Folk Alliance International (FAI) has announced the lineup for its 37th annual conference, set to take place in Montreal, Quebec, from February 19 to 23, 2025. Featuring over 175 artists from 26 countries, this year’s lineup includes some of the most influential voices in folk music today. Among the notable performers are Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith, Indigenous artist Mimi O’Bonsawin, and Halifax-based duo Mama’s Broke. The conference, themed Illuminate, draws inspiration from the Northern Lights and focuses on musical traditions from around the world.
Jennifer Roe, Executive Director of FAI, emphasized the diversity of the artists featured in this year’s Official Showcases. “We’re thrilled to present an incredible lineup of artists from around the world, each bringing their unique voice to our vibrant folk music community,” she said. The conference returns to Montreal for the first time since 2019, underlining FAI’s commitment to supporting both Canadian and international artists.
Other artists confirmed to perform include JUNO Award-nominated singer-cellist Jorane, roots and blues artist Basia Bulat, and Grammy-nominated rapper SaulPaul. The slate spans a variety of genres, from traditional folk to more contemporary takes on roots music. According to Roe, the Illuminate theme will shape the panels and programs at the event, with a focus on the interconnectedness of human experience and artistic expression.
The annual conference is known as the largest gathering of folk musicians and industry professionals in the world, offering a platform for rising stars and established acts alike. In addition to the official showcases, attendees can expect networking opportunities, professional development sessions, and private performances. The event kicks off with the International Folk Music Awards, recognizing key figures in the folk community.
FAI has been a leading voice in the global folk music scene since 1989, and this year’s conference promises to continue that legacy with a diverse and dynamic array of artists.
The complete lineup is here
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
