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:

The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) inducted five new members into its Hall of Fame on Thursday, January 23, at a ceremony in downtown Meridian. Folklorist William "Bill" Ferris, historian and novelist Shelby Foote, poet Natasha Trethewey, and singer-songwriters Bobbie Gentry and Mac McAnally were inducted in front of 700-plus attendees who filled the historic theater at the Mississippi State University Riley Center.

Over the past year, singer/songwriter Mike Rufo has been leading his songs out into the shores of light, most derived from his brilliant upcoming album, living is… due out on March 7th 2025. The latest is a rambling redemption song called “New Day,” that just made The Bluegrass Situation’s BGS Class of 2025 January playlist.

Renowned banjo player, guitarist, singer, and songwriter Billy Failing is set to grace the stage at the iconic Fox Theatre in Boulder, Colorado, on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Doors open at 7:00 pm, and the show begins at 8:00 pm. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 31st, at 10:00 am, and can be purchased here.

Warren Haynes Band, led by GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, producer, and Gov’t Mule front man Warren Haynes, has announced the Million Voices Whisper Spring Tour in continued support of Haynes' newest, chart-topping solo album, Million Voices Whisper.

Goose has announced the upcoming release of their eagerly anticipated fourth studio album, Everything Must Go, arriving via No Coincidence Records on Friday, April 25. Digital pre-saves are available now. Vinyl pre-orders will be available tomorrow, January 28 at 12 noon ET.

Music icons Earth, Wind & Fire are set to light up stages in Colorado and Utah this summer with two incredible performances! As part of their 2025 schedule, these special shows promise to deliver the timeless hits and unforgettable energy that have made Earth, Wind & Fire one of the most beloved bands of all time.

Simple Minds has announced plans for a major North American headline tour – the legendary UK band’s biggest live run across the US and Canada in four decades. They are excited to share that the bands opening in support for the entire tour will be Soft Cell and Modern English.

6x GRAMMY® Award-nominated musician/songwriter/producer Steven Wilson has announced the eagerly awaited North American leg of The Overview Tour – his first full-band solo headline run in the US and Canada in over seven years. Dates get underway for the Live Nation produced run starting September 9 at San Francisco, CA’s The Masonic and continue through mid-October.

Following last year’s successful run, the 80’s New Wave tour TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL announces its return this summer and features artists that exploded in the pop culture zeitgeist in the 1980’s thanks mainly to the high rotation of their music videos on MTV. These artists have enjoyed a steady rise in popularity in recent years, with their music having a lasting impact. Tour creator and JPA agency founder Jon Pleeter calls the TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL “the best ‘80s party on the planet.