AmericanaFest

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AmericanaFest 2024

Tips to Make the Most of It

AmericanaFest is a joyful celebration of diverse artists who don’t fit neatly into previously existing formats. This big umbrella covers sounds from blues to bluegrass, folk to zydeco.

Let’s cover the basics, then turn to some tips to help you navigate your time in Nashville. I’ll add more details, including participating venues, as they become available.

Official site: AmericanaFest

September 17-21, 2024

Official Website

The Conference

Who attends these practical sessions? Artists, managers, labels, radio stations, publishers, agents, promoters, retailers, legal and business affairs executives, merchandisers, new media professionals, and fans who want a perspective inside the industry. These educational sessions take the form of panel discussions, seminars, and special daytime performances.

To attend, purchase a Silver Pass, priced at $449 plus tax for purchase in advance and $549 plus tax for walk-ups. In addition to educational events, this gives you admission to all evening programs provided the venue has not already reached capacity.

Home base this year is Embassy Suites, 708 Demonbreun Street, across the street from Music City Center,  our convention center. You’ll find lots of other lodging options nearby but be prepared: staying downtown is expensive.

SAVINGS TIP  For affordable options only about 8 blocks from Embassy Suites, check out Best Western Plus/Music Row and Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville/Music City Center. You’ll also find a number of short-term rentals nearby.

The Concerts

Individual showcase schedules will be announced soon. Headliners include Neko Case, Waxahatchee, Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with the Guilty Ones, and John Oates Acoustic Band. See this l-o-n-g list of who’s performing.

Access to all nightly showcases and select special events is $125 plus tax.

NOTE: Admission is limited to the capacity of the venue. Holding a Festival Pass does NOT guarantee admission so arrive early to claim your place.

In addition to these concerts, you can separately purchase admission to these special events:

The National Museum of African American Music is hosting two one-hour songwriter rounds at noon on Sept. 19 and 20.

Americana 2024 artists

Americana Music Awards

Held on Wednesday evening, September 18th, 6:30pm at the Ryman Auditorium, this year’s top nominees are Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell, and Brandy Clark. Performers and presenters have not been announced at this writing.

This year’s recipients of Lifetime Achievement honors are Dave Alvin, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Rev. Gary Davis, Shelby Lynne, Don Was, and Dwight Yoakam. Ticket info here.

Membership

Membership in the Americana Music Association is available in three categories:

  • Artist/Musician/Songwriter
  • Industry
  • Donor

And in case you’re wondering, “Donor” doesn’t mean big bucks. It’s just $50/year and open to everyone who loves Americana music. Go here for a rundown of benefits including a $100 discount on an AmericanaFest Silver Pass.

Helpful Links for Visitors

Quick links to aid your planning:

Downtown Essentials

When you need more than a Honky Tonk

Closest Pharmacy

  • Walgreen’s Our only downtown pharmacy is at 226 5th Ave., N. Store hours: M-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat. 8am-7pm, Sun 9am-6pm. Pharmacy hours: M-F 7:30am-5:30pm, Closed on Sat-Sun.

Closest Grocery/Convenience Stores

  • Corner Market at 300 Church St. crams a ton of merchandise in a slender space. If you need a cup of non-designer coffee, a toothbrush, Red Bull or Pepto-Bismol, these folks can hook you up. Note: they’re open later than the others. Hours: Sun-Thurs, 7am-9pm; Fr-Sat, 7am-midnight.
  • Southernaire is in SoBro, south of Broadway at 150 3rd Ave, S.. You won’t find Cheerios or Gatorade here; it’s an upscale market with artisanal products, locally grown produce, a selection of bottled craft beers, a butcher’s counter, and a prepared food spot for paninis and daily specials.
  • Dollar General Store (DGX), 206 3rd Avenue, S. This location caters to the tourist population with items you won’t find in the typical Dollar General. Basically an urban convenience store.
  • Savi Urban Market at 415 Church Street feels like an old-school general store with all sorts of merchandise stacked high–plus a deli counter, rotisserie chicken, and a wide selection of beverages. No website so call (615) 244-9892 if you want to check on an item before heading out.
  • Turnip Truck, located in The Gulch at 321 12th Ave. S., advertises itself as “your natural grocery.” Translation: fresh, locally sourced, whole foods along with a juice bar, salad bar, and hot food bar. Hours: M-Sat 7:00am-9pm, Sun 8am-8pm.
  • Whole Foods at 1202 Broadway includes a hot bar, in-house bakery and a dining area. Open 7am-10pm daily.
  • Publix-Capitol View is a smaller-than-average store but still has a butcher shop, bakery, and deli. Open 7am-10pm daily.
  • Nashville Fresh Market at 531 4th Ave. It crams a lot into its store include beverages, fruit, snacks, over-the-counter meds, and to-go meals.
  • Fresh Pick Market and Café in a corner of Music City Center is more coffee shop and quick-grab foods than an actual market–but if you’re needing Tylenol, drop by.

Closest Medical Attention

For after-hours care, the closest ER facilities are Ascension St. Thomas Midtown and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Another option is GetWell Health, a mobile medical practice that comes to you for basic care, IV infusions, and such.

Hydration therapy and similar treatments downtown:
* Vida-Flo @ 1516 Demonbreun, (615)454-9123
* IntraVenous Solutions @ 221 2nd Ave. N., 3rd floor, (615)393-6978
* IV Nutrition @315 Deaderick St., Suite 190, (615)235-1998

Read what downtown police officers recommend to stay safe and be smart downtown.