Bristol’s Americana Weekend, which brings the best blues, gospel, country and bluegrass music to the city, is back for a third year under a new name, River Town.
Taking place from the July 14 to 17 at Colston Hall – and with a launch concert at St George’s this evening - the world-class programme promises an unforgettable weekend of music. 
This year’s line-up includes some UK greats with a rare trio performance from renowned songwriters Nick Lowe, Paul Carrack and Andy Fairweather Low. Another highlight includes a closing performance by renowned gospel singer and civil rights activist Mavis Staples, who is celebrating her seventh decade on the circuit. She will be joined by R&B star and soul singer James Hunter, heralded for his talents both as a live performer and perhaps even more as a songwriter.
The special River Town launch party at St George’s tonight features a one–off performance by American music royalty Carleen Anderson.
The Mercury Prize-nominated star of soul and acid jazz through The Young Disciples, honours her family’s history in Texas and Mississippi with Cage Street Memorial, a moving testament to Anderson’s gospel roots and a personal journey from the Deep South, to the UK and then to Bristol, where her musician son Bobby lives.
The festival itself kicks off on the evening of Friday, July 14, with The Shires at Colston Hall following their sell-out show at 2015’s Americana weekend. This year they’ll be joined by Ward Thomas, the first-ever UK country act to top the national album chart.
Meanwhile, New Orleans funk master Jon Cleary will take to the stage in The Lantern with his soulful, funky pop tunes supported by alt-country blues singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah.
Colston Hall head of programme Todd Wills said: “We are excited to be bringing back the festival again this year. River Town is about bringing together a range of artists under the banner of Americana music and we’re increasingly attracting a really eclectic line-up of top names.
“Our bill this year features UK greats with leading acts in the current British country music scene appearing alongside legendary songwriters, as well as a host of international artists. We’re really celebrating the many styles and influences of Americana.”
St George’s senior programme producer Phil Johnson added: “To hear Carleen Anderson’s astonishingly soulful voice backed by her own keyboards and an all-star quintet is going to be one of the musical experiences of the year.”
Tickets for River Town’s July events are available from the Colston Hall box office on 0117 203 4040 or at www.colstonhall.org. For Carleen Anderson tickets go to www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk or call 0845 40 24 001.
