Instruments For Education 1st Annual Instrument Drive and Fundraiser 

Listening Room Cafe, November 15, 2018

Photography by Kenny Schick – Kenny Schick is a Music Producer, engineer, singer songwriter & professional photographer, living in Nashville TN (from the Bay Area CA)  (see more photos here)

I was lucky to be in school at a time when music and art programs were considered main staples of education—the schools I attended in California had pretty darn good instruments for music students to use, and most families, mine included, had the ability to rent or buy instruments for their kids. This access to instruments not only made it pretty easy for me to pursue my passion (my music), but could be a large part of the equation that led me down the path to a life in music. My parents were even able to float me loans(with 1% interest, just to teach me about finances..haha) which I paid back with my paper route money. 

I never had kids, but I’ve watched my friend’s children attend schools where the music and art programs are being stripped back, or even eliminated from curriculum—this is a damn shame, as music and the arts are every bit as important to human development as math, science, history, or english. It is creativity and learning how to implement it that leads to some of the biggest accomplishments for humanity—even in aspects of life that have nothing to do with music or art. Developing a creative mind is essential to success in life, and as a former private music teacher, I have seen this concept at work. I even helped run a friend’s company that used music as a tool for corporate team building workshops, and we saw the method ignite a lot of fire at some of Silicon Valley’s biggest companies. 

Here in Nashville, we have a knight in shining armor by the name of (Sir) Troy Castellano, and he has started a non-profit here to help counteract the trend of struggling music programs in our local schools—it is called Instruments For Education. It’s mission: “To collect and distribute used and unused musical instruments and provide them to classrooms that may not otherwise have it in their budget to purchase instruments. Allowing upcoming generations a hands on way to learn to play a musical instrument(s).” Troy  even goes so far as to drive around picking up instruments himself and fixing them if need be. He has a music store in Spring Hill TN(Bluesman Vintage) that does repairs that he can’t handle himself. 

Last night, I attended a great event at the Listening Room Cafe here in Nashville—It was Instruments For Education’s First Annual Instrument Drive and Fundraiser. 24 of Nashville’s best song writers volunteered their time and gave us a killer night of intimate performances, backed by the awesome steel guitar player Smith Curry see the list of performers below. Proceeds from the show went to Instruments For Education, and I believe even some instruments were donated. 

In a city called Music City, it is great that we have someone like Troy who supports the very thing this city is known for and helps to make sure future generations keep the roots and lifeblood of this city alive. 

If you want HR images without watermark let me know. EMAIL ME

 

Billy Lee

Sasha Aaron

Melissa Bollea Rowe

Michaela Clarke

Steve Metz

Hailey Verhaalen

Jordan Mitchell

Mary Kutter

Megan Barker

Taylor Goyette

Jean Nolan

Dixie Jade

Joe West

Victoria Banks

Keesy Timmer

Steven Williams

Riley Weston

Lexie Hayden

Adam Searan

Brian Desveaux

Elizabeth Lyons

Marti Dodson

Tori Martin

Ashlyn Grayce

Ava Boney

Anthony Arya: my client on NBC’s The Voice Season 15

Photography by Kenny Schick – Kenny Schick is a Music Producer, engineer, singer songwriter & professional photographer, living in Nashville TN (from the Bay Area CA)  (see more photos here)

It’s been a pleasure working with The Voice contestant Anthony Arya on his upcoming full length album. We recorded the first song, ‘Going To California’, before The Voice thing started, and Anthony and his mother were so happy with the results, they decided to give me the honor of working on 10 or so more songs.

Anthony’s mother Kamela is an avid music lover and seems to be a big part of his introduction to, and love for music. She has an intimate connection to his music and a great vision of how music should be approached, so it was great that she was with us during the recording of his parts to help shape some of the performances and ideas. She is also very helpful on shaping the details of the final versions of Anthony’s songs. Here is a video of Anthony on The Voice.

At 16, Anthony is super focused and dedicated to crafting great songs, and his performances in the studio far surpass the performances of most 16 year olds—in fact, they far surpass the performances of singer-songwriters who have been at it for decades! One thing about him that has been close to my heart is his diversity—he loves many kinds of music and is not afraid to use all those styles and influences in his writing. I have always loved all kinds of music myself, and I love music that has a good range and a juxtaposition of styles that one might not normally hear. If Anthony keeps on his current trajectory, I see great things coming quickly for this talented and level headed young man. I am very honored to be part of his journey.

