Latest news with #AmericanaMusic
Associated Press
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Gary Patrick: Josie Award Nominations and Upcoming Performance at 'Dallas' Cast Reunion
'The love and support I've felt from my wife, family, and community has been overwhelming. It's shown me just how many people truly believe in what I'm doing.'— Gary Patrick DALLAS TEXAS, TX, UNITED STATES, July 23, 2025 / / -- Singer and songwriter Gary Patrick has received four nominations from the 2025 Josie Music Awards taking place on November 2nd. The event is now in it's 11th year of celebrating independent artists and in it's fourth year at the Grand Ole Opry House. Patrick is nominated in the categories of Music Video of the Year, Americana Male Vocalist of the Year, Americana Male Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year. Known for his authentic songwriting and performances, Patrick describes the recognition as both humbling and motivating. 'There's always a personal challenge to keep improving my craft,' he shares. 'Participating in the Josie Awards has really pushed me forward. I'm still blown away and incredibly grateful to be recognized by the organization.' The Josie Awards have become a major milestone in Patrick's music career. In 2024, he won two categories: Americana Male Artist of the Year and Americana Male Vocalist of the Year. More than 60 fans, family, and friends traveled to Nashville to support him—and he's expecting an even bigger turnout in 2025. 'I already have many friends who've bought tickets,' he says. 'The love and support I've felt from my wife, family, and community has been overwhelming. It's shown me just how many people truly believe in what I'm doing.' When asked if he's preparing a speech, Patrick says, 'I like to speak from the heart, but I did write down some names the night before last year's show. I'll probably do the same this year. Time flies when you're up there—you've got to be quick to think.' Patrick also emphasizes the strong sense of community that the Josie Music Awards have fostered. 'The artist-to-artist support at the Josie Awards is incredible. It's one of the most welcoming and encouraging artist communities I've ever been a part of,' he says. 'Josie and Tina Marie have created something really special—I truly appreciate their professionalism and commitment to indie artists around the world.' In addition to his nominations, on Saturday, August 9th, Patrick will also be performing for the Southfork Experience, a 'Dallas' cast reunion and fan event. A lifelong fan of the iconic TV series Dallas, he calls the opportunity a dream come true. 'It's a full-circle moment,' he says. 'That show was what my family watched together when I was a kid. Back then, everything felt larger than life—'Who shot J.R.?' was huge! Dallas was magic; and it is still captivating audiences around the world.' 'There's so much we're looking forward to this year,' says Patrick. 'We'll be performing at the Renaissance Hotel in Richardson in front of the 'Dallas' cast and fans of the show. A couple of months later, we head to Nashville and you're all invited along for the journey.' Gary Patrick Press Team email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
National Geographic
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
Nashville is one of the hottest destinations in the U.S. Here's why you should go.
Nashville is seeing a surge in tourism as a major stop in the Americana Music Triangle. Plus, with the Grand Ole Opry's 100th anniversary, 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches, and new flight routes from Vancouver, Orlando, Palm Beach, Indianapolis and beyond, 2025 is the year to visit Nashville. See a show at the Grand Ole Opry You don't have to be a country music fan to know (and love) the Grand Ole Opry. This iconic music venue is celebrating Opry 100 all year with special events and performances. Tour the museum during the day, and come back at night to be part of the iconic show, broadcast live on WSM radio. 'We're standing on the shoulders of the legends who got us here, honoring their legacy every night, while also swinging the doors wide open and inviting everyone in to be part of the next chapter,' says Dan Rogers, Grand Ole Opry's executive producer. 