Black American Music Summit | Folk Alliance International 2025 Conference

Form completion is required in order to attend the Summit.

The 3rd Annual Black American Music Summit will be hosted by Folk Alliance International in Montreal, Quebec, Canada February 19-23, 2025. BAMS is a multi-day gathering for Black delegates at FAI to enjoy affinity based programming and performance showcases.

The goal of the summit is to foster a sense of community and belonging amongst Black artists to broaden their presence in the folk music ecology. Representation matters, as does a safe space for folks to gather and collectively identify pathways to success and candidly discuss faced obstacles.

This convening will make space for Black artists and industry alike to offer each other guidance, tools, and empowerment, through panel discussions and community dialogue. Our theme for this year's Black American Music Summit is Following the Drinking Gourd: Liberation Through Hope and Inspiration.

This year the summit will include two daily sessions Thu-Sat, with Affinity space in the morning and public conversations in the late afternoon. Panelists and facilitators include Lady A, Tiara Amar, Bertrand Evans-Taylor, Jenn Jeffers, Kaia Kater, Ann Powers, Lisa Sanders, Shakura S'Aida, Lara Supan, Brandi Waller-Pace, and Jada Watson, with a welcome message from Dom Flemons.

Current Schedule (subject to change):

Wednesday, 2/19
3:00–4:00 PM: Welcome Mixer
10:30-until: Private Showcases

Thursday, 2/20
10:30 AM–12:00 PM: Building Our Own Tables: Creatives Creating Space for Each Other
5:00–6:30 PM: Is DEI Dead?: The Road Ahead
10:30-until: Private Showcases feat. FWAAMFest Song Circle

Friday, 2/21
10:30 AM–12:00 PM: BAMS Songwriters Workshop with Lisa Sanders
5:00–6:30 PM: What Do the Numbers Say?: Where do we stand and whereto from here?
10:30-until: Private Showcases feat. Open Mic Night

Saturday, 2/22
10:30 AM–12:00 PM: Speaking from Experience: Voice from those who have traveled this road
5:00–6:30 PM: The Road to Success: The Pillars of Business Empowering Creativity
10:30-until: Private Showcases feat. Songwriter Workshop Circle

Form completion is required in order to attend the Summit.

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To register for this event, please complete this form. If you have any questions, or require assistance in completing this form, please contact bamusicmovement@gmail.com.

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Registration form