2012 Americana Music Festival Round-up

The 2012 Americana Music Festival descended upon Nashville this past weekend and I had the extreme privilege of covering it for CMT Edge. It all started with the Americana Music Association Awards show at the Ryman on Wednesday night where I got to see a variety of legends and newer notables tear up the stage in between heartfelt presentations and acceptance speeches. My personal highlights included getting to hear elder statesmen like Booker T. and Richard Thompson perform live, as well fantastic performances by Justin Townes Earle, Jason Isbell, Alabama Shakes and Cary Ann Hearst dueting with Hayes Carll.

Another non-showcase highlight from the week was getting to go to a CMT Edge taping with Justin Townes Earle and Jason Isbell. Hearing both songwriters perform solo in such an intimate setting was pretty unforgettable and as soon as the videos are up, I'll post them here.

Each night of the festival had multiple artists packing out venues all around Nashville and filling the air with beautiful music. Here are the links to my review for each incredible night.

Wednesday - Shovels and Rope, Blue Mountain and Sally Ford and the Sound Outside at The Basement

Thursday - Punch Brothers, Paul Thorn, Sara Watkins and Blue Highway at Cannery Ballroom

Friday - John Hiatt, Robert Ellis, Amanda Shires and Shelly Colvin at Cannery Ballroom

Saturday - Buddy Miller and Lee Ann Womack at Mercy Lounge and Wood Brothers at The Rutledge