AmericanaFest kicked off on one of Nashville’s hottest days in a grueling summer. With the temperature reaching a scorching 100 degrees, attendees sought refuge in venues across the city. At Big Loud’s AmericanaFest showcase, festivalgoers faced a different kind of heat: the one they couldn’t escape, coming from the stage. At the Aviator Nation Dreamland shop in the Gulch, the packed room saw some of the brightest talents in Texas soul, modern country, Appalachian storytelling, and Americana show off their top-notch talent.
Over the course of two-and-a-half hours inside the packed store-turned-music venue, curious onlookers and the unfamiliar were converted into believers.
Opening things up was West Virginia native Nathan Bess. Armed with an arsenal of hard-scrabble tales, Bess kicked off the showcase with a steady, three-song, 15-minute set. Supported by a fiddle and mandolin player, Bess displayed the talents that have eyes on him as the latest rising voice in the Americana space.
Veteran singer-songwriter Waylon Payne recently released his latest album, Wayward, through the label. Rocking a suit that would have made Glen Campbell proud, the Texan showed off his songwriting chops as he performed several new songs during the set. His smooth, cool-handed demeanor was well-received. One of the day’s highlights was when Payne surprised the crowd by inviting Ashley Monroe (who shared a funny story about how they met at the Opry) on stage to perform “Together” off Wayward.
The cowboy hat-wearing Coleman Jennings, another Texan, brought his brand of traditional, twangy country to Music City. With a keyboardist, bassist, and drummer in tow, Jennings (like another charismatic Texan with the same last name) had the crowd focusing on his every move. His set closer “Right On” features some of his sharpest songwriting. The highlight? The song opens with a delicate Western-style whistle, giving it a cinematic vibe.
After three straight traditional country/Americana artists, Alex Lambert shook things up sonically. Once he popped on stage, the bespectacled singer got the crowd moving with his blend of country, R&B, and neo-soul. With a powerhouse vocal range, a strong sense of showmanship, and a command of a crowd, it’s easy to see why Big Loud Texas was so quick to sign him. Despite performing just a few songs, closing with “Beautiful Mind” and the slower, tender “Crying in the Rain,” Lambert showed why he’s a voice to be reckoned with in the years to come.
The CMA-nominated Thelma & James dazzled the audience, but their performance nearly didn’t happen. How? Singer McKenzie Porter was filming a TV show with Dennis Quaid down in Atlanta and just made it to the show. Cutting it close didn’t bother her at all. Porter, along with her partner on stage and in life, Jake Etheridge, gave the crowd plenty during their time on stage. Despite having formed just a year-and-a-half ago, the duo, who are seasoned songwriters, recently opened for Luke Combs on his stadium tour. Performing in this setting in front of a supportive crowd made it easy to see (and hear, with over 30 million streams to their name) why they’ve had success as quickly as they’ve had it.
Closing things out was the critically acclaimed Kashus Culpepper. The Alabama-born, Nashville-dwelling singer-songwriter was nondescript, wearing a University of Alabama shirt befitting a guy who performed a batch of rootsy country songs infused with elements of soul, blues, folk, gospel, and rock. The former SPIN cover star, whose lyrics, inspired by his upbringing, captivated the audience and kept them listening intently throughout the 25-minute set. Songs from his debut album, Act I, packed a punch and left the crowd wanting more.
See the full setlist from the event below:
Nathan Bess:
“Somethin’ About the Smell”
“Things Left Unsaid”
“Insane”
Waylon Payne:
“Looking For A Feeling”
“Together” w/ Ashley Monroe
“Weed By The Wall”
Coleman Jennings:
“Lead You Home”
“Ride On”
“Flying”
“Change”
Alex Lambert:
“Green In The Blues”
“Think I’m In Love”
“Beautiful Mind”
“Cryin’ In The Rain”
Thelma and James:
“Chainsmokin’ Memories”
“Alternate Ending”
“Happy Ever After You”
Kashus Culpepper:
“Better Weather”
“Alabama Beauty Queen”
“Pour Me Out”
“After Me?”
“Man Of His Word”