AMA Conference Opens Next Wednesday In Nashville
The Tennessee State Museum will play host to the Americana Music Festival’s opening party, Wednesday (10/31)from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Presented by The Americana Music Association and Great American Country (GAC), this free, family-friendly event is open to the public and will feature a special musical salute to Porter Wagoner with performances by Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Rodney Crowell, and some very special guests and friends of the Wagonmaster himself.

Known for his showmanship, rhinestone suits and silver pompadour, Wagoner’s extraordinary career spans five decades. The multiple Grammy winner recently celebrated his 50th year with the Grand Ole Opry and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. As the host of the syndicated television show The Porter Wagoner Show, he introduced the world to Dolly Parton. After racking up 81 charted records, the 80-year-old Wagoner recently released “Wagonmaster,” produced by Marty Stuart. The “Thin Man From West Plains” proves he is still a relevant force in American music by seamlessly bridging the generations while still staying true to his country heritage.

“It’s that legacy we want to honor as we open our 8th Annual Festival and Conference,” says AMA Executive Director Jed Hilly. “I can’t think of a better place to recognize Porter than the Tennessee State’s Museum’s breathtaking exhibit, “Sparkle and Twang,” Marty Stuart’s American Music Odyssey. It’s a visual history lesson on the legacy of folk, country, rock, gospel and Americana music, of which Porter is such a big a part of.”

It’s also the organization’s way of inviting Nashville to the party to learn more about Americana Music. The event will assemble some of the city’s finest artist/songwriters and musicians on the Museum stage. The jam is hosted by Jim Lauderdale and will feature Buddy Miller, Rodney Crowell, and other surprise guests. “We hope people will come to the museum and bring their kids with them—in costumes, of course,” says Hilly. “This is an event for all ages, and being Halloween, anything goes.”

Great Americana Country is a co-sponsor of the party. Also presenting the event is the Nashville Film Festival, Billy Block, Nashville Songwriters Association International and Nashville Lifestyles. Guests will have the opportunity to talk to representatives from these organizations and learn more about them as well.

Slated for Wednesday, October 31, through Saturday, November 3, the Eighth Annual Americana Festival and Conference will offer daily seminars, panels and networking opportunities at the Nashville Convention Center. Each evening brings stacked Americana showcases to key venues throughout Nashville. One ticket to the November 1st Americana Honors and Awards show held at the Ryman Auditorium is included in each conference registration packet. The general public may now also purchase tickets for the ceremony through the Ryman and Ticketmaster outlets for $35 each. $30 wristbands granting admission to all evening showcases are also available to non-members of the Association.