Five Things We’re Excited To See At Folk Alliance International Conference

forbidden-folk

Videos by American Songwriter

Folk Alliance International’s annual conference, now in its 29th year, kicks off next week in Kansas City, Missouri, and runs from February 15-19. The theme of this year’s affair is “Forbidden Folk,” an homage to the roleĀ folk music has played in the arena of social protest. Although performances and networking events are hosted throughout the conference, the website boasts that it’s really a “reunion of sorts for those who play and present folk music.” Below you can find the five events we’re most excited to see next weekend.

Keynote Speech: Billy Bragg (Saturday 4 p.m., Century C)

Photo courtesy of anti.com.

Known for his politically-engaged songs, Billy BraggĀ will be one of two keynote speakers this year, the other being Ani DiFranco. In addition to his day job as a singer-songwriter, Bragg is the founder of Jail Guitar Doors, an organization that supplies instruments for prisoners to help address problems in a non-confrontational way.

Panel: Woody Guthrie’s Revolutionary Mind (Saturday 1 p.m., Pershing South)

Photo by Tina Tschirch
Nora Guthrie. Photo by Tina Tschirch

This presentation will explore the life and work ofĀ Woody Guthrie, and is hosted by his daughter Nora Guthrie. Woody’s musical legacy includes hundreds of songs ranging from the political issues of the dayĀ to children’s songs. Nora has spent her adult life promoting her father’s work, including publishing a lost songbook of his in 1992.

Panel: Folk Roots Of The Blues (Saturday 1 p.m., Roanoke)

Photo courtesy of the artist
Bobby Rush. Photo courtesy the artist

This discussion features a panel of artists discussing the intersection of blues and folk music. Notable panelists include Grammy-nominated bluesmanĀ Bobby Rush, aĀ member of the Blues Hall of Fame, and Jim O’Neal, co-founder of America’s first blues magazine,Ā Living Blues.

Panelists: Alice Sellwood (Toronto Blues Society), Bobby Rush (Artist), Jim Oā€™Neal (Living Blues Magazine/ Mississippi Blues Trail), Mary Katherine Aldin (Folk Music Historian)

Bloodshot Records Showcase: (Wednesday, 8 p.m. Pershing East/West)

Photo by Nick Karp
Al Scorch. Photo by Nick Karp

On Wednesday night, Bloodshot Records, the Chicago-based independent record label that specializes in roots-infused rock and alternative country, is hosting a showcase.Ā The lineup features Al Scorch, a socially-conscious singer-songwriter; Cory Branan, an Americana artist noted for his gripping story stongs; Robbie Fulks, a Grammy nominated singer-songwriter; and Canadian singer Dylan Menzie.

YepROC and MerleFest Showcase: (Friday, 6 p.m. Benton’s 20th Floor)

sara-watkins
Sara Watkins. Photo by Nate Ryan

On Friday night, attendees will get the chance to see a myriad of Americana acts, brought to you by YepRoc and MerleFest. Performers includeĀ Si Kahn, a noted activist during the Civil Rights Movement; Tift Merritt, who just released her “come-back” album and is featured in the March/April edition ofĀ American Songwriter; Jonathan Byrd and the Pickup Cowboy, a songwriter known for his narrative tracks; Robyn Hitchcock, an English performer who now lives in Nashville; andĀ Sara Watkins, solo artist and founding member of the progressive bluegrass group Nickel Creek.

For more panel listings, click here.

For more showcase listings, click here.Ā 

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