A Bluegrass Family Reunion at AmericanaFest: Photo Recap

Ahh it was good to be back at AmericanaFest this year. While last year’s conference felt a bit lighter than normal years, with the pandemic bringing a tentative air, 2022 felt like a bit of a family reunion as we came back in full swing, especially as BGS gathered through the week with so many of those closest to us to celebrate our 10th year. After all, BGS is nothing without our community. BGS is the community! Take a look at the gallery below for a photo recap of our week in Nashville.

We started things off on Tuesdat at a packed Station Inn for a night of bluegrass with Jason Carter and Friends, featuring special guests like Ronnie and Rob McCoury, Michael Cleveland, Ketch Secor, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Shelby Means, Kyle Tuttle, Vince Herman, and David Grier.

Wednesday brought a happy hour at the City Winery Lounge ahead of the Americana Honors and Awards that evening, as we officially celebrated 10 years of BGS (featuring a ton of birthday cake – thanks to the Cupcake Collection!) and an afternoon of music from Rainbow Girls, Willie Watson, and Kyshona.

Finally, on Friday we gathered at the Basement with our friends at Nettwerk Music Group and Taylor Guitars, with performances from Lullanas, Phillip LaRue, Brooke Annibale, Mark Wilkinson, Old Sea Brigade, and Bre Kennedy.


Photos by Steve Lowry

3×3: Brooke Annibale on Leon Bridges, Emily Van Camp, and the Hero’s Journey

Artist: Brooke Annibale
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Latest Album: The Simple Fear
Nicknames: I don’t really have any, besides the occasional “Brookster,” and I’ll answer to that.

 

This record really comes alive on vinyl. #kttunstall …Beautiful. #vinyl

A photo posted by Brooke Annibale (@brookeannibale) on

Who is the most surprising artist in current rotation on your iTunes/Spotify?
Most surprising is probably my playlist of “feel good” music or “indie pop” music. I’m pretty obsessed with Sia’s “Elastic Heart” and Alessia Cara’s “Here.” Leon Bridges would probably not be surprising, but he’s been my favorite new artist lately. Also Amy Grant’s Home for Christmas album, when in season.

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life?
Emily Van Camp. People have told me I kinda look like her, and I was a big fan of her show Everwood in high school.

If the After-Life exists, what song will be playing when you arrive?
Maybe Alexi Murdoch's “Orange Sky,” if we’re being dramatic and beautiful. If we’re having fun, then "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder.

 

No big deal just accidentally walking up the steps at the same time as @penguins Iceburgh last night at the game!

A photo posted by Brooke Annibale (@brookeannibale) on

What brand of toothpaste do you use?
Crest. This is getting pretty personal.

What's your beverage of choice?
In the everyday genre … water or coffee (probably with that Trader Joe’s vanilla creamer). In the alcohol genre, wine … unless it’s the Fall, then it's cider.

What's your favorite TV show?
For a good cry, Parenthood. For a laugh, The Office.

 

Hidden treasures in my Grandparents house.

A photo posted by Brooke Annibale (@brookeannibale) on

Star Wars or Star Trek?
Star Wars. I took a class in college that examined Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey/“monomyth" concept and we were required to watch all of the Star Wars movies. I enjoyed getting college credit for doing this.

Taylor Swift or Ryan Adams?
Ahh, why make me choose? I’ve got lots of respect for what Ryan did with 1989 (and more so with his original stuff), but Taylor’s 1989 is close to pop songwriting perfection.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee … or, to complicate things, a chai latte with espresso in it. To be fair, I love tea, as well.


Photo credit: Alysse Gafkjen