s Idle Hour.
The Pink Stones
Recreating the late 60s cosmic country sound of The Burrito Brothers and New Riders of The Purple Sage, The Pink Stones nailed their forty-five-minute slot at the 5 Spot.
Joshua Hedley
Whether performing solo or with a band ‘Mr. Jukebox’ lived up to his reputation as one of the hardest-working and talented country artists in Nashville. Alongside festival showcases Joshua also played his Monday and Friday four-hour residency shows at Robert’s Western World on Broadway.
Kimmi Bitter
A throwback to the classic country of the 60s and Western swing of earlier decades, Kimmi’s crystal-clear vocals and relaxed style reiterated why she’s been recognised in many circles as an artist confidently climbing the country music ladder.
Dylan Earl
Whether playing solo and with guests at the 5 Spot or fronting a band at Bobby’s Idle Hour, Dylan Earl’s classic country vocals and clever material were a joy to behold. Blending country weepies alongside some fun filled ballads he made a lot of new friends and admirers along the way.
Overview and photographs by Declan Culliton