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FAI 2024
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✨ Keynote Reveal ✨ + Daytime Programming at FAI 2027
November 4, 2026
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FAI 2024
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Colin Hay, The War and Treaty & More: FAI 2027 Programming Announced!
The 39th Annual Folk Alliance International Conference is coming to Chicago January 27–31, 2027, and we're excited to announce that the first wave of daytime programming is now live!
This year's keynote speaker is GRAMMY Award-winning musician Colin Hay, best known as the frontman of Men at Work and for his celebrated solo career. In conversation with journalist Gary Graff, Hay will reflect on a life in music, the relationships that sustain a creative career, and the importance of collaboration, connection, and continuing to show up for one another.
The conversation, The Work We Do Together, speaks to this year's conference theme, Hands in Solidarity, and the idea that music and community are built through shared experience.
This is just the beginning! We're continuing to add to the FAI 2027 lineup, with more panels, workshops, peer sessions, affinity groups, and special events to be announced in the coming weeks.
Featured Conversation: Making Room: The War and Treaty on Partnership, Music and Belonging
Join us for a conversation with The War and Treaty, the acclaimed husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter. Known for their powerful blend of country, soul, and Americana, and their electrifying live performances, the duo will explore the role of partnership, music, and belonging in their lives and work.
With two GRAMMY nominations and back-to-back Duo/Group of the Year honors at the Americana Music Honors & Awards, The War and Treaty bring a unique perspective to the ways music can create connection and bring people together.
Additional Daytime Programming highlights include:
- The Black American Music Summit
- Folk & Punk: 21st Century Activism & Cultural Preservation
- Chimes of Freedom: Patriotism, Protest, and the Power of Song, presented by the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame
- “I'm Not a Protest Singer”: Music, Activism & Social Change
- House Music as Folk Music
- Whose Voice? Whose Story?: Indigenous Music, Sovereignty in Authentic Voices, Culture and Storytelling
- Keeping It Human: AI for the Independent Artist
- Reimagining Tradition: Marisa Anderson's Anthology of UnAmerican Folk Music in conversation with music writer Grayson Currin (NY Times, GQ, Pitchfork, Outside Magazine)
This year's programming features more than 130 events, with conversations, workshops, presentations, summits, and opportunities to connect with artists and professionals from across the global folk community.
And Don't Forget...
Register by Friday, November 6th to get the lowest possible rate before it increases! The 2027 Folk Alliance International Conference takes place January 27–31 in Chicago. Join thousands of artists, presenters, venues, agents, labels, DJs, and music industry professionals for five days of music, professional development, networking, and community.
This year's theme, Hands in Solidarity, is an invitation to gather, listen, create, and find ways to turn connection into action.