'We're unveiling Opry 100 Greatest Songs, a tribute to the music that's defined generations of country fans, and a new series, Opry 100 Honors, that recognizes the artists, songwriters, and industry trailblazers who've shaped the Opry's legacy.' (How to spend a day in Nashville, America's soulful southern city) Catch a game Nissan Stadium, home field of the Tennessee Titans, is close to downtown. Photograph by Zoonar GmbH, Alamy Stock Photo One surprising note is that the Music City is also becoming a big sports destination. Geodis Park, featuring FIFA World Cup matches this summer, has the largest soccer-specific stadium in the U.S. and Canada. The Nashville Predators hockey team is hugely popular with locals, as are the Tennessee Titans and the minor league baseball team, the Nashville Sounds, has a scoreboard appropriately shaped like a giant guitar. Hop on Taylor Swift's tour bus Called the 'Smithsonian of country music,' the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has three floors of musical artifacts like Elvis' gold-plated Cadillac, and rotating exhibits. The Taylor Swift Education Center features a replica of her tour bus, where visitors can go inside and step into a recording booth, just like the megastar. While you're there, don't miss the separately-ticketed tours of Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Waylon Jennings recorded, and the Hatch Show Print where visitors can make their own music posters. (Meet the female rappers carving out a home in Nashville, America's Music City) Cruise around the city General Jackson Showboat has been cruising down Nashville's Cumberland River since April 20, 1985. Photograph by Newcastle, Shutterstock There are multiple ways to tour Nashville, but newcomers looking to get their bearings should consider a guided tour. The narrated Old Town Trolley makes stops at 13 popular downtown locations and guests can hop on and off throughout the day. To see the city from a different perspective, take a cruise on the General Jackson Showboat for live performances, and a dinner cruise at night. The Victorian paddlewheel steamboat has been entertaining visitors on Nashville's Cumberland River since April 20, 1985. Tour the musical museums Located downtown, the Johnny Cash Museum takes about an hour to tour. Photograph by iStock Editorial, Getty Images The Ryman Auditorium is considered the "mother church of country music" and the city's most recognized landmark. Visitors can stand on the stage where musical legends performed before moving to the Grand Ole Opry's current location. Within blocks, visitors can also tour the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, National Museum of African American Music, and the Johnny Cash Museum, which has an expansion scheduled to be completed in late summer. Treat your senses Goo Goo Clusters is home of the namesake "goo goo cluster," which is the first combination candy bar, originally created in 1912. Guests can schedule a factory tour and make their own chocolate creation. After a sweet treat, stop by one of the city's many live music venues. The Bluebird Cafe is famous, and The Listening Room is where songwriters for country music stars perform original live music. Where to shop Check out Fifth + Broadway and the Food Assembly Hall. If you're looking for locally made products, check out the Nashville Farmers' Market or 12South, the trendy neighborhood a short drive from downtown. Scratch-made pastries from The Butter Milk Ranch are worth the drive alone, but plan to arrive early to beat the crowds before taking a stroll through the boutiques. What to eat Hot chicken is a Nashville staple and can be found all over the city. Photograph by Brent Hofacker, Alamy Stock Photo Hot chicken is synonymous with Nashville, and there is no shortage of places to find it. Prince's Hot Chicken proudly displays the legend of how hot chicken began, with Thornton Prince's scorned lover during the Great Depression. Another staple, Hattie B's, has a hot meter ranging from the mild "Southern style," all the way up to the hottest style, "shut the cluck up." (Where to find the best Nashville hot chicken) If you prefer barbecue, check out one of Martin's Bar-B-Que three Nashville locations for authentic West Tennessee whole hog. For those looking for a taste of the honky tonk nightlife, take a stroll along Lower Broadway. Here, you'll find numerous restaurants and bars named after some of the most popular country starts like Morgan Wallen's This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen and Lainey Wilson's Bell Bottoms Up Cookin' and Drinkin'. Where to stay If you need something a little stronger, try the "Whiskey and Vinyl" experience at the Thompson Nashville. This small group experience is led by local whiskey connoisseur, AJ Soldo, and explores the deep-rooted connection between Tennessee whiskey and the region's rich musical heritage. For 2025, the hotel partnered with country star Eric Church to create the ultimate fan package for country music lovers visiting Nashville featuring a carefully curated vinyl collection and in-room Victrola. Another new hotel addition to the city is The Printing House, at the crossroads of Third Avenue and Peabody Street, near the historical Printer's Alley. Trudy Haywood Saunders is a nationally syndicated freelance writer covering travel, history, Southern culture, food, lifestyle, and more. View her portfolio at
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
