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Americana music festival now accepting artist applications through March 31

Lisa L. Rollins' photo
Nashville Country Music Examiner

Applications for those who'd like to perform in this year's Americana Music Festival & Conference are being accepted now through March 31, according to a recent announcement from the Nashville-based Americana Music Association.

This year's popular AMA event, the 13th to date, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 12, through Saturday, Sept. 15, at a multitude of Music City hotspots, just as has been done during festivals past. However, for those artists who hope to be part of the four-day event's musical fare, it's crucial to meet next month's application deadline, reminded Jed Hilly, executive director of the AMA.

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"Whats so cool about this event is that you can see legends and unknowns in the club setting," Hilly told Examiner.com, referring to the much-anticipated and highly attended AMA festival.

"Last year we featured Marty Stuart and J.D. Souther in a small club venue and were talking to the Civil Wars before they had sold a single album," he continued. "Mostly, though, it’s a great community event where folks who appreciate great music, fans and industry execs alike, can go to any club at any time and discover a gem."

How to submit an AMA festival application

Those who'd like to submit applications for this year's festival have a couple of options, per the AMA powers that be, based on whether one is an AMA member or not.

For non-members or those who prefer to submit electronically, the AMA is accepting online submissions exclusively through Sonicbids. For those who are not a Sonicbids member, as part of the AMA's partnership with Sonicbids, all applications to 13th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference will also come with a two-week free trial of Sonicbids membership.
 
This membership allows individuals to connect with promoters in one's own area, as well as overseas, if desired, and promote events to fans with tools from ArtistData, which is now part of Sonicbids. To learn more about the event, the benefits on submitting through Sonicbids and how to submit one's act for AMA festival consideration, click here.
 
As for those blessed souls who can lay claim to AMA membership, these musicmakers may submit application materials directly to the association's Nashville office via mail. All submissions must include the application form. For complete details, please click here. And by the way, do be advised that those who aren't currently AMA members are welcomed and invited to join. To do so, follow this link to learn more.  
 
Hilley said all applicants will be notified by Friday, June 29, regarding whether they were selected to perform during the 13th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference, which will be based once more at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel, 623 Union St.
 
For those who'd like to attend the fall conference event, online registration is now open, with special money-saving rates for AMA members and nonmember is in effect now for those who sign up by April 30.
 
Social networkers who'd like to keep up with the AMA can follow its latest updates on Twitter, MySpace or Facebook.
Jed Hilly, executive director of the AMA, says the festival is a great place to discover musical "gems."
Jed Hilly, executive director of the AMA, says the festival is a great place to discover musical "gems."
Photo credit: 
Anthony Scarlati
Jed Hilly, executive director, Americana Music Association, talks with Music Business Radio about how artists should stay true to themselves.

Video: Jed Hilly offers advice to aspiring musicians.

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, Nashville Country Music Examiner

Lisa L. Rollins is a freelance writer who's worked as a full-time journalist, editor and columnist for several publications. Her articles have appeared in Country Weekly, Twang, Country America and American Profile, to name a sampling. Follow Lisa on Twitter here.

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