Americanafest

AmericanaFest 2025, held from September 9–13 in Nashville, felt like a celebration of roots—not just musical, but communal, traditional, and exploratory. The festival unfolded across a range of venues, from intimate clubs and record stores to grand stages like the Ryman Auditorium. This variety allowed attendees to drift from a quiet in-store acoustic set to a high-energy electric performance with ease. Beyond the music, the conference panels and side events added meaningful layers, offering discussions on Americana’s history, songwriting craft, and contemporary challenges such as AI, streaming, and the economics of making music.

Among the standout performances, Kristina Murray impressed in smaller settings like Exit/In, where she showcased her “Little Blue” record with clarity and emotional resonance. The Watson Twins brought charm and harmony to their set, also at Exit/In, which felt more like a communal gathering than a gig. Rodney Crowell’s appearance at 3rd & Lindsley, alongside “Rodney Crowell & Friends,” was part tribute, part jam session, and drew a strong response from the crowd. Rosie Flores, celebrating her 75th birthday during the festival, delivered a set full of punch, blending nostalgia with fresh energy.

Emerging acts like Nicholas Jamerson also made an impact, with powerful vocals, strong songwriting, and a tight band. These smaller showcases often captured the spirit of AmericanaFest—less about spectacle, more about discovery.

Several themes ran through the festival. There was a strong representation of women and non-male artists, particularly in the side showcases. The programming struck a balance between reverence for tradition—old-time string bands, folk, country roots—and a willingness to take risks and blend genres. Songwriting remained central, with frequent conversations about lyrics, storytelling, and the legacy of songs. AmericanaFest continues to value artistic contribution over commercial polish, and both the panels and performances reinforced that ethos.

As with many sprawling festivals, pacing was key. With dozens of shows across multiple venues, overlapping schedules, and the logistics of getting from place to place, it could be overwhelming. But for those who embrace the marathon, the rewards were rich.

Ultimately, AmericanaFest 2025 reaffirmed its status as a premier gathering for roots, folk, country, and Americana-adjacent music. It honoured the past while listening keenly for what’s next. For fans of songwriting, authenticity, and musical tradition as a living, breathing force, it delivered in spades. Those expecting the slickness of a major pop festival might find something more nuanced, intimate, and varied here—with trade-offs, yes, but also a charm that’s hard to replicate.