2025 Americana Awards Nominations: Charley Crockett, MJ Lenderman, and More
The Americana Music Association has announced the nominees for the 2025 Americana Honors & Awards. Held every September during the annual Americana Music Festival in Nashville, the ceremonies will recognize the outstanding albums, songs, and artists in the roots music world. This year, Charley Crockett, MJ Lenderman, and the Americana power couple of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are all nominated. The winners will be announced Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Ryman Auditorium. AmericanaFest kicks off Sept. 9 and runs through the 13th. This marks the festival's 25th year. More from Rolling Stone Wednesday Return With 'Elderberry Wine,' a Love Song About Finding That 'Delicate Balance' the Beaches, Wet Leg, MJ Lenderman to Headline Rolling Stone's Rock & Roll Tour Charley Crockett Is Taking Texas to the World 2025 Americana Honors & Awards nominees: ALBUM OF THE YEARLonesome Drifter, Charley Crockett; Produced by Charley Crockett & Shooter JenningsFoxes in the Snow, Jason Isbell; Produced by Jason Isbell & Gena JohnsonManning Fireworks, MJ Lenderman; Produced by Alex Farrar & MJ LendermanSouth of Here, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats; Produced by Brad CookWoodland, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; Produced by David RawlingsARTIST OF THE YEARCharley CrockettSierra FerrellJoy OladokunBilly StringsWaxahatcheeDUO/GROUP OF THE YEARJulien Baker & TORRESDawesLarkin PoeThe MavericksGillian Welch & David RawlingsEMERGING ACT OF THE YEARNoeline HofmannMJ LendermanMedium BuildMaggie RoseJesse WellesINSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEARFred EltringhamAlex HargreavesMegan JaneKaitlyn RaitzSeth TaylorSONG OF THE YEAR'Johnny Moonshine,' Maggie Antone (Written by Maggie Antone, Natalie Hemby & Aaron Raitiere)'Ancient Light,' I'm With Her (Written by Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O'Donovan & Sara Watkins)'Wristwatch,' MJ Lenderman (Written by MJ Lenderman)'Sunshine Getaway,' JD McPherson (Written by Page Burkum, JD McPherson & Jack Torrey)'Heartless,' Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats (Written by Nathaniel Rateliff) Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
Time Magazine
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
What John Prine's Music Reminds Us After the Cancellation of Our NEH Grant
On April 11th, we were made aware that our National Endowment for the Humanities grant, ''Boundless Love': Changing Understandings of the Sacred in Americana Music,' had been terminated—only one year into its two-year plan. Our grant of nearly $150,000 was aimed at developing the skills of undergraduate college students to conduct interdisciplinary humanities research about religion and culture, then translate that research for a public audience. Our goal for the project was to explore how Americana music has occupied a borderland in our culture's sonic landscape and has captured the American experiment in song. By examining Americana artists and their music, we intended to help students explore how aspects of American culture, our religion and spirituality, and our political fissures might be explored via our country's roots music. Our grant was modest, less than $75,000 a year—not even a drop in the bucket compared to the over $38 billion in funding DOGE architect Elon Musk and his businesses have received in 'contracts, loans, subsidies and tax credits' from the federal government. But even that small amount has thus far afforded our students significantly more enrichment than they would typically receive in a class: collaborative teaching, outside consultants who bring top-tier advice and insights, licenses for professional software, access to archives, and face-to-face interviews with top names in Americana music. To date, we have received no official explanation as to why our funding has been terminated. Nor are we alone. DOGE has now issued termination notices to nearly two-thirds of NEH staff members and has cancelled funding for approximately 1400 projects and organizations that rely on the NEH. And though recent cuts to the NIH, CDC, USAID, EPA, and the National Parks Service have rightly been in the spotlight for imperiling public health, diplomacy, and the environment, these smaller cuts to smaller agencies are devastating in their own right. As professors in English and Religion at Belmont University, a mid-sized ecumenical Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee, grant work has been new to us. Unlike our colleagues in the sciences at research institutions, our work is rarely deemed important enough to warrant outside support. But the NEH—which supports schools, universities, and humanities councils throughout the US with funds appropriated