BONUS TRACKS: Disappointment for DelFest, Isbell Interviews Fauci, and More

Just two weeks before it was set to start, DelFest had to cancel its plans for a 2021 festival in Maryland. A social media post signed by Rob and Robbie McCoury on behalf of the festival and family cited concerns about high COVID-19 infection rates and low vaccination rates in the area, but also went into detail about how those factors were causing a labor shortage among the festival’s vendors that ultimately couldn’t be surmounted. The next DelFest will take place Memorial Day Weekend 2022. Read more in the festival’s social media announcement.

“You Got Gold,” a weeklong celebration of the music of John Prine planned in Nashville in October, was also wiped off the calendar this week due to COVID concerns. “In light of how John died, we just could not reconcile pushing forward and adding any undue stress and anxiety during an already fraught season,” the Prine family and Oh Boy Records said in an announcement. The event is now slated for Oct. 7-12, 2022.

Jason Isbell is no stranger to engaging with people who disagree with him, and he recently interviewed Dr. Anthony Fauci about tips for talking about COVID-19 with friends and family uncomfortable with or unwilling to take safety measures like masking and vaccines. Isbell also asked about how musicians can help keep each other and fans safe. (Yelling “Outfit” at Isbell shows probably doesn’t need to be banned, but, I mean, could it be?) Read highlights of the five-minute conversation, and watch the whole thing, via Billboard.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and our best bet for ensuring live music survives and thrives. In the US, vaccines are free and widely available. Visit vaccines.gov to find out where you can get a vaccine.

Banjo Newsletter, beloved by roots music fans and players since its launch in 1971, is suspending publication online and in print as it regroups after the death of one of the brothers who’s run it since 1992. Spencer Nitchie died in August from cancer at the age of 57. Read more about Nitchie and the current status of Banjo Newsletter in this article from Bluegrass Today. You can check out Banjo Newsletter, whose September issue was its 575th and featured an interview with Béla Fleck by Noam Pikelny, here.

The Americana Music Association announced its 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, who will be honored at the Honors & Awards Show during AmericanaFest on Sept. 22. The Fisk Jubilee Singers are receiving the Legacy of Americana award, co-presented by the National Museum of African American Music; The Mavericks will receive the Trailblazer award; Keb’Mo’ will be honored in the Performance category; Trina Shoemaker for Producer/Engineer; and Carla Thomas will receive the Inspiration Award. Read more about their accomplishments from the Americana Music Association. The association also announced performers and the Buddy Miller-led house band for the Honors & Awards Show, which will stream live on Circle TV’s Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube and at NPRMusic.org.

WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO

Here’s a sampling of the songs, albums, bands, and sounds No Depression staffers have been into this week:

Bruce Springsteen – The Rising
Amythyst Kiah – “Black Myself” (Moby remix)
Melanie Curran – “San Benedito Beach”
Phoebe Bridgers – “That Funny Feeling” (live cover of a Bo Burnham song)
Kacey Musgraves – star-crossed (the album and the movie!)
Zachary Williams – “Game for Guessing” (featuring Robert Ellis) from his new album, Dirty Camaro, coming in October
Lucie Silvas – We Don’t Know We’re Living (featuring Brandi Carlile and Joy Oladokun)
Lilly Hiatt – “Been,” from her new album, Lately, coming in October