Folk Alliance International Announces Official Showcase Lineup of 175+ Artists from 38 Countries of Origin For 37th Annual Conference in Montreal, QC Feb. 19-23, 2025

September 16, 2024

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FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL SHOWCASE LINEUP OF 175+ ARTISTS‍FROM 38 COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN FOR 37TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN MONTREAL, QC FEB. 19-23, 2025

ARTISTS INCLUDE RON SEXSMITH, MIMI O’BONSAWIN, TANIA ELIZABETH,MAMA’S BROKE, KAIA KATER, JORANE, BASIAT BULAT, WESLI AND MORE

Montreal, QC, Canada (September 16, 2024) – Today, Folk Alliance International (FAI) – the leading and largest nonprofit dedicated to serving, strengthening, and engaging the global folk music community through preservation, promotion, and presentation – has unveiled the lineup of Official Showcases for its thirty-seventh annual conference, to be held February 19-23, 2025, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The over one hundred and seventy-five artists represent thirty-eight countries of origin, nineteen U.S. states, and all thirteen Canadian provinces, one of the larger slates of showcases in the conference’s history. The conference’s theme in 2024 is Illuminate, inspired by the Northern Lights. The lineup is at bottom.

Photos of select Official Showcase Artists: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cE9j3w6vY7hPK0cjcUynsu9htHQardTw?usp=sharing

Among the artists announced to be performing Official Showcases are:
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· JUNO Award-winner Ron Sexsmith, about whom the New York Times said is “known for his soulful voice and masterful melodies.";
· Contemporary roots singer-songwriter and Indigenous music Award-winner Mimi O'bonsawin, mixed French Canadian & Abénaki, a member of Odanak First-Nation;
· the legendary Connie Kaldor, who has won the Order of Canada, a Western Literature Association Award of Merit, and three JUNO Awards;
· Tania Elizabeth, fiddle player/songwriter/vocalist, who played with the Avett Brothers;
· Halifax, Nova Scotia folk duo Mama's Broke, who have appeared on an NPR Tiny Desk Concert;
· Canadian-Grenadian “star in the making” (Folk Alley) Kaïa Kater;
· Chinese-American pianist/vocalist Vienna Teng, who has been featured on NPR All Songs Considered and NPR Weekend Edition;
· Amy Speace, who was personally signed by Judy Collins; an NPR critic said, “Her velvety achy voice recalls an early Lucinda Williams”;
· Sara Curruchich, the first indigenous Guatemalan singer-songwriter to take her songs in Kaqchikel–her mother tongue–and Spanish internationally;
· JUNO Award nominee and singer/cellist/composer Jorane, who has won a Jutra Award from her film work and performed at Montreal International Jazz Festival;
· platinum-selling songwriter and “quite possibly the most talented, and engaging, solo performer on this planet” (NPR) Steve Poltz;
· GRAMMY nominee, rapper/singer-songwriter SaulPaul, who has performed at America’s Got Talent, The Kennedy Center, and Austin City Limits;
· The “rich colors and hazy atmospherics in a sweet and savory mix” (AP) of ISMAY;
· Singer/autoharp player/songwriter, Polaris Music Prize short-listed artist, and JUNO Award nominee Basia Bulat, whose music has been produced by Jim James;
· Powerhouse vocalist, intrepid songwriter, and drag queen Flamy Grant, winner of 2023 Kerrville New Folk Competition;
· Malena Cadiz, who “has a voice that grabs you within seconds” (NPR);
· Olive Klug, who found success on TikTok and whose songs reflect their experience with queer identity and the struggle to establish adulthood in unprecedented times;
· Chinese-American Latin GRAMMY nominee Alex Wong, who has performed at Coachella, Stagecoach, and Outside Lands;
· beloved Seattle blues singer Lady A;
· Festival headliners Bella's Bartok, who present a passionate kaleidoscope of sound, born of Americana and Folk music;
· 2023 JUNO Award-winning blues artist Angelique Francis, who has shared stages with Buddy Guy, Gary Clark, Jr., Joe Bonamassa, Keb’ Mo’, Beth Hart, and more;
· Aleksi Campagne, who was named New Discovery of the Year by Penguin Eggs and Roots Music Canada Critics;
· Portugal’s Marta Pereira da Costa, who has performed an NPR Tiny Desk Concert and is one of the first women guitarists in the Fado tradition;
· International Folk Music Award Spirit of Folk winner Amanda Rheaume, of the the Métis Nation of Ontario; and
· one of Haiti’s most inspiring and celebrated musical ambassadors. Wesli has earned acclaim across the globe for his appealing music, energizing live performances and charming personality.

"We are thrilled to present an incredible lineup of artists from around the world, each bringing their unique voice to our vibrant folk music community," said Jennifer Roe, Executive Director of Folk Alliance International. "Our 37th annual conference, themed 'Illuminate' and inspired by the Northern Lights, will be a celebration of diverse musical traditions, artistic expression, and the shared experience that connects us all. It will be great to come back to Montreal, site of the 2019 conference; returning to Quebec highlights our continued commitment to artists in Canada and elsewhere outside of the United States."

A playlist of Official Showcase artists is forthcoming.

More About The Theme

Each year, the conference has a central theme, directing the variety of panels and programs, reframing the conversations around the folk industry, and inspiring our community. FAI 2025’s theme is Illuminate.

For centuries, the mesmerizing spectacle of the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, has ignited awe across the globe. Witnessing this celestial phenomenon serves as a powerful reset, reminding us of our place in the vastness of the universe. The Northern Lights serve as a powerful symbol of the interconnectedness between humans, the natural world, and the spiritual realm within Indigenous cultures across Northern Canada.

