Day 5 - Conference Begins

Day 5 - Conference Begins
Rested and ready for action!
For the next three days there'll be 18-20 panel sessions per day examining every aspect of the writing, performance and business of Americana. Will be a fascinating insight into a fast-growing format.
The morning begins with a special announcement by pioneering radio station WSM. They will do a live 2-hour broadcast once a week from the Loveless Cafe hosted by local star Jim Lauderdale. Everyone's very excited.
But before we get going I've got a meeting with Louis Meyers, head of the Folk Alliance. Each February, they take over a hotel in Memphis and bring together hundreds of bookers/buyers from festivals, clubs, colleges across the US and showcase artists from around the world. Many Australians have successfully used it as an entry point here.
Louis's a lovely bloke and I'm sure Sounds Australia can help create more of a buzz about the dozen or so Aussie acts that annually apply

Terrific panel about roots music in Canada - 'Canadiana'? Very interesting discussion about the branding implications of "Americana" in overseas territories. Am always struck by the parallels between our music industries. Many Americans have trouble getting their heads around the support both our countries offer to the arts and music in particular.
Bit of trouble grasping my Sounds Australia role, but when I explain that I'm the forward scout checking out the territory before sending the wagon train in, it seems to make sense.

So, with a head full of information, it's back to the hotel to iron the frock for the AMA's night-of-nights - The Americana Honours & Awards show at the 'church' of country music - the Ryman Auditorium.
Expecting to see some fancy country threads on display, and have brought something tasteful with me - no, really!