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FAI 2024

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Announcing the nominees + recipients for the 2025 International Folk Music Awards

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December 3, 2024

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FAI 2024

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We’re thrilled to announce the nominees for the member-voted Best Of 2024 (Song, Album, and Artist of the Year) awards, plus the recipients of the Clearwater, Spirit of Folk, Rising Tide, People’s Voice, Folk Radio Hall of Fame, and Lifetime Achievement Awards!

We’re proud to have such dedicated and talented folks who are helping to preserve the folk and roots music community every day.

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Best of 2024 Nominees

The following are the finalists for the 2024 Song, Album, and Artist of the Year. Final choices for Album, Song, and Artist of the Year at the International Folk Music Awards (IFMAs) are nominated by Folk Alliance members. The nominees slate is finalized by a committee comprised of FAI staff and the Awards Committee of the FAI Board. Winners are determined by the voting membership of FAI and the results are announced during the International Folk Music Awards on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Folk Alliance International Conference. All FAI members in good standing will be invited to cast their ballots for the 2024 Song, Album, and Artist of the Year starting this Thursday, December 5th, 2025.

Clearwater Award Recipient

The Clearwater Award is presented to a festival that prioritizes environmental stewardship and demonstrates public leadership in sustainable event production.

River Roads Festival

The River Roads Festival, held annually in Easthampton, MA, is a vibrant celebration of music, community, and environmental stewardship. Founded by acclaimed singer-songwriter Dar Williams, the festival was envisioned as a space where artistry and activism converge. Drawing inspiration from Easthampton’s scenic landscapes and its rich history, River Roads showcases local and national talent while fostering conversations around sustainability and ecological preservation.

This year, the festival is being honored with the prestigious Clearwater Award, recognizing its outstanding leadership in sustainable event production. From solar-powered stages and waste-reduction initiatives to partnerships with local environmental organizations, the River Roads Festival exemplifies a commitment to eco-conscious practices. Beyond its operational achievements, the festival inspires thousands of attendees to embrace sustainability in their own lives, making it a model for socially and environmentally responsible event planning. The award reflects its dedication to building a greener, more connected future.

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Rising Tide Award Recipient

OKAN

OKAN, a powerhouse duo rooted in Afro-Cuban traditions and contemporary global influences, is this year’s recipient of the Rising Tide Award. Since its inception in 2021, this honor has celebrated artists who inspire through their creativity, community engagement, and advocacy for the ideals of the folk music tradition. OKAN exemplifies these values, blending their vibrant musicality with a deep commitment to cultural connection.

On tour, OKAN doesn’t just perform—they engage directly with the communities they visit, offering workshops that explore Afro-Cuban rhythms, storytelling, and song. This interactive approach empowers participants to connect with their own creativity while deepening their appreciation for OKAN’s heritage. Their music transcends borders, fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity.

OKAN’s dedication to both artistry and community has made them a beacon of inspiration, embodying the transformative spirit of the folk music tradition.

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People's Voice Award Recipient

The People’s Voice Award is presented to an individual who unabashedly embraces social and political commentary in their creative work and public careers.

Gina Chavez

Gina Chavez is an award-winning Latin pop artist whose music transcends boundaries to celebrate diversity, unity, and social justice. A multi-talented musician and bilingual songwriter, Chavez fuses elements of cumbia, reggaetón, and folk to create a powerful, genre-defying sound that resonates globally. Her artistry is deeply intertwined with her activism, as she uses her platform to champion issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, immigration reform, and gender equality. A proud Austin native, Gina has earned critical acclaim for her electrifying performances and meaningful lyrics, which often reflect her personal journey and advocacy.

In recognition of her fearless commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and addressing pressing social and political issues, Gina Chavez is being honored with The People’s Voice Award. Her work inspires change and embodies the spirit of activism, making her a trailblazer who continues to spark vital conversations through her music and public presence.

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Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

The Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented each year to honor the cultural impact of legendary folk music figures: one Living, one Legacy, and one Business/Academic.
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Living: Indigo Girls

Indigo Girls established their long-lasting career through hard work, meaningful music, and a loyal fan base who could see their own lives reflected in the duo’s lyrics. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers met in elementary school in Georgia and started singing together in high school. They resumed their creative partnership upon enrolling in Emory University in Atlanta. After being discovered in a popular neighborhood bar called Little 5 Points Pub, the duo signed with Epic Records and embarked on a national tour. Their classic 1989 self-titled collection won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Activism has been central to their decades-long career, particularly through the non-profit environmental justice group Honor the Earth. Their albums have especially resonated with female listeners and queer communities who rarely found such representation in mainstream music. The 2023 documentary, It’s Only Life After All, details their enormous contribution to folk music and far beyond.

