52 New Names Added to the 2018 AmericanaFest Lineup
AmericanaFest in Nashville has just added an additional 52 names to their already massive 2018 lineup, swelling the total amount of announced performers to 225. The latest wave of announcements might include some of the biggest names of the festival so far, not limited to legends such as Rosanne Cash—who also was just announced as one of the year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients—as well Kathy Mattea, Richard Thompson, and Buddy Miller.
From the ranks of independent country, Tyler Childers, Mike and the Moonpies, JP Haris, Charley Crockett, Jeremy Pinnell, Paul Cauthen, Lilly Hiatt, and others made the cut, along with some great bluegrass acts such as Mandolin Orange and Wood & Wire.
Though the bulk of the 2018 AmericanaFest lineup has now been announced, don’t be surprised if a few more names trickle out between now and September 11th when the festival begins in earnest, putting the total names near 250.
Also as part of the AmericanaFest festivities will be the Americana Music Awards held on Wednesday of the event at the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium. The nominees for the awards were announced in May.
Part industry conference, part fan festival, AmericanaFest combines scores of venues across Nashville for hundreds of performances and showcases. The 19th Annual festival will span six total days from September 11th to the 16th. From country and bluegrass, to folk, blues, roots rock, and everything in between, up-and-comers to legends, newer venues to historic spots, AmericanaFest will cover it all.
Wristbands that get you into most all AmericanaFest performance go for only $75 and can be purchased here.
2018 AmericanaFest NEW Lineup Additions:
• Amanda Shires • Arkansas Dave • Birds of Chicago • Birdtalker • Bones Owens • Brandi & the Alexanders • Buddy Miller • Buxton • Charley Crockett • Charlie Faye & The Fayettes • Choir! Choir! Choir! • Chris Gantry • Chris Shiflett • Creamer • DADDY • Dylan Pratt • Elise Davis • Elizabeth Cook • Fantastic Negrito • Hymn For Her • Ian Moore • Janiva Magness • Jason James • Jeremy Pinnell • JP Harris • Kathy Mattea • Lee Roy Parnell • Leslie Stevens • Lilly Hiatt• Mandolin Orange • Max Gomez• Mike & The Moonpies • Neighbor Lady • New Reveille• Oliver Hazard • Paul Cauthen • Peter Bradley Adams • Rev. Sekou • Richard Thompson • Rosanne Cash • Samantha Fish • Sarah Siskind • Taylor Kingman • The Lone Bellow • Thomas Csorba • Tom Freund • Town Mountain • Tyler Childers • Walter Salas-Humara • William Fitzsimmons • Wood & Wire • Yola Carter
2018 AmericanaFest Round 1 & Round 2 Announcements:
• Aaron Lee Tasjan • AHI • Amy Helm • Amythyst Kiah • Andrew Combs • Ashley Monroe • Asleep at the Wheel • Austin Lucas • Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons • Blackfoot Gypsies • Bobby Long • Bones Owens • Bottle Rockets • Buffalo Gospel • Caleb Caudle • Candi Staton • Carson McHone • CORDOVAS • Courtney Marie Andrews • Daniel Donato • Darling West • Doug Seegers • Esther Rose • Fanny Lumsden • Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen • Great Peacock • Greyhounds • Guthrie Trapp • Guy Davis • Hayes Carll • HYWAYS • I’m With Her • Ian Noe • J2B2 (John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band) • Jackie Greene • Jason Boland & The Stragglers • Jedd Hughes • Jill Andrews • Jim Lauderdale • Jim White • John Hiatt • John Paul Keith • John Prine and Friends • John Smith • Johnny Irion • Kaia Kater • Kelsey Waldon • Kirby Brown • Kristin Andreassen • Kyle Daniel • Leah Blevins • Lera Lynn • Logan Ledger • Lucie Silvas • Mando Saenz • Mandy Barnett • Mike Farris • Mindy Smith • Mipso • Molly Tuttle • My Politic • Nicki Bluhm • Ordinary Elephant • Peter Case • Phil Cook • Pony Bradshaw • River Whyless • Robbie Fulks with Linda Gail Lewis • Robby Hecht & Caroline Spence • Romantica • Ross Cooper • Ruby Boots • Ruen Brothers • Sam Morrow • Sarah Borges • Sugaray Rayford Band • SZLACHETKA • The Americans • The Andy Golledge Band • The Band of Heathens • The Josephines • The Last Revel • The Milk Carton Kids • The Nude Party • The Reckless Electric • The Suffers • THE WANDERING HEARTS • The Watson Twins • The Way Down Wanderers • Tim Bluhm • Tommy Ash • Treetop Flyers • Tyler Ramsey • Tyrone Cotton • Van William • Whitehorse • Will Hoge • William the Conqueror
• Alejandro Escovedo • American Aquarium • American Folk • ANIMAL YEARS • The Black Lillies • Brandy Clark • Caitlin Canty • Carolina Story • Catherine Britt • Cedric Burnside • Chance McCoy • The Commonheart • Courtney Hartman • Dawn Landes • Dead Horses • Devon Gilfillian • Dom Flemons • Drivin N Cryin • The Earls of Leicester • Emily Scott Robinson • Erin Rae • Ghost of Paul Revere • H.C. McEntire • Hayley Thompson-King • Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs • Holly Macve • Ida Mae • Israel Nash • Jade Jackson • Jaime Wyatt • Jamie McLean Band • Jeffrey Foucault • Jerry Douglas • Jill Andrews • Joe Purdy • John Carter Cash • John Craigie • John Oates • Josh Rennie-Hynes • Katie Pruitt • Kim Richey • Lee Ann Womack & Friends • Lindsay Lou • Liz Brasher • Lucky Lips • Luke Winslow-King • Lula Wiles • Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear • Mary Gauthier • The McCrary Sisters • McKenzie Lockhart • Mountain Heart • Nicholas Jamerson • Nitty Gritty Dirt Band • Phil Madeira • Prinz Grizzley and his Beargaroos • Ron Pope • Ruston Kelly • Sam Lewis • Scott Mulvahill • Shemekia Copeland • Shook Twins • The Small Glories • Sons Of Bill • Southern Avenue • Sunny War • Them Coulee Boys • Tommy Emmanuel • Vandoliers • The War and Treaty • Whiskey Wolves of the West • William Crighton • William Prince • Worry Dolls
ScottG
July 25, 2018 @ 7:44 pm
It’s interesting what “Americana” is turning into and I have mixed feelings. On one hand I have always liked a lot of artists that fit best in that description and I like the idea of it. It just seems like it’s a fad and people who might otherwise be “alternative” or “rock” saw where the money might be headed, so they joined up. Every once in awhile I try watching Ditty TV….and that feeing gets amplified.
It’s always a double edged sword though. Commercialism helps artists and I can’t blame people for wanting to make money, but it also sure does ruin things in a way…
Kevin Smith
July 26, 2018 @ 4:13 am
I share some of your sentiment Scott. The issue I’m always struggling to grasp though, is what is Americana? The umbrella is getting bigger each year. At the rate we’Re going, everything eventually will be included. There has been talk from Keb mo to include jazz, hip hop and r&b.Can you imagine? And while we are at it, let’s add rock n roll, metal and crooner pop in the mix. So at that point, Americana becomes a competitor to the Grammys. What’s the point??!
Truthfully, it began as a home for so called Alt Country and it made sense on some level. But with each passing year it becomes more confusing, what to include and what to exclude.
Anyone else have an interesting take on it?
Black Boots
July 26, 2018 @ 7:23 am
As long as the music being made is great, i don’t give a rat’s ass what the umbrella is called, personally.
