5 AmericanaFest acts we can't wait to see | The Pick

Matthew Leimkuehler, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read

AmericanaFest — AKA the week where my most-played artists on Spotify take over Nashville — returns in a month to clubs and concert halls across the city. Music reporter Matt Leimkuehler here, digging into an early look at the massive lineup with five artists I'm *not* missing this year.

  • 49 Winchester. The hype for this self-described country-soul outfit continues to grow.

  • Adia Victoria. Her backalley indie blues-rock single "Ain't Killed Me Yet" hasn't left my most-played rotation in months (thanks for that, WNXP!).

  • Early James. A Southern songwriter on the rise, James releases his second Dan Auerbach-produced LP "Strange Time To Be Alive" this month.

  • Nikki Lane. Always a must-see, Lane returns to AmericanaFest days before releasing a new album, "Denim & Diamonds."

  • Fisk Jubilee Singers. Any day's a good day to watch this storied Nashville group.

Vehicles pass by during the Tomato Art Fest Porch Parade in the East Nashville of Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020.
Vehicles pass by during the Tomato Art Fest Porch Parade in the East Nashville of Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020.

Tomato Art Fest takes over East Nashville

Celebrate homegrown food, art and music as the long-running Tomato Art Fest returns Friday and Saturday for two days of *free* fun.

  • Something to see: Yes, yes ... who doesn't love free tunes from ace Nashville musicians and one-of-a-kind tomato art shows? Still, if you venture to East Nashville this weekend, don't sleep on the home decorating contest, cornhole tournament or the ugly tomato show (yes, it's a thing).

For starved live music fans wanting a non-tomato taste of tunes this weekend, consider these shows ...

  • Friday: Red Hot Chili Peppers play Nissan Stadium with The Strokes and Thundercat.

  • Friday: Country trailblazer Rissi Palmer returns to the Grand Ole Opry for a night that also includes best-selling Christian act For King & Country and Nashville hitmaker Dustin Lynch.

  • Saturday: Rich Ruth celebrates the release of a new album "I Survived, It's Over" at Third Man's Blue Room.

Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis sings at Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn., on June 10, 2017.
Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis sings at Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn., on June 10, 2017.

Who's up for a Dove Award(or nine)?

Aforementioned powerhouse duo King & Country, fast-rising worship collective Maverick City Music and longtime Christian music staple Matthew West lead nominations to the 2022 Dove Awards, Christian music's premier ceremony. 

  • Fun fact: The most-nominated artist at the upcoming show might not be one listeners immediately recognize. Largely behind the scenes, producer and songwriter Jeff Pardo appears nine times on the ballot this year — including a pair of Song of the Year nominations.

Bonnaroo watch

It's never too early to start planning for Bonnaroo, right? The dust hasn't settled on 2022, but festival faithful can already set their calendar for next year. Bonnaroo organizers confirmed earlier this week that the festival returns June 15-18, 2023.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 5 AmericanaFest shows we can't wait to see | The Pick