Fort Worth Takes Center Stage as Spotlight City at Nashville’s 25th AmericanaFest

Fort Worth, Texas, is set to shine in the national spotlight as the esteemed Spotlight City for the 25th annual AMERICANAFEST in Nashville, Tennessee. This significant recognition, a first for the city, celebrates Fort Worth’s deep-rooted musical heritage and its burgeoning contemporary music scene. The renowned festival, a premier event for Americana and roots music, is scheduled to take place from September 9-13, 2025, drawing thousands of artists, industry professionals, and fans from across the globe.

AMERICANAFEST is a five-day music festival and conference renowned for showcasing a diverse array of artists within the Americana genre, which is characterized by its blend of American roots music such as country, folk, blues, soul, and gospel. As the designated Spotlight City, Fort Worth will be prominently featured throughout the event. This honor is bestowed upon cities based on their vibrant roster of artists and their robust infrastructure and venues that support their music communities.

Fort Worth’s Musical Tapestry Unveiled

The city’s selection is a testament to its rich musical history, widely celebrated as the birthplace of Western swing and a launchpad for pioneers like jazz legend Ornette Coleman. In recent decades, Fort Worth has further solidified its musical identity with the rise of Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Bridges and Academy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Abraham Alexander. The city’s legacy also extends to the blues and early rock and roll, with iconic figures like Delbert McClinton honing their craft in its vibrant roadhouses.

Showcasing Fort Worth’s Talent

A significant component of Fort Worth’s spotlight at AMERICANAFEST will be its official showcase on Thursday, September 11th, held at Analog in the Hutton Hotel. This event will feature a curated selection of local talent, including Brandi Waller-Pace, known for her work spotlighting Black artists in Americana music; emerging young artist Jack Barksdale; Claire Hinkle; Summer Dean; and Matthew McNeal. Adding to the excitement, Alexander is slated to perform as the secret headliner.

Furthermore, Fort Worth leaders and artists will participate in panel discussions, offering insights into the city’s creative evolution and investment opportunities in its music scene. A key panel, “Fort Worth, Texas: Creating a Scene,” is scheduled for September 10th, with additional panels featuring Fort Worth artists following throughout the festival.

Honoring a Local Icon

This year’s festival will also pay tribute to Fort Worth native and Grammy Award-winning artist Delbert McClinton. McClinton, a legendary figure in blues rock and Americana music, began his career in Fort Worth’s music venues and has since achieved widespread acclaim, earning four Grammy Awards and induction into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame. His recognition underscores the depth of musical talent that has emerged from the city.

A City’s Commitment to its Music Scene

Fort Worth’s designation is also a reflection of its sustained commitment to fostering a thriving local music ecosystem. Initiatives like Hear Fort Worth, established in 2016, play a crucial role by organizing monthly mixers, providing travel grants, and offering educational opportunities to support musicians. Amplify 817, a city-led program, further empowers local artists by offering financial support, media training, and a platform for their music to be streamed and discovered. The Sound Care program, a partnership with JPS Health Network, provides essential healthcare access for musicians and music industry professionals in Tarrant County, addressing a critical need within the community. Visit Fort Worth has also been actively promoting local artists at AmericanaFest for the past five years, building the foundation for this year’s official spotlight.

The Impact of the Spotlight

Being named the Spotlight City for AMERICANAFEST offers Fort Worth unparalleled national exposure. This recognition not only elevates the profiles of its artists, providing them with crucial industry connections and new audiences, but also enhances the city’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination. Music festivals are significant economic drivers, boosting local economies through increased tourism, hospitality revenue, and job creation. For Fort Worth, this spotlight is expected to attract further investment, stimulate its creative economy, and reinforce its identity as a city that values and actively cultivates its musical talent.