AMERICANAFEST: Big Loud, Big Machine/Nashville Harbor, Songs Of U.S.

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Big Loud Hosts 2026 AMERICANAFEST Showcase

Thelma & James perform at Big Loud’s AMERICANAFEST Showcase. Photo:  Brayln Kelly Smith

Big Loud hosted its second annual AMERICANAFEST Showcase, in partnership with Aviator Nation Dreamland. The event highlighted the genre’s talent with performances by Kashus Culpepper, Thelma & James, Coleman Jennings, Alex Lambert, Nathan Bess and Waylon Payne.

Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Showcases Emerging Acts At AMERICANAFEST

Hunter Flynn. Photo: Blake Harbison/Peachtree Entertainment

Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Marfa and Hunter Flynn represented the label across the AMERICANAFEST lineup. Marfa performed at The Basement, as well as an acoustic set at Martin Guitars’ 16 Series launch. Flynn also performed at The Basement for Music Blooms Here Vol. 2: A Laurel Cove Shindig, as well as The Basement East.

 

Salt Lick Takes Songs Of U.S. Series To AMERICANAFEST

Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Salt Lick Sessions brought its Songs of U.S. music and conversation series to Nashville during AMERICANAFEST for a panel featuring series participants Swamp Dogg, Raye Zaragoza and Farayi. The discussion focused on how artists can use their platforms to create meaningful change during a divided cultural moment and turn songs into something larger.

Salt Lick Incubator Director of Programming and Media Nicole Izzo Mlynczak moderated the panel, with Salt Lick Incubator Co-Founder and Chairman Roger Brown also participating. The artists discussed the role of music in shaping America’s cultural identity, the importance of leading with purpose, connecting with different audiences and using their music to make an impact beyond the stage.

Madison Hahnen
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