by Congress on a bipartisan basis—is 'prestige blind,' which means they award grants to high-quality projects regardless of institutional profile. This past year alone, for instance, our students have done extensive archival research using primary documents housed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Archives in Nashville. They've completed interviews with multiple Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning artists, including Molly Tuttle, Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, Amythyst Kiah, Tammy Rogers of The SteelDrivers, and many others. A key feature of the project was to develop a radio documentary series, tentatively titled 'Halfway to Heaven,' inspired by a line in the John Prine song, 'Paradise,' to address the evolution of American spirituality as it has been expressed in this uniquely American musical genre. Our project used John Prine as a touchstone because his career, from his initial smash review by Roger Ebert in 1970 to his death in 2020, neatly frames a 50-year window into the great American conversation. 'Paradise' is a cautionary tale that recalls a once-beloved small town in Kentucky bulldozed and strip-mined in the name of profit; when the song's narrator asks to go back to Paradise, his father reminds him that it's been hauled away by a coal train. Whether capturing the futility of the Vietnam War in 'Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore,' bemoaning the deadly bigotry of post-9/11 politicians in 'Some Humans Ain't Human,' or presaging our current political division in 'Caravan of Fools,' Prine provided a consistent voice of moral clarity, capturing the zeitgeist in a way that was empathetic, wry, and above all, humane. Our students have examined how Prine and his fellow Americana artists harness what religious scholar Christopher Partridge calls the 'boundary-crossing power of music' in pursuit of community. Through their research and interviews, students have discovered that Prine was not just a musician or storyteller, but something else too: a sort of folk theologian, packaging philosophical treatises in three-minute narratives and preaching the gospel of conscience through, in the words of songwriter Harlan Howard, 'three chords and the truth.' To an eye trained on 'government efficiency,' perhaps cancelling humanities grants seems like a shrewd move. But to us it seems akin to strip-mining a town called Paradise: marginally profitable in the short term, but at what cost in the end? These relentless assaults by the Trump administration have been overwhelming in a way that feels intentional–every day news that another agency, endowment, or institute has been defunded. Regarding the loss of our grant, we have felt a mix of sadness and anger. Having now spent an academic year with twenty remarkably smart and creative students doing the work of this grant has been a sheer gift. But now, our work, which had been slated to continue next year with a new batch of students who would benefit from the grant, is now entirely in jeopardy. Without grant funding, we will not be able to replicate the quality of the experience our first year of students had, will not be able to hire the consultants we need, nor will we be able to produce the rest of the project to the degree that we had intended. If we are not careful, the overwhelm can render us numb and apathetic. And history often reminds us that apathy is a dangerous path. Some are beginning to stand up. Harvard University, for instance, is leading in this respect, resisting many of the Trump administration's overreaching and inappropriate demands, a decision that has resulted in the federal government freezing over $2 billion of funding for the university. Harvard's faculty union and the American Association of University Professors have filed suit against the government's review of a total of $9 billion in funding. As academics, we are heartened that more institutions—not just those with deep pockets— are joining Harvard in standing up against these assaults on our freedoms. As citizens, we must resist these cuts however we can, even if only by remaining clear-eyed about the destruction they have wrought. Like an excavator pushing aside topsoil for the vein of minerals underneath, these cuts are violent and indiscriminate, devastating individual livelihoods and scarring communities. We may not be able to stop the machine as it strip-mines Paradise, but we can tell the truth about what has been lost. It's the necessary good work of the arts and the humanities to document, dissect, and analyze the current cacophony of our American moment. After all, what becomes of a country that does not recognize its own history, music, art, and culture—indeed, its own humanity—as a worthy pursuit? Well, to borrow a title from another John Prine song: 'That's How Every Empire Falls.'
