(Nicole Atkins and Chris Isaak, Photographer: Max Chan)

The showcase featured performances by Coyle Girelli, ZZ Ward, Amy Helm, Nicole Atkins, Jimmy Fortune, and Chosen Family. Ruthie Foster, appearing fresh off her Grammy win earlier this year for Mileage, delivered a powerful set that drew one of the day’s biggest ovations. Nicole Atkins’ performance was introduced by a surprise guest — Chris Isaak — who stopped by to show his support. The afternoon also drew artists beyond the lineup, including Sun Records’ Robert Randolph, an official AmericanaFest headliner, who joined the celebration.

“I had a great time hangin’ with and reuniting with friends while discovering incredible songwriters at AmericanaFest this year,” said Foster. “Looking forward to working with Sun Records for the next album!”

(L to R: Robert Randolph, Ruthie Foster, and Kyshona Armstrong)

“I absolutely loved my first AmericanaFest and performing the songs from my new album as part of the Sun Label Group’s day party,” said Girelli. “Such a treat —and the best lineup of the week! It was an honor sharing the stage with everybody. Can’t wait for next year!”

(ZZ Ward)

Shawn Stockman and Billy Mann of Chosen Family also reflected on the experience.

“Honestly, both of us coming from Philly and me spending my life in R&B, I wasn’t sure how our sound would land here,” said Stockman. “But once we started playing, we were hugged like cousins in the Americana community.”

“Shawn and I quickly realized Americana isn’t a closed box to fit into — it’s more open table,” said Mann. “Our acoustic guitars, harmonies, and storytelling felt like we just pulled up a chair in the kitchen and the whole chosen family just said, ‘welcome home.’”

(Shawn Stockman and Billy Mann of Chosen Family)

“It was great to be a part of the Sun Label Group party and be with some of the other Sun artists,” said Fortune. “I had such a great time getting to know some of the artists and the people there. I appreciate the history of Sun Label and I am proud to be a part of it.”

(Jimmy Fortune)

Helm shared her thoughts on the event: “Sun Records is a label that truly cares about its artists, led by an extraordinary team of passionate and dedicated people,” she said. “The Sun Label Group AmericanaFest showcase was joyful from start to finish. You could feel the excitement in the room—every artist wanted to be there and be part of it. As an artist, there’s nothing better than landing with a team that completely believes in what you’re doing, and that spirit defined the atmosphere at the Sun Records showcase in Nashville.”

(Amy Helm and Colin Linden)

Alongside the music, the event marked the launch of the new Sun Records Beer, served up with Dreamburger’s signature burgers. Guests also experienced the Instrumenthead Mobile Gallery by Michael Weintrob, which added a visual arts dimension to the day.

“AmericanaFest is about community, discovery, and celebrating the music that continues to move people forward,” said Paul Sizelove, President of Sun Label Group. “This year’s day party gave us the chance to showcase the incredible depth of talent across our labels, from Grammy winners to some of today’s most distinctive artists, all under one roof. To share that experience with fans, partners, and friends made it a truly special moment for us.”

(The Sun Label Group Team)

The celebration highlighted both the rich legacy and dynamic future of Sun Label Group, creating one of the most memorable gatherings of AmericanaFest 2025. According to Vinyl Tap, it was their best-attended AmericanaFest event of the week.