The process of creating this album has been really fun—Anthony sent me really stripped down demos of his songs—iPhone recordings or videos—and from those demos, I started sketching out basic parts and grooves for the songs here at my studio in Nashville. When the ‘skeletons’ were all in place, I made a trip back to California to record his parts, and his work ethic was focused and precise, so recording went quickly (as his The Voice schedule required anyway). Back in Nashville, I am finishing up parts and having conference calls with Anthony and Kamela—they are collecting parts from some musicians out in California as well, and the process is flowing nicely—we should be done with everything soon, and then the world will be able to enjoy his great music. .

It has been a blast watching Anthony progress on The Voice—I watch the show most seasons, but it’s a different thing to know one of the contestants personally for sure. Working with him on his music and knowing him personally and musically makes it all that more exciting. One of my favorite songs on the upcoming album is a song called ’Slow Train’, written about fellow Team Adam member and fellow contestant, the very talented Emily Hough—really cool to see Anthony writing about all that is happening in his life right now. Anthony started out the season on Adam Levine’s team Adam Levine and after his battle round he was picked up by Team JHud Jennifer Hudson! It’s exciting to see him get to work with two great artists/judges! It’s great to see that he’s made great friends from his experience, and was fun to see that he recently performed in his neck of the woods with fellow Voice contestant Natalie Brady, a fellow Nashvillian who I need to get out and see!

If you are interested in Recording, Mixing or Mastering with me I would love to hear from you, I specialize in Singer Songwriters and just as you’ll hear with Anthony’s album I work in many different genres. You can hear more of my client’s work CLIENT’S WORK – Send me an EMAIL or follow me on social media Facebook or Instagram

OK…gotta get back to work on this great album!!

The Voice BILLBOARD

The Daybreaks album release with Them Vibes & Jeremy Lister

@ 3rd and Lindsley / Lightening 100 Nashville Sunday Nights 10/21/18

Photography by Kenny Schick – Kenny is a music producer, engineer, singer songwriter & professional photographer, living in Nashville TN (from the Bay Area CA)  (see more photos here)  Contact Kenny if you would like High Rez photos without water marks.

The Daybreaks album release show was an energy filled evening with a ‘retro’ flavor.

The Daybreaks brought an updated nod to 80’s pop which kept the packed house at 3rd and Lindsley hoppin’! Their latest single ‘Dream Queen has been featured one my favorite Nashville radio stations.  Lightning 100  –  DJ Jayson Chalfant had ‘Dream Queen’ as his pick of the week! You can listen to their live radio performance HERE.

Grammy nominated Bobby Holland plays in the band and also produced the album. Maggie Rose did a guest appearance with Them Vibes.

Dropping back one more decade or so, the super energetic Them Vibes. They rocked the house with their 70’s (and late 60’s) flavored brand of funkiness. Plenty of energy and vibe from these boys and girl.

Opening the show was the vocal magician, singer-songwriter Jeremy Lister. Great song writer, and amazing vocal control and ability – the harmonies provided by his 2 brothers (also known as The Lister Brothers) were stunning and would make CSN(Y) envious.

  • Jeremy Lister
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Jeremy Lister
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • Them Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.
  • The Daybreaks with The Vibes
    The Daybreaks album release at 3rd and Lindsley with Them Vibes and Jeremy Lister - hosted by Lightening 100’s Dj Jayson Chalfant. Photography by Kenny Schick B3PMusic.

Americanfest 2018

Photography by Kenny Schick – Kenny is a music producer, engineer, singer songwriter & professional photographer, living in Nashville TN (from the Bay Area CA)  (see more photos here)

