ArtistDirect News
FAI 2027: Chicago to Host 39th Folk Alliance International Conference with 140+ Global Artists
The skyline of Chicago will soon pulse with the rhythms of folk music from every corner of the world. From January 27 to 31, 2027, the Hilton Chicago at 720 S. Michigan Avenue will host the 39th annual Folk Alliance International (FAI) conference, drawing more than 140 artists representing 31 countries, 32 U.S. states, and seven Canadian provinces.
Founded in 1989, FAI is the largest nonprofit devoted to folk music. Its mission—to advance folk music and its communities through education, advocacy, and performance—has made the 2027 conference the biggest gathering of folk musicians, industry professionals, and cultural workers worldwide.
The conference’s theme, “Hands In Solidarity,” calls for a shift from connection to action. FAI says the theme invites participants to build solidarity through empathy, reflection, joy, and courage. Chicago’s long history of organizing and creative exchange makes it an ideal backdrop for exploring how music communities can become systems of support and agents of lasting change.
FAI’s official showcase lineup spans a wide spectrum of traditions and contemporary styles. Highlights include singer‑songwriter Alela Diane, Oh Boy Records artist Emily Scott Robinson, festival veteran Erin McKeown, and International Folk Music Award‑winner Susan Werner. The program also features Emmy Award‑winner Carrie Newcomer, NPR Tiny Desk alum Raye Zaragoza, four‑time JUNO nominee Julian Taylor, and Amy Speace, a protege of Judy Collins.
Rising roots artists such as Korean‑American blues poet Nat Myers, former Justin Townes Earle mentee Sammy Brue, and Americana singer Cyrena Wages are on the bill. Global acts include Tuvan throat‑singing masters Alash, Japanese taiko ensemble Nagata Shachu, and Georgian polyphonic group Trio Mandili. European roots artists Tautumeitas (Latvia’s Eurovision representatives) and Yemen‑inspired psychedelic collective El Khat will perform, while Latin and blues traditions are highlighted by the Latin Grammy‑nominated fuzz‑rockers Making Movies, all‑women Colombian salsa sextet Las Guaracheras, Grammy‑winner Mireya Ramos, and the Poor Choices.
Chicago‑based ensembles such as Sones de México and the Grammy‑nominated Patchwork Quartet will also appear. The lineup rounds out with Atlanta blues guitarist Buddy Red, IBC Best Guitarist winner Mathias Lattin, and Kerrville New Folk Competition winner Flamy Grant.
The five‑day program will feature panels, workshops, summits, and networking sessions that bring together thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and artists. An official keynote address will bookend the conference, though the speaker has not yet been announced. In addition to the official showcases, all registrants will have access to nightly private showcases held in hotel rooms.
FAI’s membership base includes record companies, publishers, presenters, agents, managers, music support services, manufacturers, and artists. The organization is governed by a 21‑member board of directors and employs seven full‑time staff and eight contract staff. FAI is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, actively welcoming participation from marginalized and underrepresented communities.
Registration is open to both FAI members and non‑members. The conference will offer scholarships, a Mike Seeger Fellowship, and volunteer opportunities. Venue bookers, agents, record labels, DJs, and media companies are expected to attend, giving artists a platform to showcase their work to key industry decision makers.
With its expansive lineup and comprehensive program, the 2027 conference will be the largest folk music industry gathering in the world, offering professional development and networking opportunities for artists and industry professionals alike. The event begins on January 27 and concludes on January 31 in Chicago, ending with a celebration of the global folk community and a reaffirmation of FAI’s commitment to sustaining creative livelihoods and elevating the cultural impact of folk music worldwide.
Founded in 1989, FAI is the largest nonprofit devoted to folk music. Its mission—to advance folk music and its communities through education, advocacy, and performance—has made the 2027 conference the biggest gathering of folk musicians, industry professionals, and cultural workers worldwide.
The conference’s theme, “Hands In Solidarity,” calls for a shift from connection to action. FAI says the theme invites participants to build solidarity through empathy, reflection, joy, and courage. Chicago’s long history of organizing and creative exchange makes it an ideal backdrop for exploring how music communities can become systems of support and agents of lasting change.
FAI’s official showcase lineup spans a wide spectrum of traditions and contemporary styles. Highlights include singer‑songwriter Alela Diane, Oh Boy Records artist Emily Scott Robinson, festival veteran Erin McKeown, and International Folk Music Award‑winner Susan Werner. The program also features Emmy Award‑winner Carrie Newcomer, NPR Tiny Desk alum Raye Zaragoza, four‑time JUNO nominee Julian Taylor, and Amy Speace, a protege of Judy Collins.
Rising roots artists such as Korean‑American blues poet Nat Myers, former Justin Townes Earle mentee Sammy Brue, and Americana singer Cyrena Wages are on the bill. Global acts include Tuvan throat‑singing masters Alash, Japanese taiko ensemble Nagata Shachu, and Georgian polyphonic group Trio Mandili. European roots artists Tautumeitas (Latvia’s Eurovision representatives) and Yemen‑inspired psychedelic collective El Khat will perform, while Latin and blues traditions are highlighted by the Latin Grammy‑nominated fuzz‑rockers Making Movies, all‑women Colombian salsa sextet Las Guaracheras, Grammy‑winner Mireya Ramos, and the Poor Choices.
Chicago‑based ensembles such as Sones de México and the Grammy‑nominated Patchwork Quartet will also appear. The lineup rounds out with Atlanta blues guitarist Buddy Red, IBC Best Guitarist winner Mathias Lattin, and Kerrville New Folk Competition winner Flamy Grant.
The five‑day program will feature panels, workshops, summits, and networking sessions that bring together thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and artists. An official keynote address will bookend the conference, though the speaker has not yet been announced. In addition to the official showcases, all registrants will have access to nightly private showcases held in hotel rooms.
FAI’s membership base includes record companies, publishers, presenters, agents, managers, music support services, manufacturers, and artists. The organization is governed by a 21‑member board of directors and employs seven full‑time staff and eight contract staff. FAI is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, actively welcoming participation from marginalized and underrepresented communities.
Registration is open to both FAI members and non‑members. The conference will offer scholarships, a Mike Seeger Fellowship, and volunteer opportunities. Venue bookers, agents, record labels, DJs, and media companies are expected to attend, giving artists a platform to showcase their work to key industry decision makers.
With its expansive lineup and comprehensive program, the 2027 conference will be the largest folk music industry gathering in the world, offering professional development and networking opportunities for artists and industry professionals alike. The event begins on January 27 and concludes on January 31 in Chicago, ending with a celebration of the global folk community and a reaffirmation of FAI’s commitment to sustaining creative livelihoods and elevating the cultural impact of folk music worldwide.