The Lumineers and M. Night Shyamalan; Kathleen Edwards and Rita Houston; Brandy Clark, Tanya Tucker and Lee Ann Womack; Rhiannon Giddens and Ann Powers Added as Surprise Speakers at Thriving Roots:
A Virtual Community Music Conference
The three-day virtual conference starts Wednesday, September 16
Passes On Sale Here
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Americana Music Association Foundation (AMAF) has revealed some first-rate surprise additions to their upcoming programming at Thriving Roots: A Virtual Community Music Conference, kicking off next Wednesday, September 16 and running through Friday, September 18. Speakers Brandy Clark, Kathleen Edwards, Rhiannon Giddens, The Lumineers, Linda Ronstadt, M. Night Shyamalan, Tanya Tucker and Lee Ann Womack have been added to the event’s 70+ panel and event sessions — view the full conference schedule here. Passes are on sale here.
In less than one week, Thriving Roots will host a unique and immersive virtual conference event filled with top-tier music industry panels and artist-focused conversations along with energizing special events and music breaks. Adding to the slate of artist conversations music fans won’t want to miss is Ronstadt offering a behind-the-scenes look at “Linda and the Mockingbirds,” a new documentary that chronicles her 2019 journey with Jackson Browne and Mexican-American song and dance troupe Los Cenzontles to her grandfather’s hometown in Mexico, resulting in a tale of immigration, family and music. Moderated by esteemed journalist Randy Lewis, attendees will be able to watch the film screening and hear insight from the musical icon alongside the doc’s producer/director James Keach and Los Cenzontles founder Eugene Rodriguez.
The Lumineers’ Jeremiah Fraites and Wesley Schultz will sit down with renowned filmmaker Shyamalan for an engaging discussion on the importance of retaining creative control of your art.
Beloved singer-songwriter Edwards will speak with acclaimed Program Director Rita Houston (WFUV) about her new album “Total Freedom,” which marks her triumphant return to music after an eight-year hiatus from the business.
The common threads and differences of the Americana and country music worlds will be explored during “Ladies, Your Roots Are Showing,” presented by Change the Conversation. Moderated by CTC co-founder Tracy Gershon with freelance music journalist Marissa Moss, this panel session rounds up Clark, Tucker and Womack to share how they’ve been able to successfully navigate both worlds while maintaining their artistic integrity. They’ll also reveal the challenges and memorable moments they’ve experienced during their respective careers.
Reigning Legacy of Americana Award (co-presented by the Americana Music Association and the National Museum of African American Music) recipient Giddens joins NPR’s Ann Powers and the legendary Taj Mahal to discuss the theme of “Music is the Healing Voice.”
Previously announced Thriving Roots programming includes intimate conversations between Judd Apatow and The Avett Brothers; Brandi Carlile and Yola; Emmylou Harris, Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan; Bob Weir and Oteil Burbridge; and Jackson Browne and Mavis Staples. Rosanne Cash will bring together Ry Cooder, Angela Davis, Bonnie Raitt and Alice Randall for “Love and Vigilance,” a look at the history of protest music. Moreover, RIAA Chairman/CEO Mitch Glazier and COO Michele Ballantyne will share an update on the music industry while looking at current trends and sharing their outlook. The full schedule can be found here.
For the latest updates, please visit americanamusic.org.