  • War and Treaty at BMI rooftop Americanafest 2018 by photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • War and Treaty at BMI rooftop Americanafest 2018 by photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • War and Treaty at BMI rooftop Americanafest 2018 by photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • I'm With Her at the City Winery Nashville Americanafest 2018 by photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Samantha Fish at The Cannery Ballroom Nashville Americanafest 2018 photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • I'm With Her at the City Winery Nashville Americanafest 2018 by photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Fantastic Negrito at the Cannery Ballroom Americanafest 2018 photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Fantastic Negrito at the Cannery Ballroom Americanafest 2018 photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Americanafest 2018 - Executive Director of the Americana Music Association Jed Hilly photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • David Briley Mayor of Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County at Americanafest 2018 photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • KD Lang and Ann Powers NPR - at Americanafest 2018 photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • KD Lang and Ann Powers NPR - at Americanafest 2018 photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • KD Lang and Ann Powers NPR - at Americanafest 2018 photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Americanafest 2018 Panel: Independent 101 - Scott Robinson, Hope Selevan, Patrick Ferrell, David Macias, Kim Buie photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Americanafest 2018 Panel: Demystifying Digital Streaming - John Strohm, Josh Berman, Rachel Barnard Whitney, Meg Tarquinio, Emily Cohen photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Creamer at the 5 Spot Nashville, Americanafest 2018 - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Creamer at the 5 Spot Nashville, Americanafest 2018 - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Creamer at the 5 Spot Nashville, Americanafest 2018 - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Creamer at the 5 Spot Nashville, Americanafest 2018 - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Creamer at the 5 Spot Nashville, Americanafest 2018 - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Americanafest 2018 Panel: 20 years of Loose, Europe's Premier Americana Label John Strohm, Julia Grant, Patrick Ferris, Tom Bridgewater, Ruarri Joseph, Crispin Parry photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Americanfest 2018 at The Local Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Kaia Kater Americanfest 2018 at The Local Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Kaia Kater Americanfest 2018 at The Local Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #courtneymarieandrews #americanafest
    Courtney Marie Andrews at the High Watt Americanafest 2018 photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #courtneymarieandrews #americanafest
    Courtney Marie Andrews at the High Watt Americanafest 2018 photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #courtneymarieandrews #americanafest
    Courtney Marie Andrews at the High Watt Americanafest 2018 photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Americanafest 2018 Panel: People are my drug: The art of collaboration in Americana Music, Tommy Emmanuel, Craig Havighurst, Spencer Cullum, Jr., Regina McCrary. Sam Bush photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Tommy Emmanuel at Americanafest 2018 at The Filming Station Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #tommyemmanuel #americanafest
    Tommy Emmanuel at Americanafest 2018 at The Filming Station Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Ruby Boots and Brandy Zdan at Americanafest 2018 at The Filming Station Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Ruby Boots at Americanafest 2018 at The Filming Station Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Mary Gauthier with Randy Lewis Americanafest 2018 photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Mary Gauthier Americanafest 2018 photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #trudiemyerscough-harris #americanauk #americanafest
    Americanafest 2018 Panel: Americana in the UK - The growth of the AMAUK, the UK Americana - Emily Baker, Gary Harries, Stevie Freeman, Trudie Myerscough,-Harris, Sam Outlaw - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #jimlauderdale #americanafest #canneryballroom
    Americanafest 2018 Jim Lauderdale (sound check) at the Cannery Ballroom Nashville - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Americanafest 2018 Jim Lauderdale (sound check) at the Cannery Ballroom Nashville - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Tommy Emmanuel Americanafest 2018 at the Cannery Ballroom Nashville - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Tommy Emmanuel Americanafest 2018 at the Cannery Ballroom Nashville - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Tommy Emmanuel Americanafest 2018 at the Cannery Ballroom Nashville - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Buddy Miller & friends (Regina McCrary) Americanafest 2018 at the Cannery Ballroom Nashville - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Buddy Miller & friends (Kinky Friedman) Americanafest 2018 at the Cannery Ballroom Nashville - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Buddy Miller & friends (The McCrary Sisters & War and Treaty) Americanafest 2018 at the Cannery Ballroom Nashville - photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #marcribot #americanafest
    Marc Ribot (and band) Americanfest 2018 at the High Watt Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #marcribot #americanafest
    Marc Ribot (and band) Americanfest 2018 at the High Watt Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #americanafest #marcribot
    Marc Ribot's Bass Player Americanfest 2018 at the High Watt Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #marcribot #americanafest
    Marc Ribot (and band) Americanfest 2018 at the High Watt Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #wilsn #soundsaustralia #the5spot #americanafest
    WILSN - Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #wilsn #soundsaustralia #the5spot #americanafest
    WILSN - Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #tomwest #americanafest #the5spot #soundsaustralia
    Tom West - Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • WILSN - Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
    Tom West - Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #soundsaustralia #americanafest
    @ The 5 spot Americanafest Sounds Australia Aussie BBQ photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #theweepingwillows #americanafest #the5spot
    The Weeping Willows - Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #soundsaustralia #americanafest
    @ The 5 spot Americanafest Sounds Australia Aussie BBQ photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #rubyboots #americanafest #brandyzdan #the5spot #soundsaustralia
    Ruby Boots (and band with Brandy Zdan)- Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #rubyboots #americanafest #brandyzdan #the5spot #soundsaustralia
    Ruby Boots (and band with Brandy Zdan)- Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #rubyboots #americanafest #brandyzdan #the5spot #soundsaustralia
    Ruby Boots (and band with Brandy Zdan)- Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Josh Rennie-Hynes- Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #joshrenniehaynes #soundsaustralia #the5spot #americanafest
    Josh Rennie-Hynes- Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Fanny Lumsden - Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • Fanny Lumsden - Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #soundsaustralia #americanafest
    Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #tommyemmanuel #soundsaustralia #americanafest
    Tommy Emmanuel - Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #tommyemmanuel #soundsaustralia #americanafest
    Tommy Emmanuel - Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #tommyemmanuel #soundsaustralia #americanafest
    Tommy Emmanuel - Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com
  • #smithcurry #briancadd #soundsaustralia #americanafest
    Brian Cadd (with Smith Curry) - Sounds Australia Americanfest 2018 at the 5 spot Nashville photo by Kenny Schick https://B3PMusic.com

