AmericanaFest festival sets a keynote talk and a Dualtone Records showcase

AmericanaFest festival has scheduled a keynote conversation and a showcase from Dualtone Records as part of its 2026 lineup, MusicRow reported on August 11. The festival named songwriter Bernie Taupin and Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlile for an unmoderated keynote conversation on September 16 covering the creative process, songwriting, artistic longevity and collaboration, built on a connection the two share through their work with Elton John, including the Grammy-nominated song "Never Too Late."

"Bernie Taupin's contribution to songwriting is immeasurable," said Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association, in a statement announcing the pairing. He called Carlile "one of today's most fearless and celebrated songwriters" and said putting the two together would let AmericanaFest attendees watch "two remarkable creative minds" discuss the responsibility of storytelling.

Dualtone Records is marking its 25th anniversary at the festival with two events on September 16 and 17. The panel discussion "Dualtone at 25: Keep Pressing On," moderated by World Cafe host Raina Douris, brings together label co-founder Scott Robinson, general manager Whitaker Elledge, SVP of promotion Julie Muncy, The Team's Keith Levy and Dualtone artist Aubory Bugg. The label follows it with an anniversary showcase at The Basement East featuring Houndmouth, Shakey Graves, The Brook & The Bluff, Langhorne Slim, Futurebirds, Abraham Alexander and Bugg.

MusicRow followed up the next day with word that AmericanaFest's full schedule and lineup are now live in the festival app, with new showcases added to the listing. The festival runs September 15 to 19 across more than 50 Nashville venues, with more than 200 artists and bands across nearly 300 events.

Other highlights include a special performance from Renee Fleming and Bela Fleck with the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on September 15, part of a proceeds donation to the Americana Music Foundation, and a Spotlight City showcase built around Tulsa artists Kalyn Fay, Ramsey Thornton, Casii Stephan, Ken Pomeroy and Johnny Mullenax at the Analog at Hutton Hotel on September 17.

The keynote and the wider schedule sit alongside the rest of the fall run of shows MusicSuey is following on the festival tracker, part of a busy year for country festivals.