Folk Alliance International Announces 39th Annual Conference in Chicago, Showcasing 160+ Artists Under Theme Hands In Solidarity
The Folk Alliance International (FAI) has officially announced its 39th annual conference, scheduled to unfold from January 27 to 31, 2027 at Chicago’s Hilton Hotel on 720 S Michigan Ave. The nonprofit, which began in 1989 and is steered by a 21‑member board, remains the world’s largest gathering of folk musicians, industry professionals and community advocates.
FAI’s 2027 lineup promises more than 160 artists representing 31 countries, 32 U.S. states and seven Canadian provinces. The roster includes singer‑songwriters Alela Diane, Emily Scott Robinson, Erin McKeown, Susan Werner, Carrie Newcomer, Raye Zaragoza, Julian Taylor and Amy Speace; roots performers Nat Myers, Sammy Brue and Cyrena Wages; and international acts such as the Tuvan throat‑singing group Alash, Japanese taiko ensemble Nagata Shachu, Georgian polyphonic trio Mandili, Latvian Eurovision entrants Tautumeitas, Yemen‑inspired collective El Khat, Latin‑Grammy‑nominated fuzz‑rockers Making Movies, Colombian salsa sextet Las Guaracheras, Grammy‑winner Mireya Ramos, the Poor Choices, Chicago’s Sones de México Ensemble, the Patchwork Quartet, blues guitarist Buddy Red, IBC Best Guitarist Mathias Lattin and Kerrville New Folk Competition winner Flamy Grant.
The conference’s theme, “Hands In Solidarity,” calls for a shift from mere connection to collective action. In its theme‑reveal article, FAI noted that Chicago’s storied history of organizing and creative exchange makes the city an ideal backdrop for exploring how music communities can become systems of support and catalysts for lasting change.
Over five days, attendees will experience a full slate of panels, workshops, summits and networking sessions that bring together thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts and artists. The flagship showcase program will feature more than 150 jury‑selected artists performing on full‑production stages at the Hilton, while private showcases in hotel rooms will allow hundreds of performers to present in intimate settings.
Although the keynote speaker for 2027 has not yet been named, the event is expected to host an influential figure whose address will shape the gathering’s narrative. The conference will also be bolstered by partnerships with Live Music Society (LMS) and D‑Tour, and will bring One Night Live touring artists to the event, broadening its reach and providing additional performance opportunities for attendees.
FAI’s membership, which numbered roughly 3,000 as of 2016, includes record companies, publishers, presenters, agents, managers, music support services, manufacturers and artists. The organization’s mission is to engage, educate and strengthen the global folk music ecosystem, and it emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion and gender parity in all programming.
Registration for the conference is now open, with early‑bird rates available for members. The event will also offer first‑time‑scholarships, volunteer opportunities and pre‑registration specials.
In sum, the 2027 Folk Alliance International Conference promises to be a comprehensive showcase of folk music’s breadth, a hub for professional development, and a platform for solidarity‑focused dialogue. Five days in Chicago will bring together a diverse array of artists, industry stakeholders and community advocates for performance, learning and networking that underscore the power of collective action in the folk world.