Americanafest and Conference has been held in September in Nashville Tennessee for the past 19 years – 6 days of music for both fans and the music industry.

There are venues all over the city that partake in hosting legendary artists and the next generation of rising stars in intimate settings; there is a LOT going on!

Inspiration

As part of our business, we attend several conferences and events every year; to make connections, attend panels, learn about industry trends, get inspired and glean new ideas for our business.  All of these events are worthwhile and inspiring in some ways for sure, but Americanafest turned out to be a very different beast.  Yes, there were panels, and meet ups all over the city, and opportunities to meet new people and learn, but also, this event centered around the music itself much more than other conferences and really top notch music and top artists/performers from all over the globe!

Conference panels had total industry giants like KD Lang, Mary Gauthier, Brandi Carlile, & Tommy Emmanuel.  The panel / interview with KD Lang interviewed by NPR’s Ann Powers was particularly inspiring as she really gets to the heart of what it means to be an artist, a human, and and individual within the industry.  Mary Gauthier’s interview about her album ‘Rifles and Rosary Beads’ and her work with Songwriting With Soldiers was equally inspiring (interviewed by LA Times Randy Lewis).

You can see photos below and also more in our Photo Gallery Page and other Blogs on our Blog Page.

There were so many performances that blew our socks off as well and really reminded us what great song writing and performance is all about.  Americanafest was full of artists who really dig deep and push their craft to outstanding levels.  I can’t recommend this event enough to artists who need an injection of inspiration, or simply to fans of really great music.

The first performance we saw at the BMI (opening party on their rooftop) by the mighty War And Treaty, who were discovered at Americanafest a few years back – they set the pace for the week.  Another highlight was the dreamy I’m With Her, the trio Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan at the City Winery – we all crammed in to see them.

Americana Awards Show

We are so glad we also decided to go to the  Americana Music Honors and Awards show at the beautiful Ryman Theater, this year it was hosted by The Milk Carton Kids who were SO funny and performed a song they wrote for the night ‘What is Americana?’).  It shone pretty brightly in there with all those stars in the audience and on stage.  We were treated to outstanding performances by Courtney Marie Andrews, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, Irma Thomas, Buddy Guy, Margo Price, and KD Lang.

We crammed into to the Mercy Lounge, Cannery Ballroom or High Watt and caught many great artists there, including Fantastic Negrito. As it was pretty packed there a lot, we chose smaller venues and saw Creamer at the 5 Spot and dashed over to The Local to see the jazzy/americana Kaia Kater.  We missed some of War and Treaty’s set at the Cannery Ballroom to catch the quirky Marc Ribot upstairs at the High Watt and we laughed with Bob Boilen (NPR’s Tiny Desk host and creator) that it was really pushing the already loose boundaries of ‘Americana’.

Inspiring Artists from all over the world

Australia was represented by the amazing artists featured by Sounds Australia (The Winnie Blues, (you can check out photos from their gig at The Bowery Vault), Wilsn, Tom West, The Weeping Willows, Ruby Boots, Catherine Britt, Josh Rennie-Hynes, Fanny Lumsden, Tommy Emmanuel, Brian Cadd). There was so much to remind me why music captured my heart and spirit so many decades ago. We ended the week feeling as much inspired as we were exhausted. Next year we’ll be more prepared and know our way around better to perhaps fit more in, but we got way more than we even expected to.

