Americana Awards Nominees Announced

The Americana Music Association announced the nominees for the trade organization’s 2009 Honors and Awards ceremony today (5/20), at its annual celebration at BMI Nashville. The show, in its eighth year, will be held September 17 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Legendary Mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush, joined by rising star Phoebe Hunt, member of  the Belleville Outfit, read the list of award candidates to a crowd of industry executives, artists and tastemakers.

Buddy Miller scored big with five nominations in the six member-voted categories; Justin Townes Earle received three and Alejandro Escovedo, the Flatlanders and Australia’s Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson each received two nominations. The nominees were selected by members of the Americana Music Association, with eligibility based on work released between June 1, 2008 and May 1, 2009.

Buddy Miller leads with five nominations.

The winners will be announced September 17 at the Ryman Auditorium during the 8th Annual Americana Music Association’s Honors and Awards Show. Hosted by Jim Lauderdale and featuring a band led by Buddy Miller, the Honors & Awards ceremony will also recognize Lifetime Achievements and awards in Performance, Songwriting and the unique Spirit of Americana Award honoring Free Speech in Music.

Slated for Wednesday, September 16 through Saturday, September 19, the 10th Annual Americana Festival and Conference will offer daily seminars, panels and networking opportunities at the Nashville Convention Center. Each evening brings more than 80 Americana showcases to venues throughout Nashville. Approximately 1,000 industry professionals attended the 2008 conference and more than 12,000 fans experienced the Festival’s musical events.

The 2009 Americana Music Association Honors and Awards Nominees are:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Real Animal, by Alejandro Escovedo
Written in Chalk, by Buddy & Julie Miller
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, by Jason Isbell & The 40 Unit
Midnight At The Movies, by Justin Townes Earle

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Alejandro Escovedo
Buddy Miller
Justin Townes Earle
Raul Malo

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
Buddy Miller
Gurf Morlix
Jerry Douglas
Sam Bush

NEW & EMERGING ARTIST
Band of Heathens
Belleville Outfit
Justin Townes Earle
Sarah Borges

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Chalk,” written by Julie Miller, performed by Buddy Miller & Patty Griffin
“Country Love” by the Gourds
“Homeland Refugee,” by Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Butch Hancock, performed by the Flatlanders
“Rattlin’ Bones,” by Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson, performed by Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson
“Sex And Gasoline,” by Rodney Crowell, performed by Rodney Crowell

DUO GROUP OF THE YEAR
Buddy & Julie Miller
Flatlanders
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson
Reckless Kelly