Trigger
July 26, 2018 @ 10:13 am
I do think Americana is feeling pressure to diversify sonically, which is lending to its nebulous definition, instead of understanding its nebulous definition is its biggest burden. Everyone wants their place in Americana, because of the implosion of rock and the exclusive nature of mainstream country, it’s the only healthy alternative. I personally think the diversity of Americana is one of its strengths and I think it’s incredibly diverse, but no organization is getting criticized more for not being inclusive than Americana.
ScottG
July 26, 2018 @ 10:34 am
To be clear, from my original comment, I’m not too concerned about labels and categorization and all that stuff (though I’m not saying its not interesting or important). To me It’s more the fadish nature of everyone being all old timey all of a sudden. There have been people doing that for some time now, but suddenly it’s exploded. And like all fads, I wonder what will be left when all the recent converts jump ship onto the next bandwagon. Oh well, at the end of the day I should probably just chill the fuck out and enjoy listening to the good ones.
Trigger
July 26, 2018 @ 11:24 am
Well yeah, that’s really hip in East Nashville at the moment, and that’s also why we see multiple artists abandon that direction a few records into their careers because they decided they really weren’t that into country or old time music to begin with. I think that’s an element to Americana, especially since the organization is based in Nashville. But I think with Americana’s age diversity, it’s a lot more than just folks bandwagoning.
Kevin Smith
July 26, 2018 @ 12:00 pm
Agreed Trig. And, if you make Americana all-inclusive, it will lose any semblance of relavance to music. Do we need a rival to The Grammys? Nope.
Furthermore, there are already great organizations in place that represent blues and bluegrass.
Admittedly there are many artists who benefit from Americana. Songwriters in particular who aren’t neccesarily one genre , but are inspired by roots music, as well as bands that defy categorization. But if you weight it down with too many inclusions, then it’s gonna collapse under its own weight IMO.
Dennixx
July 25, 2018 @ 8:26 pm
I along w others hate that music must be categorized to market specific segments of the spending and listening public .
While this seems focused on ” Americana” as it were, I see many artists that fit but aren’t marketed as such.
This week sounds as if It could potentially be one of the greatest weeks in history of music for fans of real music..for lack of a better term.
Dennixx
July 25, 2018 @ 8:30 pm
Fuck me but Shemikia Copland, Lee Ann Womack and Janiva Magness on the same bill.
Can’t make this year.
I’m there in 2019
apage021
July 25, 2018 @ 9:56 pm
Great list, wish I could go. Not sure if the only one, but Bones Owens is listed in the new lineup additions and under the first round.
Corncaster
July 26, 2018 @ 5:19 am
It’d be a nice vacation, but who can afford six days in the fall? Trig, you can go, take lots of video, talk to people, and just generally wear yourself out reporting on every single act, top to bottom, with nothing left out. I’ll send you some corn whiskey to keep you upright.
ScottG
July 26, 2018 @ 7:07 am
Hard to tell what it actually costs until they announce the full schduldue and wether or not you need to register – $400. They don’t tell you what the $75 wrist band is good for until the whole schedule is announced, or when that will be. Assuming the higher profile shows are “showcase” and won’t be accessible with just the wristband. I’d hate to go all the way there and have “most” of the shows mean all except the ones I really want to see. So yeah, it does add up- but I would be hard pressed to see more good music in an entire year, let alone a week. It is tempting…As they say on their site: “This wristband is the best valued festival access in the nation. You definitely get a huge bang for your buck!” Overnight “fall” accommodations are definitely where the expense is. Maybe the universe is telling me not to go, buy Expedia and other travel sites being down this morning.
Black Boots
July 26, 2018 @ 7:36 am
SCM commenters should all bunch up and squeeze into some shitty hotel room outside of Nashville for a really cheap week on lodging.
ScottG
July 26, 2018 @ 8:01 am
You and TxMusic in the same room?
Black Boots
July 26, 2018 @ 8:02 am
My biggest fan!
Jim L.
July 26, 2018 @ 8:13 am
Airbnb it. Found a great place about a mile from that soda straw roundabout (my navigational beacon) for $75/night. And you’ll be exhausted from trying to catch all the great acts available with just the wristband. Plenty of must-see outdoor tent shows during the day also. I barely have time to eat that week.
