Article Contributed by Mike
Published on October 15, 2025
Folk Alliance International (FAI), the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to the folk music community, has announced the lineup for its 38th annual conference, taking place January 21–25, 2026, in New Orleans, LA. More than 150 artists representing 34 countries will perform Official Showcases under the 2026 theme Rise Up.
Highlights include:
Lost Bayou Ramblers, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Chuck Prophet, Pieta Brown, Ramy Essam, Emily Scott Robinson, Beth Nielsen Chapman, The Steel Wheels, Rainbow Girls, Tray Wellington, Mamadou Diabate, Las Cafeteras, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Emma Swift, Great Lake Swimmers, Cary Morin Duo, Corey Ledet Zydeco & Black Magic, OKAN, Angelique Francis, Luke Winslow-King, and Aysanabee, among many others.
The conference will also honor Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, leader of Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, as the 2026 recipient of the Mike Seeger Traditional Fellowship. In addition to performing, Barnes will present on Louisiana Creole traditions and the Mardi Gras masking ritual of the Northside Skull and Bone Gang.
“The conference will be a focal point for our community to send a powerful message of hope to the world,” said FAI Executive Director Jennifer Roe. “From porch songs to protest anthems, folk artists have always carried the stories that matter—keeping our roots alive while pushing boundaries. This is our time to rise up.”
Founded in 1989, FAI serves and strengthens the global folk community through preservation, presentation, and promotion. The organization supports over 19,000 members worldwide, values diversity and inclusion, and defines folk broadly as “the music of the people,” encompassing genres from Americana and bluegrass to global roots and spoken word.
Listen: Spotify playlist of Official Showcase Artists
Explore: Complete list of Official Showcase Artists
More info: folk.org
