resource
Update
event
FAI 2024
NEWS
Partner
Region
Day 4: Music is Medicine
February 22, 2025
resource
Update
event
FAI 2024
NEWS
Partner
Region
It’s conference Day 4 at FAI 2025 and there’s no letting up. Saturday is full of music, panels, special programming, and COMMUNITY for your body and soul.
A few very important notes:
- Food from outside is not allowed in the hotel common areas. Please respect the hotel’s union rules and don’t bring food.
- Elevators: From 10-11pm use the 4th floor to access the elevators.
- Friends of Bill W. Room Change: Friends of Bill W. has been moved to Frechette - Level A, 5pm-6pm.
Sunday Closing Party Sponsored by Louisiana
Sunday, February 23rd, 7 pm-10:30 pm at Cafe Campus, 57 Rue Prince-Arthur E, Montréal, QC H2X 1B4; Shuttles from the Sheraton
Today’s only Saturday, but tomorrow night please join our partners from Louisiana as we celebrate the end of one incredible conference and look ahead to next year’s unmissable event in New Orleans. We’ll enjoy food (including Beignets) and sounds from some great Louisiana talent!
Zachary Richard
Singer-songwriter, poet, cultural activist, environmentalist, Zachary Richard is best known as recording artist and performer. With 20 albums on his roster, including several gold and platinum albums, his musical career is truly international.
Mia Borders
New Orleans native Mia Borders is a renowned singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences with her soulful voice and electrifying performances. Her critically acclaimed releases showcase powerful vocals, thoughtful songwriting, and a dynamic presence. Her catalogue includes three EPs, six LPs, and five singles - all released under her label, Blaxican Records.
***There will be shuttles from the Sheraton.
Thank you to our Louisiana Sponsors!!!
Louisiana Office of Cultural Development
Louisiana Music Trail
New Orleans & Company
Greater New Orleans, Inc.
Lafayette Economic Development Association
Lafayette Travel
Wisdom of the Elders
Saturday, 11am-12pm, West - Level 4
Originally conceived and programmed by long-time FAI attendee Sonny Ochs, the Wisdom of the Elders panel's intent is to share and celebrate the stories of the community figures who blazed trails for all of us. Past participants have included Tom Rush, Holly Near, Si Kahn, Josh White Jr, and Peggy Seeger. This year, the elders being honored are Cathy Fink, Lisa Whynot, and David Amram, interviewed by Art Menius.
The Power of Tradition with 2025 Mike Seeger Fellow, Gilles Losier
1:00pm-2:00pm, Salon 6/7 - Level 3
Folk Alliance International has awarded this year’s Mike Seeger Traditional Fellowship to fiddler and multi-instrumentalist Gilles Losier, one of the world’s great carriers of French Canadian Fiddle traditions. In this special masterclass, Gilles (now 88 years old) will perform many of his original songs and those taught to him by their carriers and reflect on the people, songs, and stories that bring traditional music to life.
Acadian by birth, Gilles Losier grew up immersed in the traditional music of the region. This oral tradition, plus a good classical training acquired at schools for the blind in Montreal and Halifax, has produced an unusually gifted and sensitive musician who sings, plays violin, piano, organ, synthesizers, and electric and acoustic bass. Notably, he played piano and learned the music of the great Quebecois fiddler, Jean Carignan, and has worked with a whos-who of traditional musicians over a long career.
Film Screening: A Complete Unknown
Sunday, February 23rd at 1:00pm, Cinéma Banque Scotia Montréal, Screen #4
Join us for a free screening of A Complete Unknown, the captivating story of Bob Dylan's arrival in New York City and his meteoric rise to fame! See how a 19-year-old Dylan forges connections with musical legends, culminating in a performance that changed the world. Presented by the Bob Dylan Center and Woody Guthrie Center, this special screening takes place on Sunday, February 23rd at 1:00 PM EST at Cinéma Banque Scotia Montréal, Screen #4. This screening is part of Folk Alliance International. Seating is first-come, first-served for Folk Alliance International Conference badge holders (capacity 200). Please present your Folk Alliance badge for entry. And while you're at it, be sure to check out the Bob Dylan Center's new exhibit, "Stepping into the Unknown," featuring props and costumes from the film, highlighting the vital connection between Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. ” The exhibit will be staged concurrently at both the Woody Guthrie Center and Bob Dylan Center.
On Saturday, February 22nd join Woody Guthrie’s granddaughter, Anna Canoni, as she presents “When Bob Met Woody”, an intimate, rare look into the Guthrie family side of when Bob came knocking at the family home looking for Woody. Featuring home tapes, rare photographs, and performance recordings. A great way to set the stage for this special film screening of “A Complete Unknown”. This session will be in Salon 4/5, Level 2, 1:30pm-2:30pm, Le Centre Sheraton Hotel.
Performances & Product Demos today in the BOSE Listening Lounge
Visit the Bose Listening Lounge in Salon 8 - Level 4 to see live performances and check out Bose’s incredible audio products for every space, from personal listening to the stage.
12:00pm The Cody Sisters
1:00pm Flamy Grant
It’s the Last Night of Official Showcases and Private Showcases
Various times and locations
It’s the final night of showcases at FAI 2025. Official Showcases run from 6:00pm-10:30pm in the ballrooms on the lower levels. Private Showcases go from 10:30pm-3:00am on the upper floors. This is your last chance. See you around the rooms!
Merch & Silent Auction
1:00pm-5:00pm, Level 2 Foyer
At this year’s conference we’re collaborating with Québécois screen printer Atelier Batard to provide a unique merch opportunity. In addition to offering two t-shirt designs for purchase, you can bring your own blank merchandise and have it screen-printed in person. The designs can be printed on anything you bring along that will fit a 12” x 14” print: t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.
The Silent Auction benefits Folk Alliance International and helps us power programming at the conference and all year long. Bidding will be open throughout the conference, ending Saturday at noon. Auction items include a guitar donated by Iris Guitars, a guitar donated by Elderly Instruments, an Ear Trumpet Labs Microphone, and a vacation stay in Hawaii.
Exhibit Hall
12:00pm-4:00pm, Center - Level 4
The Folk Alliance International Conference features a bustling exhibit hall with 80 organizations doing business in the folk industry. The Exhibit Hall closes today. It is packed with info so be sure to wander through!
