Must See Shows, Best Parties

The roots music world was devastated by the loss of two major figures this year: rockabilly wildman Mojo Nixon in February and, four months later, SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country chief Jeremy Tepper. That the two were often joined at the hip — in studios, at parties, and sailing the seas on the annual Outlaw Country Cruise — made the blow that much harder to comprehend. On Tuesday, fans and fellow artists will gather to celebrate Nixon’s rebellious career, and by association Tepper’s, during what’s being billed as a luau, roast, and séance hosted by Mojo’s longtime manager Bullethead and the inimitable Shilah Morrow. Wear denim cutoffs and a Hawaiian shirt and get lei’d at the door — just the way Mojo would want it. Tuesday, 6 p.m., Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk

Few songwriters write as sharply and honestly as Mary Gauthier, who has broached subjects from alcoholism to adoption in her catalog and also helped U.S. veterans channel their emotions into song on the excellent Rifles & Rosary Beads. Artists like Emmylou Harris, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Lori McKenna, and Rodney Crowell pay tribute to one of Americana’s most revered artists (her songs have been covered by everyone from Blake Shelton and Jimmy Buffett to Candi Staton and Bettye Lavette) during this intimate lovefest. Expect a cameo by Gauthier herself. Tuesday, 7 p.m., City Winery

After nearly a decade at American Legion Post 82 in East Nashville, country traditionalists the Cowpokes took their weekly twang-a-thon up the road to Eastside Bowl on the Madison border in August. By all accounts, they’re settling nicely into their new digs and will host an AmericanaFest week edition of Honky Tonky Tuesday with the Shootouts and Kimmi Bitter. The music starts at 7 p.m., with dance lessons at 6 p.m. — which you may want to consider in case someone asks you to two-step. Tuesday, 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Eastside Bowl

Songwriter Zach Schmidt’s superb 2021 album Raise a Banner validated his relocation from Pittsburgh to Nashville — it’s a record that could only have been conceived within the borders of Music City. But Schmidt arguably found his true voice by teaming up with Jackie Berkley for their project Golden Everything. The husband-and-wife duo’s debut album, Sweet Old World, is a buoyant celebration of partnerships both creative and romantic. They’re playing tracks from the LP, including the irresistible “No One But You,” at the Countrypolitan every Wednesday in September. The one smack dab in the middle of AmericanaFest is sure to be a standout. Wednesday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Countrypolitan

Away from the hobnobbing at the clubs downtown, Dee’s in Madison shines like a diamond during AmericanaFest, and this Wednesday cool-kids hang is an example of why. Presented by Keystone Artist Connect, the lineup includes must-see songwriters like Gabe Lee and the upstart Tyler James Kelly, Georgia chanteuse India Ramey, and the sibling duo Low Gap. Buck N Stuff — Nashville’s court jesters of Buck Owens cover bands — close out the day with a power-trio shredfest. Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m, Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge

Journalist Ann Powers brings her new book, Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell, to life with an all-star panel of Mitchell acolytes: Noah Kahan, Margo Price, Lizzie No, and Jobi Roccio are slated to appear. Together, they’ll discuss the songwriter’s influence on contemporary music and, as the panel’s title suggests, throw out their favorite Joni tunes. (It’s a fair bet at least one of them is going to cite “River.”) Wednesday, 2 p.m., Embassy Suites

Veteran AmericanaFest’ers — or just those who don’t care for lines — know the day parties are often the way to go. This year, the Little Saint Party is one of the best, with a lineup curated by everyone’s favorite eccentric Jonny Fritz, music director for the Healdsburg, California, restaurant and venue. Rett Madison, Jobi Riccio, and Mr. Jukebox, Josh Hedley, are all on the bill. (Those wanting to see Fritz make a rare Nashville appearance would be wise to head to Dee’s on Tuesday.) Thursday, noon to 6 p.m., Estelle

Nashville-by-way-of-Indiana songwriter Kiely Connell dropped a doozy of an album this summer: My Own Company is a moody, at times haunting, record of shoegaze alt-country. She sings about addiction, consent, a friend’s suicide, and the breakup that all but devastated her. But Connell is expert at surviving the tough stuff, a trait that comes through as soon as she steps up to the mic. Catch her at the Neon Steeple at Chief’s on Broadway, opening for the always excellent Natalie Hemby. Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Chief’s

Those lucky enough to catch indie rock’s buzziest singer at the Basement East are sure to have bragging rights in future years: This will likely be the smallest room the North Carolina songwriter, now touring in support of his critically acclaimed Manning Fireworks, will play in town for a long while. Expect loud Mike Cooley-inspired guitars, slacker poetry, and the buzz of catching an artist right as they catch fire. Thursday, 9 p.m., the Basement East

To see Texas punk-country band Vandoliers live is to have your DNA rearranged. Led by the charismatic Joshua Fleming, the group crackle with energy and irreverence: Think Dropkick Murphys crossed with Asleep at the Wheel, soundtracked by a shirtless fiddle player and a frequently bare-chested trumpeter. Catch them Thursday on the rooftop of the Bobby Hotel as part of the Lone Star Shindig or later that night for a sure-to-be rowdy set at Cannery Hall — and scream until they play “Every Saturday Night.” Thursday, 11 p.m., The Mil at Cannery Hall

What better place to showcase Blackgrass, Swamp Dogg’s latest roots record, than at the hallowed bluegrass grounds of the Station Inn: Expect a life-affirming set from the 82-year-old iconoclast that’ll mix humorous highlights from his new collection with treasured catalog classics like “Synthetic World” and “Total Destruction of Your Mind.” Friday, 8 p.m., Station Inn

Amythyst Kiah is sure to offer an early taste of her upcoming album Still + Bright (out Oct. 25), during her Cannery Hall showcase. Produced by Butch Walker, the LP is poised to be a major moment for the east Tennessee-raised singer-songwriter: Its lead single, “Play God and Destroy the World,” is a trippy rocker featuring S.G. Goodman that was inspired by The Matrix. Kiah has become an AmericanaFest mainstay in recent years, but this year’s appearance promises to be something special. Friday, 9:30 p.m., Mainstage at Cannery Hall

It’s been more than 25 years since “Kiss Me” was released and the catchy love song is still a ubiquitous radio staple. But Sixpence None the Richer won’t let themselves be defined by the hit: singer Leigh Nash and the band just wrapped up a new album, which they’ll preview at AmericanaFest. Nash also dropped a solo song earlier this month: “Unraveling” is a collab with Tears for Fears’ Roland Orzabal that shows Nash’s supple voice hasn’t lost an inch. Friday, 10 p.m., City Winery

Mary Ford, the groundbreaking guitarist as one half of the duo Les Paul & Mary Ford, would have turned 100 this summer. To salute her timeless influence, a cadre of female artists come together at the Gibson Garage to strum, shred, and solo during a daylong showcase. Take-no-shit Alabama belter Taylor Hunnicutt, twang revivalist Kimmi Bitter, and country-rocker Sophie Gault, whose swaggering new album Baltic Street Hotel drops Friday, are all on the bill. Friday, 12 noon – 6 p.m., Gibson Garage

Reid Haughton is that slippery kind of artist that can effortlessly slide through genres: The Alabama guitarslinger played CMA Fest in June, delivering a brand of swampy, Southern rock that appeals to country fans. This year, he makes his AmericanaFest debut, where the songs on his debut album, Higher Than 9, should find a receptive audience in the roots-music community. The title track to his LP celebrates the elevating effects of good lovin’ — and good bud. Saturday, 10 p.m., Exit/In