Americana Auction Open, Conference Planning Underway

The Americana Music Association is hosting an auction to raise funds for its 2009 Americana Music Festival & Conference, set to take place in Music City Sept. 16-19. Auction items include a Gibson-donated guitar signed by Robert Plant, Levon Helm and other artists who appeared at the 2008 Americana Honors & Awards show; a songwriter mentor session with Jim Lauderdale; passes for Austin City Limits’ 35th Anniversary show featuring Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel; concert tickets and autographed Hatch Show Prints. New items are being added all the time, and the auction will proceed through the winter months at www.americanamusicauction.com.

With plans well underway for the 10th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference, today (1/15) the non-profit organization began accepting applications to showcase at the event. An annual part of the conference is the Americana Music Association Honors & Awards, scheduled this year for Sept. 17 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Conference registrations are currently at the early bird discounted rate of $250 for members and $350 for non members. Conference registration and showcase information at www.americanamusic.org.