‘Nashville 2.0 – The Rise of Americana’ on PBS shows what the musical stew of the south looks like

If America itself is a melting pot, the music of our nation is more like a musical…stew. With dumplings? Sure, why not with dumplings.

Photo: Ace Pictures

Nashville 2.0: The Rose of Americana premiers November 22, 2013 at 9 pm ET. The program is part of the PBS Art Fall Festival for 2013. It is an hour-long documentary, and will include musical performances and interview spotlights.

This list of artists who will be performing in Nashville 2.0 was just released today, and includes many winners from the 2013 Americana Music Awards.

Artists appearing in NASHVILLE 2.0 are listed here in alphabetical order (* indicates a 2013 Americana Music Award winner; italics indicates a Grammy Award winner): Alabama Shakes, The Avett Brothers, Billy Bragg, Laura Cantrell, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Rosanne Cash*, The Civil Wars, Elizabeth Cook, Rodney Crowell*, Dawes, Jerry Douglas, John Fullbright, Shakey Graves, Emmylou Harris*, The James Hunter Six, Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Jim Lauderdale, The Lone Bellow, The Mavericks, The Milk Carton Kids, Buddy Miller, Mumford & Sons, Shovels and Rope*, Richard Thompson, and Dwight Yoakam*.

NASHVILLE 2.0: The Rise of Americana captures Nashville, known around the world as “music city,” in its role as the historic home of music icons and institutions, as well as rising stars and young musicians who arrive with new sounds and dreams of making it big. Creating the musical landscape of tomorrow, Nashville is home to Americana music, the 21st century version of country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B, gospel and blues. This special explores the American musical melting pot, looking to the future while embracing the breadth and genius of roots music artists. NASHVILLE 2.0 tells the story, sings the songs, and celebrates the vibrancy of the Americana music scene.

“It’s astonishing how much vibrant, soul-shaking and exciting music is coming out right now from the Americana movement which both welcomes and blends the best of this country’s musical traditions,” says Donald Thoms, PBS Vice President of General Audience Programming and Talent Management. “It’s doubly exciting to present NASHVILLE 2.0’s fast-paced and comprehensive primer on Americana music, paired with Austin City Limits’ annual concert that gives viewers a closer look at these performers and the songs that are constantly redefining the genre.”

Like all 2013 PBS Arts Fall Festival programs, NASHVILLE 2.0 will be hosted by award-winning television, film and stage star Anna Deavere Smith (“Nurse Jackie,” “The West Wing”).  – Via Press Release

Don’t miss this exciting offering from PBS.