The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum and the Americana Music Association will partner once again to offer one-of-a-kind programs during the 17th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference, Sept. 20 - 25.
“The mission of the Americana Music Association is to advocate for the authentic voice of American roots music around the world,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “Part of our own mission is to interpret this ever-changing art form. One of the ways we do that is through our educational programs. We are happy to partner once again with the AMA and AmericanaFest to further both our missions and offer what is sure to be an unforgettable week of music and conversation.”
"This is our 10th consecutive year working with Kyle Young and his team to produce these special events at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum,” said Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly. "It's a perfect partnership, and we are excited to again co-present some of the best educational and entertaining events to fans of Americana and music lovers from all over the world.”
AmericanaFest activities at the museum begin Wednesday, Sept. 21, in the Ford Theater with a special interview featuring Nashville indie artist Margo Price, moderated by NPR Music Critic Ann Powers and presented in partnership with NPR Music. Later that day, country music iconoclast Dwight Yoakam will participate in an interview hosted by Brian Mansfield and a performance accompanied by Jon Randall Stuart, Bryan Sutton, Barry Bales, Adam Steffey, Scott Vestal and Stuart Duncan.
On Thursday, Sept. 22, Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Del McCoury will participate in an interview and perform songs from his latest release, Del and Woody. Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, will also be featured in a performance and interview moderated by artist Buddy Miller.
On Friday afternoon, NPR Music’s Bob Boilen will discuss his new book Your Song Changed My Life: From Jimmy Page to St. Vincent, Smokey Robinson to Hozier, Thirty-Five Beloved Artists on Their Journey and the Music That Inspired It. Boilen will be joined by singer/songwriter John Paul White to talk about the music that altered the course of his life and inspired his new solo project, Beulah. White will also perform.
Saturday will round-out the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s AmericanaFest activities with a Jim Lauderdale songwriter session and Music Masters program featuring producer Jim Rooney.
AmericanaFest 2016 will feature more than 200 acts performing in 14 venues across Nashville and more than 50 educational workshops and panels, making it Nashville’s most comprehensive music education event. Festival and conference registrations may be purchased here ($325 for Americana Music Association members / $425 for non-members) until Wednesday, Sept. 21. Rates will increase to $475 for walk-up admission.
All programs will be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming and are presented in partnership with the Americana Music Association. The live stream of the conversation with Powers and Price will also be embedded on NPR.org/music. Each program is included with museum admission and free to museum members and AMA badge holders. Limited seating. Program pass required.
Additional programming information can be found at countrymusichalloffame.org/AmericanaFest
