Americana music fest kicks off today

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 – The four-day Americana Music Association kicks off its 11th annual festival in Nashville today featuring music from the likes of and a slew of panel discussions.

The highlight of the event will be Thursday's annual awards show at the Ryman. Among the performers are Emmylou Harris, The Avett Brothers, Rodney Crowell, Wanda Jackson, Rosanne Cash, Patty Griffin, Sam Bush, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Ryan Bingham, Corb Lund, Sarah Jarosz, Carolina Chocolate Drops and Joe Pug.

The fest starts with panels and seminars this morning focusing on industry issues. The Country Music Hall of Fame will feature a panel including Mary Gauthier, Elizabeth Cook and Abigail Washburn with moderator and author Jewly Hight talking about roots music and musical inspirations plus songs.

Tonight's performers include Chuck Mead, Madison Violet, Lund and The SteelDrivers.

Each evening will feature concerts at venues throughout Nashville. Performers include Shelby Lynne, Exene Cervenka, Guy Clark, Hayes Carll, Charlie Louvin, Todd Snider, Sarah Jarosz, Dex Romweber Duo, Paul Thorn, Dale Watson, Darrell Scott, Tony Joe White and Raul Malo.

Panels include an interview with Mary Chapin Carpenter on Thursday.