With fall upon us, Gibson Garage Nashville is preparing for a barrage of electrifying performances during AMERICANAFEST week, celebrating not only the thriving Americana music scene but also Gibson’s 130-year history. Downtown Nashville is home to the Gibson Garage, a beacon of the enduring legacy that makes this one of the most iconic guitar brands in the world.
Coming events perfectly blend established and emerging artists, guitar education, and a special tribute to women in music. It is at this junction of talent and tradition that one can explore the changing landscape of Americana music and Gibson’s integral place within its core development.
The Gibson Garage on Wednesday, September 18, will host a lineup as diverse as. Events kick off with Seán Barna, off the back of critical acclaim for his 2023 record “An Evening at Macri Park”. The Dutch artist Judy Blank, with her ’60s girl group trimmings infused into indie and garage rock, is next, while the afternoon continues with Stelth Ulvang, a man best known as the pianist for The Lumineers, whose solo work reflects his diverse musical experiences. Rounding out the day, guitar teacher Marty Schwartz will present his “Back to Basics” live guitar lesson, underlining Gibson’s commitment to nurturing new generations of guitarists.
The party continues on Friday, September 20, with a special event to celebrate women in music and the legendary Mary Ford. Brought to Nashville by the Gibson Garage in association with Keystone Connect is an event featuring a star lineup of female artists, each lending her own touch to the Americana genre.
The performances will include Victoria Camp, Sophie Gault, Katrina Cain, Caitlin Cannon, India Ramey, Kimmi Bitter, The HawtThorns, Courtney Santana, Jade Marie Patek, and Taylor Hunnicutt. This impressive slate represents every side of Americana, from traditional country influences to more contemporary indie and rock-infused sounds.
Victoria Camp is southern roots music incarnate, while Sophie Gault’s music veers into the deeply personal. Katrina Cain, of NBC’s “The Voice” fame, provides adiversity in sound that explores Americana, country, and pop genres, while Caitlin Cannon is sure to astound with her new album and growth as an artist. Similarly, India Ramey’s “Part Honky Tonk Part Black Sabbath,” according to Rolling Stone, gives evidence to the genre-bending nature of modern Americana.
Kimmi Bitter, described by Saving Country Music as “the future of classic country,” fronts a new generation of musicians drawing inspiration from the sounds of the 1960s. The HawtThorns get the day underway with a sound drenched in sunshine, fusing elements of Americana, Alt-Country, and Rock ‘n Roll. Adding a little soul to the lineup is Courtney Santana, while Jade Marie Patek brings her southern rock to the stage influenced by the likes of Janis Joplin and the Allman Brothers Band. Taylor Hunnicutt’s forthcoming self-titled full-length debut promises to be something of a love letter to the American South. “Alabama Sound”.
Perhaps most important, though, is the decision to recognize Mary Ford. With her husband, Les Paul, she was an innovator in multi-track recording techniques and new sounds issuing from the guitar. In putting a light on Ford’s legacy, along with performances by contemporary women, Gibson Garage is drawing a line straight between yesterday’s innovations and today’s vibrant, diverse Americana scene.
It’s the Gibson Garage itself that plays host to these performances: the ultimate guitar experience and destination for music lovers alike, a commitment by Gibson to living its legacy while nourishing new talent. This state-of-the-art stage provides an intimate setting whereby artists can connect with their audience, with displays of Gibson craftsmanship all around that remind one of the enduring influence this brand has had on popular music.
Timing-wise, these events fit especially well with AMERICANAFEST. It has become one of the most important gatherings in the world of roots music, bringing together artists, industry professionals, and fans. By taking part in this celebration, Gibson reinforces its centrality to the Americana music ecosystem.
Events like this mirror the changing face of Americana music. Rooted in the old-time American music traditions of country, folk, and blues, it has taken a wider role, embracing many different sounds and influences. From indie-folk to soul rock, that range can be heard in the diversity of artists who perform at these events.
These performances are a timely reminder that, as Gibson celebrates its 130th anniversary, the brand remains as relevant now as it has ever been. From the early days of recorded music right through to the digital age, Gibson guitars have been at the forefront of musical innovation. It is a testament to this iconic brand that it can move with the times and be a central figure in today’s music, while never forgetting its rich history.
In short, what is going on at the Gibson Garage that week in conjunction with AMERICANAFEST is way more than a concert series: it’s a musical heritage, a platform for contemporary talents, and a look into the future of Americana. By putting established and emerging artists together, recognizing legends like Mary Ford, and amplifying diverse voices, Gibson isn’t just taking part in the Americana scene-it’s helping to shape its future.