Drawing inspiration from this tradition, we invite our folk community to approach their work with a renewed sense of wonder and awe. By reigniting these fundamental emotions, we can find the passion and purpose to fuel artistic expression and positive social change.

Together, let's rekindle the flame of folk music and illuminate a path toward a brighter future.

More About the Conference

The Annual Folk Alliance International Conference is the largest gathering of folk musicians and music industry professionals in the world. This is an experience like no other. Music is around every corner. Legends, rising stars, and industry innovators share career-boosting insights.

An international crowd of artists, venues, labels, DJs, agents, and organizations come together for five days of professional development, networking, and music.

The keynote address features an influential figure in the folk music industry who inspires us and shapes the narrative of the conference – in ways unexpected and magical. The Keynote Speaker for FAI 2025 has yet to be revealed.

Our global summits are multi-day experiences that bring together thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and artists to create meaningful dialogue benefitting the international folk music community.

Official Showcases highlight the best folk music in the world across a vast variety of genres. Over 175 jury-selected artists perform on the largest stages of our conference to an audience of venue bookers, agents, record labels, DJs, media companies, and more.

The crowd-favorite of every FAI Conference, Private Showcases give everyone an opportunity to perform. Late at night, hotel guest rooms transform into small stages with hundreds of performances hosted by different organizations.The first night of the conference is the International Folk Music Awards (IFMAs) – the premier recognition of folk music industry leaders, legends, unsung heroes, and rising talent.

About Folk Alliance International

Founded in 1989, and governed by a 21-member board of directors, Folk Alliance International (FAI) is the world’s largest membership organization for the folk music industry and community. Its mission is to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation, and promotion.

FAI values diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, is committed to gender parity in all its programming, celebrates multiple languages and cultures, and actively welcomes participation from marginalized, disenfranchised, and underrepresented communities.

FAI defines folk broadly as “the music of the people” (reflective of any community they are from), and programs a diverse array of sub-genres including, but not limited to Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Hip-Hop, Old-Time, Singer-Songwriter, Spoken Word, Traditional, Zydeco, and various fusions.

Additionally, FAI provides information, advocacy, education, and professional development for over 19,000 in its community and oversees an IRS Group Exemption program in support of over 50 US non-profits.

Official Showcase Artists
Abby Posner
Acoustic Nomads
Adrian Sutherland
Al Qahwa
Aleksi Campagne
Alex Wong
Alexis Normand
Alisa Amador
Alysha Brilla
Amanda Pascali
Amanda Rheaume
Amy Speace
Ana & Eric
Angelique Francis
AySay
Basia Bulat
Battle of Santiago
Bella's Bartok
Bernadette Morris
Beth Nielsen Chapman
BettySoo
Big Little Lions
Blair Dunlop
Blessing Tangban
Bobby Alu
Breabach
Buffalo Rose
Cara Luft
Charm of Finches
Christie Lenée
Christine Tassan et les Imposteures
Claire Anne Taylor
Connie Kaldor
Conor Mallon Band
Damn Tall Buildings
David Howley
David Myles
Declan O'Donovan
Digging Roots
Dusky Waters
Dustin Dale Gaspard
El Pony Pisador
Elephant Sessions
Eliza Mary Doyle
Émilie Landry
Ensemble Sangineto
Flamy Grant
FRÄNDER
Geneviève Racette
Georgia Mooney
Gnoss
GoldenOak
Grosse Isle
Guy Forsyth
Heather Pierson
HuDost
Ila Barker
Inn Echo
ISMAY
Jasmine Netsena
Jennifer Knapp
Joana Alegre
João Diogo Leitão
Joe Crookston
Joe Jencks
Joel Plaskett
John Muirhead
John Wort Hannam
Jorane
Kaïa Kater
Katie Spencer
Kiely Connell
Kobo Town
KUNE
La Bottine Souriante
La Patente
Lady A
Lady Nade
Lara Klaus
Le Vent du Nord
Leaf Rapids
Lemon Bucket Orkestra
Les Greene
Les Rats d'Swompe
Leverage for Mountains
Lior & Domini
Little Misty
Lloyd Spiegel
Lost Patterns
Lusitanian Ghosts
Madison Malone
Malena Cadiz
Mallory Chipman
Mama's Broke
Mar Pujol
Mark Perry
Marta Pereira da Costa
Mary Bragg
Maryna Krut
Max Gomez
Medusa
Mel Parsons
Mélisande
Melón Jimenez & Lara Wong
Mia Borders
Mikhail Laxton
Mimi O'Bonsawin
Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices
Mónica Giraldo
Morgan Toney
Mountain Grass Unit
Nano Stern
Nat Vazer
Nefesh Mountain Band
Newberry & Verch
Niamh Bury
Oakland Rain
Oceanique
Oktopus
Olive Klug
Olivia Komahcheet
OMIRI
Padraig Jack
Perla Batalla
Pete Muller & The Kindred Souls
Rachael Kilgour
Rachael Sage & The Sequins
Rachel Maxann
Rafael Witt
Ranagri
Retimbrar
Ron Sexsmith
Sam Robbins
Sara Curruchich
SaulPaul
Savannah Brister
Sechile Sedare
Shanneyganock
Sheila Kay Adams and Her Nest of Singing Birds
Skye Consort & Emma Björling
Stefan Prigmore
Stella Prince
Steve Poltz
Sultans of String
Svavar Knutur
Taff Rapids
Tania Elizabeth
Tara MacLean
Tautumeitas
TE KAAHU
Telmary & HabanaSana
The Barrel Boys
The Brother Brothers
The Cody Sisters
The East Pointers
The Faux Paws
The Fugitives
The Magpies
The Pairs
Thunderstorm Artis
Tulua
Vienna Teng
Wesli