Folk Alliance International (FAI), the world’s largest membership organization for the folk music community, is excited to unveil future conference locations, keynote speaker details, the official showcase lineup for its 37th annual conference, and the announcement of a $50,000 award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
Future Conference Locations Announced
FAI confirmed its annual conference locations for the next decade, highlighting its return to iconic folk hubs and international collaborations:
- 2026: January 21-25, New Orleans, LA
- 2027: January 27-31, Chicago, IL
- 2028: January 26-30, Kansas City, MO
- 2029: TBD
- 2030: January 23-27, New Orleans, LA
- 2031: Canada (city TBD)
- 2032: January 21-25, New Orleans, LA
“We are thrilled to return to New Orleans, travel to Chicago, and revisit Kansas City while continuing our commitment to spotlighting Canada in 2031,” said Jennifer Roe, FAI Executive Director. “New Orleans’ rich folklife and vibrant culture make it an ideal host city for multiple conferences in the years to come.”
$50,000 NEA Award
FAI has been awarded $50,000 as part of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects program. This funding supports FAI’s ongoing mission to serve and strengthen the global folk music community.
“The NEA is proud to support Folk Alliance International as part of our mission to celebrate and uplift the arts across all communities,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, NEA Chair.
Keynote Speaker & Programming
FAI’s 37th annual conference, set for February 19-23, 2025, in Montréal, QC, will feature GRAMMY-winning artist Allison Russell as the keynote speaker. She will be interviewed by celebrated author and NPR journalist Ann Powers.
With over 175 official showcases, 300+ panels and events, and programming running 21 hours a day, this year’s conference promises an unparalleled experience. Highlights include:
- Black American Music Summit
- International Folk Music Awards
- Film Screenings: Walking Through the Fire, The 9 Lives of Barbara Dane, and Man in the Sand
- Panels on Music in Times of War, Building Musical Museums, and Artist Advocacy
Official Showcase Artists
This year’s showcases feature a diverse lineup of globally renowned artists, including:
- Ron Sexsmith (Canada)
- Mimi O’Bonsawin (French Canadian & Abénaki, Canada)
- Connie Kaldor (Canada)
- Kaïa Kater (Canada-Grenada)
- Vienna Teng (USA-China)
- Sara Curruchich (Guatemala)
- Steve Poltz (Canada-USA)
- Angelique Francis (Canada)
- Wesli (Haiti)
For the full list, visit folk.org.
About FAI
Founded in 1989, Folk Alliance International connects artists, industry professionals, and fans from diverse cultural and musical backgrounds. FAI champions inclusivity, equity, and access across all its programs.
