There are many organizations set up to serve the music industry, from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (the Grammy people) and their non-profit, MusiCares, to industry organizations for various segments, to local music societies. I’m certain none of them come close to the broad offerings of Folk Alliance International. FAI is a beacon for do-it-yourselfers, which is how most people get started in music, and maybe the musical world’s largest practitioner of paying it forward. And if you’re interested in supporting up-and-coming musicians, no one does more with the money than FAI.
Roughly half of FAI’s annual budget comes from their yearly conference, which was held last week in Kansas City. I haven’t seen official registration numbers, but attendance felt about the same as last year. It featured Official Showcases with over 150 acts, and unofficial showcases late at night in hotel rooms with hundreds and hundreds of performances. (More on those in my next post.) Just as importantly for many attendees, there were many seminars and peer-peer sessions on subjects like getting bookings, navigating legal agreements, finding the right musical partner, even wellness seminars taking into account life on the road. As I said earlier, a DIY treasure chest.
In addition to the artist-centric topics there were peer-peer sessions for industry participants, like folk DJ’s and house concert promoters. On the cultural side of things there were a variety of affinity groups where you could mingle with your own tribe. All-in-all the conference vibe is one of sharing, from how to help your community while benefitting your music festival, to interesting tunings handed down from indigenous peoples around the world.
And of course, like all good music-centered organizations, they have annual awards. Here are the 2024 winners.
Album of the Year: City of Gold – Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Artist of the Year: Billy Strings
Song of the Year: Workin’ on a World – Iris Dement
People’s Voice Award: Alynda Segarra
Rising Tide Award: Sara Curruchich
The Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Awards: Tracy Chapman, Victor Kara, McCabe’s Guitar Shop
Clearwater Award: LEAF Global Arts Festival
The Spirit of Folk Awards: Terika Dean, Amanda Rheaume, Jim Fleming, Jerod Rivers
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.