September is right around the corner and you know what that means: it’s almost time to head to Nashville for three days of incredible artist showcases, radio summits, industry panels, late-night honky-tonking, and earnest attempts to spot Charley Crockett in an audience somewhere.
In other words, it’s time for AmericanaFest and more importantly, the 23rd Annual Americana Music Awards & Honors taking place Sept. 18th at the world-famous Ryman Auditorium.
To help celebrate the momentous evening, the fine folks at the AMAs always recruit a “who’s who” of the best and brightest newcomers, familiar favorites, and beloved iconoclasts for an evening of awards and truly memorable performances. This year will be no exception, as we’re just now getting wind of the nominees and honorees that will take center stage at the Mother Church during the evening.
The 23rd Annual Honors & Awards will feature performances by Blind Boys of Alabama, Brandy Clark with SistaStrings, Charles Wesley Godwin, Dave Alvin, Dwight Yoakam, Fantastic Negrito, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Jobi Riccio, Kaitlin Butts, Larkin Poe, The Milk Carton Kids, Noah Kahan, Sarah Jarosz, Shelby Lynne, Sierra Ferrell, Turnpike Troubadours, The War and Treaty, Waxahatchee with MJ Lenderman, and Wyatt Flores.
Of course, there’s always the chance for more performers to be added to this list as the countdown to the awards continues. Perhaps a spot for Tyler Childers? Or maybe even Kacey Musgraves?
Whoever they may or may not confirm at a later date (come on, Lukas Nelson or Billy Strings,) one thing is certain: this show is always a damn good time. More confirmed good news, though: general public tickets for the awards & honors are now on sale and can be found HERE.
Just a few months ago, the nominees were revealed for the big show. Tyler Childers and Sierra Ferrell head into this year’s Honors & Awards as the night’s top contenders, tied with three nods each for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and the prestigious Artist of the Year title. Critical darling Brandy Clark is hot on their heels with two nominations, one for Album of the Year with her self-titled project produced by Brandi Carlile and one for Song of the Year with her Grammy-winning anthem “Dear Insecurity,” which features Carlile on vocals. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards including the NMAAM co-presented Legacy of Americana Award will all be announced leading up to Americana music’s biggest night. In case you need a refresher, here they are.
Nominees for the Americana Music Association’s 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
“Rustin’ In The Rain,” Tyler Childers; Produced by Tyler Childers and The Food Stamps
“Brandy Clark,” Brandy Clark; Produced by Brandi Carlile
“Trail of Flowers,” Sierra Ferrell; Produced by Eddie Spear and Gary Paczosa
“The Past Is Still Alive,” Hurray for the Riff Raff; Produced by Brad Cook
“Weathervanes,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit; Produced by Jason Isbell
ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Tyler Childers
Charley Crockett
Sierra Ferrell
Noah Kahan
Allison Russell
DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Black Pumas
Larkin Poe
The Milk Carton Kids
Turnpike Troubadours
The War And Treaty
EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR:
Kaitlin Butts
Wyatt Flores
Charles Wesley Godwin
The Red Clay Strays
Jobi Riccio
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:
Grace Bowers
Maddie Denton
Jamie Dick
Megan McCormick
Joshua Rilko
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“In Your Love,” Tyler Childers; Written by Geno Seale and Tyler Childers
“Dear Insecurity,” Brandy Clark (feat. Brandi Carlile); Written by Brandy Clark and Michael Pollack
“American Dreaming,” Sierra Ferrell; Written by Melody Walker and Sierra Ferrell
“Jealous Moon,” Sarah Jarosz; Written by Daniel Tashian and Sarah Jarosz
“Right Back To It” – Waxahatchee (feat. MJ Lenderman); Written by Katie Crutchfield