Pilgrimage Festival’s “Down Home Church”
What started as a ten-foot by ten-foot tent in 2015 to celebrate Americana’s musical roots in the triangle between Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans, has grown into a cornerstone of the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. This year’s event, set for September 28th and 29th, will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the festival at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Festival headliners for 2024 include Dave Matthews Band, Noah Kahan, Hozier and NEEDTOBREATHE with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Lukas Nelson, Better Than Ezra, Myles Smith, The Cadillac Three, in addition to the Americana Music Triangle (AMT) performances.
The festival’s Americana Music Triangle, presented by Franklin-based Hardee’s, is now housed in a massive tent. It has become a must-visit spot featuring community partners from across the Southeast, a diverse and talented array of performers and the always-popular “Down Home Church” service that opens Sunday at Pilgrimage.
“The AMT tent is more than a showcase for music; it has become a platform for celebrating the musical heritage of the Americana Music Triangle,” said Pilgrimage Co-Producer Brandt Wood.
The Americana Music Triangle was the brainchild of Franklin’s own Aubrey Preston. A Pilgrimage staple, the AMT tent features performances and displays celebrating the genres of music that have emerged from this region. Mike Wolfe’s Antique Archaeology team works alongside the Pilgrimage décor department to create a setting that transports attendees to the Americana Triangle’s Gold Record Road.
"It’s going to be bigger than ever this year. We have a bigger tent. We’ve moved it to the grassy area right behind the big mare barn that’s on Harlinsdale Farm," said Co-Founder Kevin Griffin. "The people have spoken and said that they love the AMTE Tent — the Americana Music Triangle Experience. So, we’ve got amazing artists like Charlie Worsham back, and so many other great things happening. It’s going to be familiar but it’s going to be bigger and badder. We can’t wait to have people out to it."
"We’ve had speakers from Mike Wolfe to educators talking about the history of Appalachian Music, and the music of the deep south. We’ve had dancers from Appalachia. Everything you can think of about in music culture in history has been shared, seen, and sung about on the stages," Kevin said. "Southern gospel is another piece to AMT. We have a Sunday worship every Pilgrimage. It is so important to get
exposure to all these different cities who line the Americana Music
Triangle."
exposure to all these different cities who line the Americana Music
Triangle."
Once again, the AMT stage will be jam-packed with iconic performers. Some of those scheduled include The Band of Heathens, HeavyDrunk, Willi Carlisle, People on the Porch, Theo Lawrence and Wyatt Ellis on Saturday. On Sunday, the day will kick off with a special church service followed by a heavy hitting lineup that includes Charlie Worsham, Hippies and Cowboys, Lamont Landers, Cassandra Lewis, Earnest “Guitar” Roy and Owensboro Bluegrass.
On top of Sunday’s can’t-miss lineup, Hardee's will be serving free, Hand-Breaded Chicken Biscuits, Cinnamon 'n' Raisin Biscuits, Original Cold Brew and Vanilla Cream Cold Brew at the AMT Down Home Brunch.
Pilgrimage has established itself as a music and cultural festival, highlighting area creators of all kinds, including chefs, artisans, jewelers, brewers and more. You can learn more and purchase tickets at pilgrimagefestival.com.