Yes you should definitely go next year

Go check out the line up at th Americana Assocation website – there are so many great artists – many we didn’t get a chance to see which we were bummed about. Thank goodness for their great app which helped organize us. If you’ve never been and you love music, you will love every moment of it. If you don’t want to go to the conference you can just get a wrist band to see all the music as that gets you into all the venues (unless stated they are for conference guests only).

ALSO:

Bob Boilen has a great book out called ‘Your Song Changed My Life’. Happy to see a lot of my favorite music discussed! (audible version, hard cover & ebook). We bought the audio book – coz it’s really cool when the author reads it.

Become a member of Americana Association if you’re an artist/musician/songwriter join here http://www.americanamusic.org  You’ll need to become a member to attend the conference and the awards show.

There is also an association in the UK – AmericanaUK – they also have a huge awards show and have many community events – https://americana-uk.com/

If you’d like any of the photo’s as high rez let me know EMAIL

The Winnie Blues

Photography by Kenny Schick – Kenny is a music producer, engineer, singer songwriter & professional photographer, living in Nashville TN (from the Bay Area CA)  (see more photos here)

Contact Kenny if you would like High Rez photos without water marks

Our new gem of a discovery, in terms of place to see music, is just down the street from us: The Bowery Vault.

The Bowery Vault is not just a music venue… oh no no… it’s a clothing and vintage store, it serves beer and food, and is very intimate and super cool. The audiences are respectful and quiet and even the softest of singer songwriters will be heard in full detail… thank you!!

We went to see the Australian duo (now residing in Nashville) The Winnie Blues, apparently named after a brand of cigarettes… it was a celebration of their fantastic new single, ’Settle Down’. Despite singer Alice Beatty having lost her voice almost completely, she, in true rock star fashion, muscled through it and delivered a great performance with her temporarily cigarette/whiskey/road worn sounding voice. Partner Cameron Potts killed it too and as a good partner does, helped hold it all together with his strong vocals and guitar.

It was a pleasant surprise to be treated to sets from a few of their friends, Lauren Farrah and Connor McGinnis, who opened the night. Lauren Farrah is a fantastic writer with a killer voice that ranges from a whisper to an occasional roar—an intimate delicacy and captivating lyrics. Her quirky and funny stage persona is a great balance to her serious material. Connor McGinnis delivered a quiet, understated set with his gentle guitar work and soft, emotional vocal delivery.

An additional treat was the act playing when we got there, Anana Kaye (along with husband/guitarist Irakli Gabriel)—they were not part of the ‘Winnie Blues night’, but they were freekin’ great! They had that kind of cabaret, eastern european vibe with a bit of goth (a bit like Dresden Dolls), and as it turns out, that makes sense, as they are from Tbilisi, Georgia (that would be the country, not the state). Super dynamic and theatrical.

So…great venue, and lots of great performers who are now on our ‘watch list’….

  • The Winnie Blues' at The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 with Lauren Farrah, Connor McGinnis
  • The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 Anana Kaye with husband/guitarist Irakli Gabriel
  • The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 Anana Kaye with husband/guitarist Irakli Gabriel
  • The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 Anana Kaye with husband/guitarist Irakli Gabriel
  • The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 Anana Kaye with husband/guitarist Irakli Gabriel
  • The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 Anana Kaye with husband/guitarist Irakli Gabriel
  • The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 Anana Kaye with husband/guitarist Irakli Gabriel
  • Connor McGinnis
    The Winnie Blues' at The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 with Lauren Farrah, Connor McGinnis
  • The Winnie Blues' at The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 with Lauren Farrah, Connor McGinnis
  • The Winnie Blues' at The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 with Lauren Farrah, Connor McGinnis
  • The Winnie Blues' at The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 with Lauren Farrah, Connor McGinnis
  • The Winnie Blues' at The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 with Lauren Farrah, Connor McGinnis
  • The Winnie Blues' at The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 with Lauren Farrah, Connor McGinnis
  • The Winnie Blues' at The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 with Lauren Farrah, Connor McGinnis
  • The Winnie Blues' at The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 with Lauren Farrah, Connor McGinnis
  • The Winnie Blues' at The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 with Lauren Farrah, Connor McGinnis
  • The Winnie Blues' at The Bowery Vault 8_17_18 with Lauren Farrah, Connor McGinnis