NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 18, 2020) -- Today, the Americana Music Association Foundation (AMAF) has announced Thriving Roots: A Virtual Community Music Conference, a new online music industry conference experience slated to take place Sept. 16, 17 and 18, 2020. The virtual conference will feature programming with Rosanne Cash, John Leventhal, Mavis Staples as well as AMAF Board Members Jackson Browne, Rhiannon Giddens and T Bone Burnett, with more surprises to be revealed as the event approaches. A limited number of passes at the $99 Early Bird rate are now on sale here.

Taking place the week originally scheduled for The Americana Music Association’s AMERICANAFEST, Thriving Roots will bring the Americana music community together from across the world for three full days of engaging insight from its top industry professionals and leading artists. The conference will include over 50 stimulating industry and artist-led panel discussions, plus more than 40 immersive special events filled with music. Boasting a wide variety of online programming, attendees are in store for a unique, highly interactive experience that will go beyond today’s webinar-style conferences.

“As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, we know that there is a need now more than ever to feel connected,” said Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association Foundation and The Americana Music Association. “With Thriving Roots, we hope that our community will benefit from coming together in the comfort of their own homes to learn from each other and have timely conversations, while still having opportunities to network and enjoy great music.”

The Americana Music Association Foundation’s first educational initiative will be hosted on an online platform that places the ability to connect with one another at the forefront of the event experience. To that end, the Thriving Roots platform will enable attendees to set up individual profiles so they can chat through private messaging, hold open discussions on a forum and schedule one-on-one video meetings. In addition to these networking features, there will also be a live virtual exhibit hall spotlighting industry vendors from the close-knit music community.

The Thriving Roots platform will launch ahead of the three-day virtual conference at a later date to be announced so attendees can personalize their online presence, customize their own daily schedule and begin networking with other attendees.

More programming information will be announced in late July. For the latest updates, please visit americanamusic.org.

About Thriving Roots:
Thriving Roots: A Virtual Community Music Conference is a three-day music industry conference slated to take place Sept. 16, 17 and 18, 2020. Presented by the recently announced Americana Music Association Foundation (AMAF), the educational initiative brings the Americana music community together from across the world for three full days of engaging insight from its leading artists and today’s top industry professionals. With a wide variety of online programming including stimulating panels, immersive special events and refreshing music segments, attendees are in store for a unique experience that will go beyond today’s webinar-style conferences. A limited number of $99 passes are on sale now at americanamusic.org/thrivingroots.

About the Americana Music Association Foundation (AMAF):
The Americana Music Association Foundation (AMAF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and charitable organization, was founded to preserve Americana music through education. Its endeavors strengthen understanding, awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage, shine a light on inspiration, and promote the capacity and engagement of future creators. The foundation accomplishes this mission through educational programs, musical performances and public events. Throughout the year, its partnership with The Americana Music Association focuses on the preservation of past legacies and traditions that spotlight Americana music’s heritage, while also looking ahead to ensure the future of the community’s generations to come.

For more information, please contact:

Bryan Ros | Americana Music Association | bryan@americanamusic.org
Jackie Marushka | Marushka Media | jackie@marushkamedia.com