Day 5 - The Awards

As expected, some pretty fancy outfits in evidence.  The Ryman Auditorium - just off Broadway, was the home of the legendary Grand Old Opry until it moved to 'Opryland' theme park on the edge of town.  It was here that the legend began with live broadcasts.  The star was - and is, Hank Williams.  Dead by 29, it's hard to over-state the reverence in which he's held.  Think Slim Dusty and triple it.

Very civilised - you can get a drink AND take it into the show.  Thankfully, there's some decent beers readily available these days other than the ubiquitous - and dreadful, Budweiser.

The show starts and I sit back to take it all in.

It's an 'old-fashioned' concert - not a TV camera in sight, with Host Jim Lauderdale doing a great job to fill between numerous change-overs for live performances - Asleep At The Wheel, Patty Griffin, John Prine, Sam Bush, Rodney Crowell, Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock, Raul Malo, John Fogerty and a crop of new 'emerging talent' nominees, including the splendid Justin Townes Earle.

Buddy Miller leads the house band and he and wife Julie are up for numerous awards for their fine album "Written In Chalk".  

It'd be great to see Kasey and Shane win one of the categories they're finalists for (Duo/Group of the Year, Song of the Year), but - speaking to them at the Gympie Muster just before I came, they expected the Millers to scoop the pool.  But they were chuffed to be nominated and hope to make it here next year.  That's how it pans out - see full results at www.americanamusic.org

It's a long show and these old church pews are HARD.  Anyone with a cushion-for-hire concession could make a fortune I reckon.

The President's Award this year is to legendary Little Feat founder Lowell George, and the night finishes with a rousing, all-in "Dixie Chicken".  The performers are joined for this by special guest Delbert McClinton - fantastic!  I'm a VERY happy boy.

After the show I'm meeting up with old mates Jewel and Barry Coburn who run TenTen Music, one of the biggest indie publishing companies in Nashville.

Speaking to them outside they're joined by John Hiatt who's very gracious and encouraging when I explain why I'm there.  Do I do the fan thing and ask for a photo?  Bugger it - I am a fan!

All in all, a great night.

Off to local industry watering hole The Palms for drinks and what a surprise.  Barry and Jewel have brought their house guests along.  Les and Gay Sherlock run a company called Borries on the Gold Coast which makes 'fancy' stage clothes.  I'd been buying stuff from their shop in Melbourne for years, but had never met them.  Small world.