Our regional music spotlight is back and we’re inviting The Bluegrass State to help celebrate our 23rd annual AMERICANAFEST, Sept. 19-23 in Nashville. We’re highlighting Kentucky for this year’s festival which will feature multiple panels, special events and a musical showcase sharing the best that the state has to offer.
Bottom Row: Justin Wells, Brit Taylor, The Wheelhouse Rousters, Abby Hamilton
Scheduling details and times are available here.
Hear the Sounds of Kentucky
This year, you can catch two nights of musical performances featuring native Kentuckians. Showcasing acts will take center stage with sets from Eric Bolander, Ruen Brothers, Jonell Mosser, Nat Myers, The Wheelhouse Rousters, Abby Hamilton, Justin Wells and Brit Taylor as they represent The Bluegrass State at 3rd & Lindsley on Thursday, Sept. 21, and The Vinyl Lounge on Friday, Sept. 22.
Thursday night at 3rd & Lindsley will close with a special tribute honoring the career and legacy of Loretta Lynn. Backed by an all-star house band, The War And Treaty, Wendy Moten, Tayla Lynn & Tre Twitty, India Ramey, Tommy Prine, Adeem The Artist and more will salute the legendary artist.
Explore Kentucky’s Past, Present and Future
In-depth panels begin on Wednesday with “Roots and Branches: Kentucky Music,” a discussion moderated by the state’s poet laureate and bestselling novelist Silas House. He will be joined by S.G. Goodman, Kelsey Waldon and Nat Myers as they discuss the history, legacy, and current state of Kentucky’s music and the way it has helped to shape American music since the beginning.
On Thursday, “Kentucky Bluegrass, Past And Future” will outline the genre’s history from its early beginnings with Bill Monroe to the tutelage of Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitley. Then take a glimpse into what the future hold and how the IBMA built a vital bluegrass museum in Owensboro.
Celebrate the Bluegrass State’s Culture & Traditions
LogStill Distillery, Visit Owensboro and The Bluegrass Situation invite you to sample some authentic Kentucky bourbon and bluegrass music from the Mama Said String Band and the Owensboro Bluegrass Band.
The bourbon tasting continues on Saturday at The Basement with a serving of the Commonwealth’s signature fried chicken.
Plus there will be musical performances from Boa Boys, Jeremy Pinnell, Laid Back Country Picker, Leah Blevins, Nine Pound Hammer and The Josephines.
How can I attend? For details on how you can attend all of these events, check out their listings in our mobile app and in our online daily schedule here.
If you haven’t bought your pass to AMERICANAFEST yet, click here.