THROUGH THE LENS: The Insiders Guide to AMERICANAFEST 2025
The fine folks at the Americana Music Association have curated another stellar lineup of roots artists for the 25th annual AMERICANAFEST extravaganza in Nashville, September 9-13, 2025. As with previous years' previews, most of the more recognizable performers are not highlighted (save for a couple of notable exceptions), the
NO DEPRESSION SESSIONS at MerleFest: Presley Barker
No Depression set up the "studio" at the 37th annual MerleFest for a dozen sessions with legends and legends-in-the-making. The festival was founded in 1988 in memory of Doc Watson’s son Merle, and features “traditional plus” music, meaning a broad range of styles from the sweet falsetto
BONUS TRACKS: Another New One from Willie Nelson, Banjo Lessons from Kaïa Kater, and More Roots Music News
For his his 155th album (according to Texas Monthly) and 78th solo record, Willie Nelson has announced an 11-track tribute to fellow Texas icon Merle Haggard. Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle, which follows a series of covers albums honoring Harlan Howard, Ray Price, George Gershwin, Frank Sinatra, and Rodney Crowell,
ALBUM REVIEW: Darol Anger’s Diary #2 Stands as Testament to His Impact on the World of Fiddlers
The release of Darol Anger’s Diary of a Fiddler #2: The Empty Nest may lead those unfamiliar with his earlier project to check out Diary of a Fiddler, released on Compass Records in 1999. That project featured Anger in duets with many of his contemporaries—Bruce Molsky, Vassar Clements,
Celebrating 100 Years of Afro-Cuban Singer Celia Cruz
In 2024, Celia Cruz’s joyful face as a mature woman was cast in relief on a quarter, a commemorative coin issued by the United States Treasury in advance of the centennial of her birth on October 21, 1925, which is to be celebrated with anticipated fanfare this fall. The
