During September, National Americana Month brings the nation together to reflect on elements of life in the United States that have knitted us together and made us Americans.

All across the country, images of Americana appear in shop windows up and down small town streets. Whether it’s parades on Independence Day or concerts and county fairs all summer long, we each have developed traditions and a sense of nostalgia that forms a part of who we are as an American.

Religion, politics, language and histories collide and become heavily woven as cultures become rooted in the United States. The evidence is found in the art, literature and music of Americana.

Through every decade since the word Americana was coined in 1841, folk music has influenced a broad range of musical styles in the United States. Often the voice of oppression and rebellion, lyrics not only become a battle cry or anthem, but an oral history frequently repeated. Its ability to inspire and influence other genres of music continues today.

Our idea of Americana may be found in the very food we eat or in a turn of phrase. It may be an adventure on Route 66. Along the way, perhaps engaging in a friendly debate about baseball, hoops or an election while stopping at a roadside stand to savor dishes that have become uniquely American.

Other views of Americana are of the coastal sort.  Take your pick. Historical or theatrical, poetic, scientific, uptown, downtown, city slicker or country bumpkin, Americana comes in all shapes and sizes.  The question for National Americana Month is, what does it mean to you?

HISTORY

The Williamson County CVB founded National Americana Month to inspire everyone to celebrate what Americana means to them. Americana, much like art, inspires people in different ways. To some it is nostalgia. For others it is music, food or culture. For some, it’s celebrating who you are as an American. National Americana Month was founded in Franklin, TN, home to the Americana Music Association, the Americana Music Triangle, and Music City Roots.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Indulge in the nostalgic, the quintessentially American music, flavors, art and events you love most.

Franklin, Tennesse will be ground zero for National Americana Month! All month long, enjoy live music, BBQ, tournaments and more! Go to www.visitfranklin.com/americana for the complete schedule of events.

Can’t make it to Franklin? Americana is everywhere in the United States! Explore all month long and share using #NationalAmericanaMonth on social media.