Black Boots
July 26, 2018 @ 8:17 am
75 a night sounds pricey if you’re going for the whole week!
Jim L.
July 26, 2018 @ 8:36 am
Compared to $300-$400 / night at the conference hotel, and similar downtown accommodations, it’s a bargain.
Also no disrespect to the Korean vets intended…
http://www.nashvillelifestyles.com/bestof/eight-things-you-need-to-know-about-nashvilles-stix-sculpture
ScottG
July 26, 2018 @ 9:32 am
Not if it’s for a 5 bedroom house…
Black Boots
July 26, 2018 @ 8:38 am
You’re not by chance the guitar guy on YouTube are ya?
Jim L.
July 26, 2018 @ 8:58 am
Nope. What guitar guy?
Black Boots
July 26, 2018 @ 8:59 am
Not sure if you’re going to get this reply as there’s no “reply” option on your reply to me, only on my own response to your original one, but Jim Lil, i think his name is. A really good country guitar player who’s got a channel on youtube. Thought you might be him, that’s all!
Jim L.
July 26, 2018 @ 9:01 am
Will have to check him out. Thanks.
Trigger
July 26, 2018 @ 10:17 am
From experience, the $75 will get you into more stuff than you can absolutely possibly see. Your concern attending this will not be access, it will be wanting to have a cloning machine so you can be three places at once.
Obviously AmericanaFest is not for everybody, and lodging in Nashville has become extremely expensive due to a lack of inventory. But if you can find a place to stay, it’s one of the most affordable musical experiences out there.
ScottG
July 26, 2018 @ 11:15 am
Thanks Trigger…. It does look like a great deal… no doubt. But for example, I would kill to see “John Prine & Friends” and Tyler. But we are sitting here about 6 weeks out not knowing if that will cost an additional $400 or not. That’s it, I’m done complaining. I am seriously considering going, if I can.
Corncaster
July 26, 2018 @ 11:54 am
So what short things can we say about some of the people on this massive list?
I’ll pony up that if you like Tyler Childers and wonder which woman from eastern Kentucky sounds like she came out of there with similar strength and sap, I’d say Leah Blevins. A great arresting voice, and writing chops that haven’t touched their peak. Right there on the railroad line between mountain and country music. Beautiful.
ScottG
July 26, 2018 @ 2:58 pm
Molly Tuttle is a pretty bad-ass bluegrass player / singer. Her last album is good too. She merges bluegrass with some good songwriting but can play flat out fast runs like the best of them…
Corncaster
July 26, 2018 @ 4:57 pm
Agreed. Molly Tuttle’s crosspicking is a stone cold wonder of the modern world. Doc should be proud.
Jim L.
July 26, 2018 @ 12:25 pm
As far as who’s playing when, I see that the app was last updated on August 3rd last year. So hopefully we will have a tentative schedule in a week or so.
Gina
July 27, 2018 @ 8:07 am
Yeah, they update the app as soon as they have times, venues, etc. Super excited for this year. Last year was amazing.
Col Clam
August 6, 2018 @ 4:45 pm
The app is well done, and was incredibly helpful last year. It would notify you of any changes, you can map out your day, etc… Looking forward to this year.
Jim L.
October 23, 2018 @ 10:13 pm
OK, this is way late, but did anyone attend the Tuesday “Better Off Together” showcase at Basement East featuring Andrew Leahy, Chuck Mead, Whiskey Wolves, and dozens of other incredible artists?
Really need to know the name of the young guy who sung the unexpected, stunning cover of Dirty Work by Steely Dan. Time and alcohol have erased my memory! Thanks!!
Bigbadnurse
June 15, 2021 @ 11:22 am
Some think Americana is where washed up country stars go to die. I think it’s where they land with their self respect intact. Look at the way some have embarrassed themselves chasing trends