Events Include Keynote Speaker Colin Hay; Conversation & Performance with The War and Treaty
FAI’s Initial Official Showcase Lineup Includes 140+ Artists From 31 Countries, 32 US States & 7 Canadian Provinces
FAI Awards Fellowships To Chicago Artists Billy Branch & Juan Dies
Kansas City, MO and Chicago, IL (November 4, 2026) — Folk Alliance International (FAI), a 501(c)(3) and the foremost global nonprofit for folk music, has unveiled the conference keynote speaker and complete conference programming with over 130 other events. FAI’s 39th annual conference takes place January 27-31, 2027 in Chicago, IL. Events will take place at the Hilton Chicago, Columbia College, and The Obama Presidential Center.
Making Room: The War and Treaty on Partnership, Music and Belonging will feature a conversation with the Americana Music Association Award-winning duo, who performed on the 2026 BET Awards. They will also perform at the conference.
GRAMMY Award-winner Colin Hay will deliver a keynote presentation on The Work We Do Together. In conversation with writer Gary Graff (New York Daily News, Billboard, Hollywood Reporter), Hay will reflect on the many chapters of a creative life, the people and relationships that shape the journey, and what it means to keep making music through change. From longevity and reinvention to collaboration, connection, and finding joy in the work, this is a conversation about the ties that sustain artists and the importance of continuing to show up for one another. Hay’s career has spanned major hits with Men at Work, a distinguished solo career, work for films like Garden State, touring with Ringo Starr, and beyond.
Apply for credentials to attend the conference as press: Here
Panelists who will participate in programming include Marisa Anderson, whom Pitchfork called “a master of lovely melancholy”; Old Town School of Folk staff members; The New Music Business podcast host Ari Herstand; “Americana queen” (VICE) Mary Bragg; journalist Grayson Currin; journalist Catalina Maria Johnson; Smithsonian Folkways Recordings Director and Curator Maureen Loughran; Dan Navarro, whose music has been featured in Deadpool 2, Pitch Perfect 2, and The Office; beloved avant guitarist Marc Ribot, who has collaborated with Tom Waits; No Depression editor-in-chief Hilary Saunders; Oh Boy Records artist Emily Scott Robinson, who has earned acclaim from NPR and Rolling Stone; author Elijah Wald, whose book was adapted to become the Timothée Chalamet film A Complete Unknown; “the gold standard in kid’s music” (NPR), Dan and Claudia Zanes; and many more.
FAI has awarded its Mike Seeger Traditional Fellowships to three-time GRAMMY-nominated bluesman Billy Branch, who was mentioned by the legendary bluesman Willie Dixon and whose Blues in Schools program has run for over forty-five years; and Juan Dies, co-founder of Sones de Mexico, the country’s premier folk music organization specializing in Mexican ‘son,’ including the regional styles of huapango, gustos, chilenas, son jarocho, and more.
Other highlights of programming at the conference include:
* Black American Music Summit
* Folk & Punk: 21st Century Activism & Cultural Preservation
* Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame presents Chimes of Freedom: Patriotism, Protest, and the Power of Song
* “I’m Not a Protest Singer”: Music, Activism & Social Change
* House Music as Folk Music
* Whose Voice? Whose Story?: Indigenous Music: Sovereignty in Authentic Voices, Culture and Storytelling
* Keeping It Human: AI for the Independent Artist
* Reimagining Tradition: Marisa Anderson’s Anthology of UnAmerican Folk Music
Photos of Official Showcase Artists
Folk Alliance International previously unveiled the lineup of Official Showcases, consisting of 140-plus artists representing 31 countries or countries of origin.