Legacy: Lesley Riddle

June 13, 1905 – July 13, 1979

Lesley Riddle influenced the artistic direction of the Carter Family’s recordings by songcatching with A.P. Carter and sharing the music from his African American contemporaries. As a young man in Kingsport, Tennessee, he frequented a friend's home where local and traveling musicians often socialized. A.P. Carter came to the house in 1927 looking for material. Impressed with Riddle's knowledge and musicianship, they forged a creative partnership. On their songcatching trips, Riddle memorized the melodies as A.P. wrote down the lyrics. When he stayed with the Carters, Riddle taught them songs from the African American tradition that might be reworked for the Carter Family’s albums. In the 1960s, folklorist Mike Seeger asked Maybelle Carter about her distinctive guitar licks, and she told him about Riddle's impact on her playing style. Seeger then coaxed Riddle, who’d given up music entirely, back into the studio and onto festival stages. Riddle died in 1979.

Business/Academic: Songlines

Songlines, the indispensable guide to the global music scene, published its 200th issue and commemorated its 25th anniversary in 2024. Along with insightful interviews and album reviews, the pages of Songlines introduce readers to new landscapes and perspectives, while the companion album offers traditional and contemporary musical textures from around the world. Published in the United Kingdom, Songlines emerged from a world music supplement in a 1996 issue of Gramophone, a classical music magazine. Simon Broughton, a world music enthusiast, felt that the supplement overlooked a wide swath of international releases, so he wrote a letter to the Gramophone editors. In response, the publication enlisted Broughton to consult on the following year’s supplement, then hired him as the first editor of Songlines, which launched in 1999 as a quarterly publication. In addition, Songlines Music Awards and Songlines Encounter Festival provide platforms for world music artists to be discovered and celebrated.

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‍Spirit of Folk

These awards are presented to honor and celebrate people and organizations actively involved in the promotion and preservation of folk music through their creative work, their community building, and their demonstrated leadership.

‍Annie Capps

Annie Capps has been honored with the Spirit of Folk Award for her unwavering commitment to the folk music community. Her journey began at the 2006 FARM conference in Battle Creek, Michigan. By 2007, she stepped up as a volunteer, later joining the board and becoming Board President in 2009. Under her leadership, FARM saw transformative growth, introducing features like keynote speakers and private showcases, and moving to St. Louis in 2012 to accommodate a growing audience. A dedicated performer and songwriter, Annie has long been a pillar of the Michigan folk scene, supporting venues and initiatives and spearheading a women-centered recording project. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she orchestrated FARM Virtual Connections, a lifeline for many. Annie remains actively involved with Virtual Connections, continuing to inspire the folk tradition.

‍Innu Nikamu

Innu Nikamu has been honored with the Spirit of Folk Award for its exceptional commitment to the promotion and preservation of Indigenous culture through music and community building. Founded over 30 years ago in Quebec by members of the iconic band Kashtin, Innu Nikamu has grown into a magical gathering that celebrates the rich musical traditions of the Innu people and beyond. The festival, whose name means "Innu Sings," blends world-renowned international acts like Bryan Adams and the Gipsy Kings with a robust showcase of local Indigenous talent, fostering cultural pride and exchange. Innu Nikamu's impact extends beyond the festival, with the development of a state-of-the-art recording studio and partnerships with Makushan Records, empowering Indigenous artists. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and transformative experiences, Innu Nikamu exemplifies leadership in sustaining folk traditions while building bridges between cultures.

Tom Power

Tom Power is a celebrated Canadian musician and broadcaster, best known as the host of *Q* on CBC Radio One. His passion for folk music shines through both his professional work and personal artistry. Based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Tom began his career at just 21 as the host of *Deep Roots* on CBC Radio, making him the youngest national program host since Peter Jennings. He is also a member of the award-winning folk band, The Dardanelles, and has hosted premier folk festivals such as Hillside, Mariposa, and Winnipeg.

A dedicated advocate for folk, old-time, and bluegrass traditions, Tom continues to elevate their presence across Canada through his broadcasts and performances, embodying the Spirit of Folk award’s mission to promote and preserve these rich musical legacies.

Alice Randall

Alice Randall, a trailblazer in folk and country music, is this year’s honoree at the Spirit of Folk Awards. Discovered by Steve Earle at the Bluebird Café on her second night in Nashville in 1983, Alice began her career under his mentorship, quickly mastering the art of songwriting. She later founded Midsummer Music, her own production company, solidifying her influence in the Nashville music scene.

