SEPTEMBER TO BE CELEBRATED AS NATIONAL AMERICANA MONTH

FRANKLIN, Tenn.  – The month of September will be celebrated annually as National Americana Month, with Franklin, Tennessee, leading the way. The registrar of National Day Calendar selected Visit Franklin’s proposal to declare September as National Americana Month out of over 30,000 submissions for national recognition in 2016. Communities across the nation are encouraged to join Franklin in celebrating all things Americana.

“With an incredible music scene, a Great American Main Street, and a community filled with amazing talent and character, Franklin, Tennessee perfectly embodies the spirit of Americana,” said Ellie Westman Chin, Visit Franklin President & CEO. “It is often hard to put into a single word what makes Franklin and communities like it around the country such beloved places, but Americana is that word. When you think of Americana, you are taken back to simpler time.”

Americana does not have a single definition. It means different things to different people. To many it is a sound, to some, it is a story while to others Americana describes the feeling or vibe you experience that takes you back to the roots of your culture. In its inaugural year, Franklin will build a pilot branding campaign model to celebrate all things that are quintessentially Americana which communities across the country can tailor to their unique local culture in the future.

Westman Chin added, “We look forward to celebrating an entire month of events that showcase why Franklin is indeed rooted in Americana, and being a leader in showcasing how other communities can highlight their unique Americana offerings.”

Franklin, Tennessee’s celebration will consist of several events, which can all be viewed at VisitFranklin.com/Americana. The month-long celebration will kick off with the Great Americana BBQ Festival, just a few days ahead of September on Saturday, August 26. That will be followed by a series of events such as Anthony Scarlati’s Portraits of Americana, Fork Fest in Leiper’s Fork, and Mantra Artisan Ale’s Block Party featuring their Americana brew, which all lead into the Americana Music Association’s annual Americana Music Festival and Conference.

AmericanaFest will bring together legendary artists, the next generation of rising stars, fans and industry professionals for six days of music and education with over 230 live performances in 40 different venues. The month-long celebration will close with Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. Justin Timberlake will headline the multi-genre music festival that pairs national touring artists with the beautiful setting of Harlinsdale Farm, the local culture of Franklin, Tennessee, and a family-friendly environment.

Communities wishing to join the celebration of National Americana Month can learn more about the process, obtain branding guidelines, and research best practices at VisitFranklin.com/Americana.