Official Showcase Artists include:
The “spectacular voice” (Pitchfork) of Alela Diane, whose music UNCUT named among the 50 best singer-songwriter albums, saying, “insanely beautiful, with the strength and delicacy of spider silk”
Oh Boy Records artist Emily Scott Robinson, whose albums have made year-end best lists from NPR, Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, and No Depression
“Astonishing” (Washington Post) Tuvan throat singing masters Alash
GRAMMY nominees, the “innovative” (No Depression) American Patchwork Quartet
Erin McKeown, who has performed at Bonnaroo, Glastonbury, and the Newport Folk Festival
Tautumeitas, who represented Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest and whose songs have over 15 million Spotify streams
four-time JUNO Award-nominee Julian Taylor, who “has a disarmingly fluid vocal tone and an ability to convey the most internalized emotions — disappointment, grief, resolve, forbearance” (NPR Music)
The “eclectic blend of rumbero percussions, delicate organs and grungy fuzz rock” (Rolling Stone) of Latin GRAMMY-nominated Making Movies
Buddy Red, Atlanta blues guitarist with close to 3/4 of a million Instagram followers;
Trio Mandili, Georgian (the country) polyphonic traditional singers and a social media sensation with over 1 billion views
Powerhouse vocalist, intrepid songwriter, and drag queen Flamy Grant, winner of the 2023 Kerrville New Folk Competition
NPR Tiny Desk (home) Concert alum Raye Zaragoza, whom NPR called “a natural performer… working within the troubadour tradition of storytelling, but unafraid to deliver incisive social and political messages”
Korean-American blues poet Nat Myers, whose breakthrough album Yellow Peril was produced by Dan Auerbach
Chicago’s Sones de México Ensemble, which has specialized in Mexican “son” traditions over three-plus decades and has performed at the Getty Museum, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center
International Folk Music Award-winner Susan Werner, who “brings literacy and wit back to popular song” (The New Yorker)
the all-women Colombian salsa sextet Las Guaracheras, who have performed at Lincoln Center
Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices, a groundbreaking collaboration that celebrates the rich musical traditions of the U.S.-Mexico border, blending Ranchera, Jarocho, Jazz, and Country, led by the GRAMMY-winning vocalist and violinist
Emmy Award-winning poet and singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer
Taiko (Japanese drum) performers Nagata Shachu
Amy Speace, who was personally signed by Judy Collins and of whom an NPR critic said, “Her velvety achy voice recalls an early Lucinda Williams”
Cyrena Wages, who has toured in support of Hailey Whitters, Lucero, and Chaparelle;
The “glorious, ecstatic clatter” (Financial Times) of El Khat, which brings a funky, psychedelic reimagining to the traditional Yemeni songs
Sammy Brue, who was mentored by Justin Townes Earle and has played Newport Folk Festival and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge Best Guitarist winner Mathias Lattin, of Texas.
The conference’s theme in 2027 is Hands In Solidarity. Music has always been a collective act: a gathering of voices, stories, and shared experience. Hands in Solidarity invites attendees to move beyond connection into action. Solidarity is not a fixed idea, but an ongoing process: built through empathy, reflection, joy, and the courage to show up for one another.
In Chicago, a city shaped by movement, organizing, and creative exchange, FAI will explore how music communities become systems of support, and how those systems create lasting change. What begins as expression can become action. And what begins as music can become a movement. Hands in Solidarity is an invitation to gather, to listen, to create, and to participate in the work of solidarity — together.
The conference is not sponsored by the Obama Foundation.
Complete list of Official Showcase Artists
Adriano Sangineto · Alash · Alela Diane · Alexis Jade and the Gemstones · Alice Hasen & the Blaze · Alicia Kayley · Amber Rae Dunn featuring Mulberry Jam and special guest Anna Sharpe · Amelia Day · American Patchwork Quartet · Ammoye · Amy Speace · Ana Everling · Andy Rubal · Ani Mari · Anne Heaton Trio · Anthony da Costa · Ashley E. Norton · Avery R. Young & De Deacon Board · Bandits on the Run · Beauxmont · Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues · Bobby Alu · Braden Lam · BRÍDÍN · Buddy Red · Caamaño & Ameixeiras · Carrie Newcomer · Celeigh Cardinal · Crow and Gazelle · CRYS + The Fever Dreams · Cyrena Wages · Cécilia · Damir Imamović · Dead Goat · Debutants · Disterbenz · Divka · Doctor Nativo · Donna Herula Band with Downtown Charlie Brown · Don Ross and Julie Malía · Dorsten · El Khat · Eliza Marshal · Emily Scott Robinson · Erin McKeown · Ernest Aines · É.T.É · Farayi · Felicity Dowd · Flamy Grant · Floyd Mercantile · Fugu Dugu · Gabrielle Hope · Georgia Ruth · GoldenOak · Goldpine · Good Morning Bedlam · Great Aunt · Henry Wagons · High Horse · Hip Horns Brass Collective · How I Became A Wave · Humbletown · Imogen Clark · Jacques Surette · Jared Rabin · Javier Jara · Jenna Nicholls · Jimbo Scott · Jonavo · Julian Taylor · Julián Pujols Quall and Mamey · Junior Brother · Kate Prendergast · Keenya Creates · Keith Secola · Kelly Hunt · Ken Whiteley · Kim Yang · LaOx · Las Guaracheras · Le Diable à Cinq · Lennie Gallant · Louie Lou Louis · Lucy Clearwater · Making Movies · Mama Said String Band · Manuela Sánchez Goubert · Mathias Lattin · May Erlewine with Packy Lundholm · Michela Musolino with Rosa Tatuata · Mira Lazuli · Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices · MoonShroom · Morganway · Mzaza · Nagata Shachu Japanese Taiko and Music Group · Nat Myers · Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder · Noah Guthrie · Noriko Tadano · Oakland Rain · On The Lash · On the Trail · Paula Boggs Band · Paula Fong · Polky · Polly Paulusma · Puuluup · Radio Free Honduras · Raye Zaragoza · Reg Meuross · Robin Barnes · Roisin Gowen · Rosalba Valdez · Ruth Theodore · RUNÖ · Sam Robbins · Sam Shackleton · Sammy Brue · Saraswathi Ranganathan · Sariyah Idan · Shakura S’Aida · Shane Alexander · Sihasin · Simon Lynge · Sones de México Ensemble · Sophie Lukacs · South for Winter · Sue Ray · Susan Werner · Tafa Mi Soleil · Talie Cerin · Tall Poppy String Band · Tautumeitas · The Clements Brothers · The Glass Hours · The Honey Badgers · The Lubben Brothers · The Pairs · The Pegwells · The Rebel Eves · The Sullivan Sisters · The Texpats · The War and Treaty · Timbreroots · Trio Mandili · Tuvergen Band · TÁR · Vance Gilbert · Vincent Schmidt · Whorled · Will Varley · Zoë Aqua
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.
