Americana Music Awards nominees announced

[Above: Jason and the Scorchers in 1995]

Back in May, Paste reported the initial showcase line-up for the Americana Music Festival, which was to include (to borrow a phrase) "everyone who's anyone in the Americana genre." Also announced was that the Americana Lifetime Achievement in Songwriting Award would go to John Hiatt, whose songs have been covered by—well, it's probably easier to list people who haven't covered one of his tunes.

Last week, the Americana Music Association proclaimed the nominees for their 7th annual awards show by having roots music all-stars Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn (without her Sparrow Quartet) read the list in the BMI Music Row lobby. The ceremony, slated to take place on September 18 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, will give artists like The Steeldrivers, Alison Kraus & Robert Plant, Chris Thile and last year's trophy-hogs The Avett Brothers a chance to pick up some precious metals for their good work.

The AMA will also be bestowing a Lifetime Achieve Award on legendary punk-country outfit Jason and the Scorchers, who will also perform together with their original line-up for the first time in over a decade.

Related links:
AmericanaMusic.org
Review: Various Artists - This Is Americana [Americana Music Association]
Feature: Catching Up With... The Avett Brothers

Got news tips for Paste? E-mail news@pastemagazine.com.