>L-R: Sam Brady, Bill Davis (Dash Rip Rock), Danna Strong (Director/Operations, Americana), Tommy Malone (of the Subdudes), Allen Toussaint, Jed Hilly (Executive Director, Americana), Alynda lee Segarra (Hurray for the Riff Raff), Greg Lambousy (Director of Collections, Louisiana State Museum). Photo Credit: Erika Goldring

The Americana Music Association, called 'the coolest music scene today' by The New York Times, set its sights on 'The Big Easy' this week, announcing New Orleans as its city-of-focus for its 2013 festival and conference. Known for its curation of American roots music, the organization annually selects a city with a rich musical heritage and draws attention to its spirit and influence by way of its artists, producers, studios and even geography. Americana celebrates and educates about each focus city through specifically programmed panels and seminars during its annual conference. 

This year's featured panels include Dr. John with Nick Spitzer, Bob Santelli of the Grammy Museum and "The 'New' New Orleans" as presented by the Oxford American. Musical showcases (presented by Offbeat Magazine) include Susan Cowsill, Dash Rip Rock and Tommy Malone of the Subdudes. 

Americana has previously honored Muscle Shoals, AL (2011) and Memphis, TN (2012). This year's festival and conference dates are Sept. 18-22.