Black American Music Summit | Folk Alliance International 2026 Conference

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The Unbroken Circle: The Future is Folk

‍Together we’ll connect the dots between past, present and future as we direct an Afro-futurist lens at important questions like: What can diasporic knowledge teach us about endurance, resistance, and revolution? What is the role of the artist amidst the turbulence inherently found in course correction? And how can we best position our voices in shaping the future?

Our summit will include a full day of affinity space, BAMS sponsored panels throughout the conference, and an official showcase stage featuring artists who represent New Orleans, American music, and our diaspora at large.

Date: Thursday, January 22nd, Waterbury Ballroom

All activities in Waterbury Ballroom on Thursday are affinity space.

Schedule:

10am-10:30am Morning Meet and Greet

10:30am-11:30am BAMS Keynote: Dr. Quanice Floyd, As an Artist, leader and advocate Dr. Floyd will host A keynote address about the role of artistic leadership in today’s environment. From her perspective in the arts she will share what she sees ahead and how we should prepare for it today.

1:30pm-3:00pm: Songwriting Workshop

3:15pm-4:15pm Affinity Group lead by Lilli Lewis and Paula Fong

BAMS will host a private showcase room open to all Wednesday-Saturday evening. Schedule TBA.

BAMS is hosting an Official Showcase stage on Saturday, January 24, Rhythms I Ballroom.

Line up:

Okan 6:00pm-6:25pm

Calvin Arsenia 6:40pm-7:05pm

Lisa Sanders & Sugar Brown 7:20pm-7:45pm

Buggy Jive 8:00pm-8:25pm

Kelly Love Jones 8:40pm-9:05pm

Cheikh Ibra Fam 9:20pm-9:45pm