No Country’s Guide to AmericanaFest 2016: 7 Can’t Miss Saturday Bands

AmericanaFest technically wraps up on Sunday, but the last night of endless decisions is Saturday. Just as we did on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, we’ve rounded up some of the artists that should be on your to see list for Saturday below. The focus includes some not-to-miss national acts, but also shines a light on some locals that those visiting our fair city may not know to look out for. Head below for our top artists to catch on Friday at AmericanaFest 2016.

CALE TYSON

Communion Presents at the Anchor | 8:30pm

Texas transplant Cale Tyson has been supplying old school country tunes for years. Although many try to imitate the genre’s greats, Tyson knows how to bring his own style to honky tonk melodies. His self-proclaimed brand of “sad-bastard outlaw country” is sure to have you raising your whiskey by the end of the night.

WATCH | “Can’t Feel Love” (Official Music Video)

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DYLAN LEBLANC

Communion Presents at the Anchor | 9:30pm

It’s been quite the year for Muscle Shoals singer-songwriter Dylan LeBlanc. A lifelong musician, LeBlanc has overcome a troubled past to rise from the ashes with intensely emotional songwriting and entrancing storytelling. He first began releasing music back in 2010, but, his 2016 LP Cautionary Tale produced by John Paul White (The Civil Wars) and Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes), really caught mainstream attention. LeBlanc is no stranger to the stage these days after extensive tours with the likes of George Ezra, David Ramirez, and Alabama Shakes, and this intimate performance on Saturday night should be a chill set to kick your evening into high gear.

WATCH | “Cautionary Tale” (Live)

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ANDREW LEAHEY & THE HOMESTEAD

The Basement | 10pm

It’s been an interesting few years for Andrew Leahey And The Homestead. Leahey, a Nashville based songwriter, was diagnosed with a brain tumor that threatened to take his hearing and, possibly, his life. Luckily, surgery was able to remove the tumor and save his hearing – and LIFE. The doctors told Andrew to take a break from music, but, during his recovery, he knew that couldn’t last too long. Life had given him a second chance, and he wasn’t going to miss out. He hit the studio with Ken Coomer (Wilco) to record a new record, Skyline In Central Time, which just dropped in August. The record channels Springsteen and Petty and features Andrew’s impressive and catchy songwriting. You can listen to the first single, “Little In Love,” below, and sneak over to The Basement to get a taste of what’s next in Americana.

WATCH | “Little in Love” (Official Music Video)

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JON LATHAM

The 5 Spot | 10pm

Rising local songwriter Jon Latham has been pinging our radar for a while. Citing influences like Ryan Adams, Jason Isbell, and Billy Bragg, Jon’s soulful voice and attention to nuanced, personal songwriting has his stock on the rise in Music City. He really showcases his emotive, blue collar themes on his 2015 release, Real Bad News, and he is quickly becoming a household name in Nashville. This is another chance to hear an artist that folks will likely be talking about at future AmericanaFests.

WATCH | “The Braver Man” (Live)

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MINDY SMITH

3rd & Lindsley | 10pm

Mindy Smith was a beloved figure in the world of Americana in the mid 00s, and saw her star shine bright early on when she contributed a stirring version of “Jolene” to Dolly Parton’s tribute album in 2003. Parton took the young singer under her arm, and joined her in a video for the track, and even made a surprise appearance on The Tonight Show to hype the talented youngster. She prolifically released four album in the 2000s, but has been relatively quiet since the release of her 2012 self-titled record. Her appearance at AmericanaFest and an upcoming tour later this year have us wondering if we finally might get some new music from Mindy Smith. One of the best ways to find out? Head out to see her at 3rd & Lindsley on Saturday night.

WATCH | “Come to Jesus” (Official Music Video)

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SARAH JAROSZ

3rd & Lindsley | 11pm

Grammy awarded, multi-instrumentalist Sarah Jarosz is no stranger in the world of Americana. Her expertly crafted music dabbles in the world of folk and bluegrass, and her talent has been recognized by a slew of collaborators over the years, including Bela Fleck, Chris Thile, Shawn Colvin, Sara Watkins, and Aoife O’Donovan to name just a few. Sarah is currently touring in support of her incredibly well received fourth studio album, Undercurrent, which dropped earlier this year. If you are looking to see one of the absolute stars of Americana, you’ll be at 3rd & Lindsley on Saturday night.

WATCH | “Build Me Up From Bones”

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ANTHONY D’AMATO

City Winery | 11:59pm

Singer-songwriter Anthony D’Amato made a big splash on the scene with his 2014 album, The Shipwreck From The Shore. His acoustic-driven and poetic tracks are instantly entrancing, while telling stories of love, loss and heartbreak. His latest LP, Cold Snap, was produced by Mike Mogis and features appearances by Conor Oberst and members of Bright Eyes, The Faint, and Cursive. If that’s not enough to convince you, D’Amato’s rich and raspy voice definitely will.

WATCH | “Golden Globes” (Official Music Video)