The AMAUKs are only 2 weeks away and there are still a handful of tickets left if you haven’t got yours yet. It’s the fifth annual shindig which forms part of AmericanFest which returns to Hackney for 3 days at the end of this month. The theme of the event is “Collaborate and Cross Pollinate” reflecting on how Americana artists work together across different genres and art forms. The event culminates on 30th January in the prestigious UK Americana Awards 2020 which after 4 sold-out years moves to a bigger venue for 2020 – the gorgeous art deco Troxy in Limehouse, East London.
Last year’s Awards show saw phenomenal performances from established Americana stars such as Rhiannon Giddens, Seth Lakeman and Graham Nash alongside fresh, rising UK talents Jade Bird and Yola, with top awards going to Frank Turner, Brandi Carlile, Mary Gauthier and Bennett Wilson Poole.
This year’s awards will recognise the huge breadth of talent across the genre with some terrific artists nominated this year including such diverse names as Yola, Frank Turner, Jade Bird, Mavis Staples, Larkin Poe, Highwomen, Ida Mae and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real. The awards show will feature live performances from Nick Lowe, the Milk Carton Kids, Billy Bragg with Peter Donegan, Jamie Freeman and The Felice Brothers among others. And in news today, the organisers have announced that platinum-selling frontwoman and bassist from Noisettes Shingai will sing a song as chosen by Lifetime Achievement Winner Joan Armatrading at the awards show – drawing on her Zimbabwean and Bantu heritage, bringing her distinctive and unique vocal style and presence to the evening. It’ll all be presented by (“the real Saint-“) Bob Harris and we will of course be there, partly because, er, we’ve won an award, but lights and bushels.
Aussie alternative rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Dan Sultan was also announced today as an addition for the conference itself – he’ll be showcasing at lunchtime on the Wednesday.
You can buy your tickets here, and in the meantime, here’s a clip of the Milk Cartons playing like most people breathe air.