Multi-day programming consisting of panels, workshops, presentations, summits, and networking sessions bringing 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 150 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.
Folk is the music of the people, reflective of any community they are from. It’s the banjo traditions that originated in Africa, it’s mariachi ensembles, and it’s electronic-infused fiddle tunes. We don’t limit folk to any one genre or group of instruments.
At its core, folk music is how people have shared their stories through time that have survived long enough to be sung generations later.
FAI 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.
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. FAI advances folk music and its communities by engaging, educating, and strengthening the global folk music ecosystem.
Folk Alliance International envisions folk music as both a living tradition and a contemporary force, supporting artists, presenters, and cultural workers across traditions, geographies, and every stage of artistic and professional development. Through education, advocacy, and performance, Folk Alliance International fosters meaningful connections, supports sustainable creative livelihoods, and produces convenings and programs that elevate the artistic, cultural, and economic impact of folk music worldwide. We strive to be a trusted leader and partner within the music industry, supporting thoughtful growth while honoring the histories and communities that ground our work.
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.
About Colin Hay
Born in Scotland, Hay moved with his family as a teenager to Australia, where he first came to international fame with seminal ’80s hitmakers Men At Work. While the band would reach the heights of stardom—they took home a GRAMMY Award for Best New Artist and sold more than 30 million records worldwide on the strength of #1 singles like “Who Can It Be Now?” and “Down Under”—by 1985, they’d called it quits and gone their separate ways. Hay released his solo debut the following year and, over the course of the next three-and-a-half decades, went on to record twelve more critically acclaimed studio albums that would help establish him as one of his generation’s most hardworking and reliable craftsmen. Rolling Stone praised his “witty, hooky pop” tunes, while NPR’s World Café lauded his “distinctive voice,” and late night hosts from David Letterman and Craig Ferguson to Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel have all welcomed him for performances.
Over the course of his remarkable solo career, Hay developed a reputation as a gifted raconteur with serious comedy chops, and his frequent appearances at LA’s Largo club helped garner him a legion of fans in the entertainment world. Among them was actor/director Zach Braff, who called Hay’s mix of heartfelt songwriting and hilarious storytelling “one of the most amazing things I had ever seen.” Braff would go on to feature Hay’s music prominently in the GRAMMY-winning soundtrack for Garden State and invite him to appear as himself on the hit series Scrubs, which helped introduce his music to a whole new generation of listeners.
On top of his rigorous schedule as a solo artist, Hay has also managed to tour the world several times over with Ringo Starr & His All–Star Band, release an audiobook of Aesop’s Fables, star in the award-winning documentary Waiting For My Real Life, and even provide the voice for Fergus Flamingo in Disney’s The Wild.
About The War And Treaty
Since first lighting up the world with their glorious fusion of country and soul, The War And Treaty have steadily built a legacy as one of the most iconic husband-and-wife duos in music history. In the last few years alone, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter’s phenomenal talent and daring originality have led to major milestones like earning two Grammy nominations, taking home the Duo/Group of the Year prize at the Americana Music Honors & Awards two years in a row, and performing at stadiums as support for superstars like the Rolling Stones and Zach Bryan—a triumph that’s won them a whole new legion of fans thanks to the electrifying impact of their revelatory live show. On their new album Plus One, The War And Treaty double down on the powerful sense of togetherness that’s always fueled their music, offering up 18 life-affirming songs aimed at providing a shared experience of hope and healing and much-needed joy.
“We see this record as an open invitation to be a part of what we’re doing—it came from wanting to be the hope we believe people need right now, as well as the hope that we need for ourselves,” says Tanya. “Too often we feel all alone in this world, and when we feel alone it can be easy to succumb to despair,” Michael adds. “One of our main intentions with this album is to inspire people to share themselves with others, and open themselves up to the possibility of being loved.”