Alice co-wrote the chart-topping “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl)” for Trisha Yearwood, contributed to Johnny Cash’s “The Chicken in Black,” and crafted hits recorded by numerous artists. Her work spans over 20 recorded songs, including top 10 hits, and the award-winning video for Reba McEntire's “Is There Life Out There.”

This year, Oh Boy Records celebrated her legacy with a collection of her songs and a book of poetry. Randall’s creative genius and community leadership continue to inspire and preserve the rich traditions of folk and country music.

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‍Folk Radio Hall of Fame Inductees

The Folk DJ Hall of Fame was established to recognize radio DJs who have made an outstanding contribution to the preservation, promotion, and presentation of folk music, and who have demonstrated and inspired leadership in the broadcast field. Inducted DJs include the following:

Taylor Caffrey

A native of New Orleans, Taylor Caffery even before high school was a young concert goer in the late 1950's, attending jazz concerts, rock 'n roll shows including Little Richard and Chuck Berry, and later enjoying touring folkies such as Peter Paul and Mary, Ian and Sylvia, The Kingston Trio, Harry Belafonte, and The Smothers Brothers. He was a volunteer for the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

He hosted a bluegrass show on a Navy base in Spain, where he was heavily influenced by the formats of programs on Armed Forces Radio. Returning to Shreveport in 1971 to attend college, Taylor served on the committee to form the college radio station, KSCL, where Taylor created an eclectic folk-centered show. When he and his wife Mary Ann moved to Baton Rouge, Taylors’ “Hootenanny Power” began airing in 1981 on WRKF Public Radio. In 2022 WRKF presented him the station's Founder's Award, and in 2024 SERFA presented him with the Kari Estrin Founding President's Award.

Matthew Finch

October 1, 1959 - July 28, 2024

Matthew Finch was a beloved figure in New Mexico's music scene, dedicating over 20 years to KUNM as Music Director and a tireless advocate for local musicians. Through programs like “Ear to the Ground” and “Studio 505”, he created platforms for regional artists to share their voices, showcasing live performances and celebrating the diversity of New Mexico’s music community. Matthew’s deep connection to music was matched by his encyclopedic knowledge of KUNM’s 80,000-strong music library, which he expertly curated to inspire and educate listeners. Known for his infectious enthusiasm, he built strong relationships with musicians, staff, and volunteers alike, becoming a vital bridge between the music community and the station. His passion for public radio and dedication to fostering local talent left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Though he passed away unexpectedly in July 2024, Matthew’s legacy continues to resonate, embodying the spirit of folk music and community.

Archie Fisher

The 27 years presenting BBC Radio Scotland's award winning Travelling Folk programme was the culmination of Archie's passion for radio which began in his childhood when in a darkened room he scanned the wavelengths of the world on a huge old GEC radio. He had previously blended his other passion, folk music, into other freelance radio documentary productions but presenting Travelling Folk opened up a great portal to promote the artists and musicians of the British and Irish folksong revival. He also hosted studio sessions and interviews with visiting American and Canadian performers like the legendary Joan Baez and Judy Collins and introduced the emerging talents of Jimmy Keelaghan and David Francey to his faithful audience. Among other awards he was presented with an MBE by Queen Elizabeth the 2nd for his services to music.

MarySue Twohy

MarySue Twohy, program director at SiriusXM, currently manages The Village, the folk channel along with other channels. She interviews and produces radio programs that span folk legacy to the newest artists – including “Prisms the Sound of Color” – a weekly program hosted and curated by nine North American artists of color. She started as an artist and moved into broadcasting with a 2 hour program 20 years ago– quickly rising to program director. She has served as a folk alliance board member for seven years and received a national Gracie award for her interview feature on the Village Folk Show. Mary Sue Twohy is a steady supporter for folk music for decades and continues to serve on national music committees, panels and songwriting contests as a judge. Based in Washington DC, she is also an advocate for municipal native plant restorations and a juried machine knitting artist.

Chuck Wentworth

July 4, 1951 - April 25, 2024

Chuck Wentworth was a beloved figure in the New England music scene and beyond, known for his long-standing contributions as radio host and festival producer. He attended the University of Rhode Island, where he began hosting a folk music show on WRIU-FM, the college’s radio station. For 38 years, Chuck’s show “Traditions” became a staple for folk and roots music enthusiasts. He was also the Folk and Roots Music Director at the station and expanded the folk programming from one show to five nights a week. Chuck’s life-long passion for music led him to become a prominent figure in the world of music and he left an enduring mark on the cultural landscape. He was the founder and producer of the Rhythm & Roots Festival, a three-day music and dance festival. Chuck passed away in 2024, leaving behind a rich legacy and a profound impact on the music community.