Latest News

Winners Named in Canadian Folk Music Awards

With three awards each, Allison Russell and Cedric Dind-Lavoie were the big winners in the 2022 Canadian Folk Music Awards that were presented March 31-April 2 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and streamed online. They were among the more than 100 nominees from throughout Canada who vied for awards in 19 categories. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article, see the list of all the winners, and view a few videos.]

Highlights of 20th Annual Americana Honors & Awards to Air on PBS Stations

Musical highlights from the 20th annual Americana Honors & Awards will be featured on a special hour-long episode of Austin City Limits that is set to air on PBS television stations beginning on Saturday, April 2, 2022. Check your local TV listings since dates and times vary by location. The show will also be available to stream online at pbs.org/austincitylimits beginning Sunday, April 3 at 9 a.m. CT/10 a.m. ET. [Click on the headline to continue reading this short article.]

2022 Canadian Folk Music Awards Concerts & Showcases Stream Online, March 31-April 2

While the Canadian Folk Music Awards have been presented virtually over the past two years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s leading folk music event – including awards concerts and nominee showcases – will be presented live and in-person at The Guild in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and livestreamed March 31-April 2, 2022. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

Live From Nashville: Amy Speace & Kate Klim

Singer Songwriters Amy Speace and Kate Klim will swap songs live from Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. EDT/6:30 p.m. CDT/4:30 p.m. PDT during the second of an occasional series of online concerts co-presented by Harbortown Music and AcousticMusicScene.com. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

FAI Folk Radio Charts – February 2022

Singer-Songwriter Janis Ian had the #1 album (Light at the End of the Line) and was the most-played artist on folk radio for a second consecutive month in February 2022, while Michael Veitch’s “Valentine’s Day” was the month’s top song. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio. [Click on the headline to continue reading this short article and to view the monthly top albums, songs and artists charts that are posted with permission.]
Quick Q & A with Annie Sumi

Quick Q & A with Annie Sumi

Annie Sumi is an ethereal folk artist from Canada, whose intimate and expansive music invites listeners into a familiar otherworld. Inspired by the mirrored relationship between physical and emotional landscapes, the young, Ontario-based singer-songwriter’s music speaks of human experience through the language of the senses. She has toured across Canada, parts of the U.S. and Europe, and released three albums since 2015. Kathy Sands-Boehmer, chief innovator and merry-maker at Harbortown Music, recently asked Annie Sumi some questions about her music -- including her latest recording, Solastagia, which was released last fall. [Click on the headline to read the Q & A.] Annie Sumi (Photo: Jake Jacobson)
Reba Heyman Tribute Concert & Livestream Set for March 19

Reba Heyman Tribute Concert & Livestream Set for March 19

Fourteen artists/acts will help celebrate the life and legacy of Reba Heyman, a stalwart supporter of the folk music community who was widely viewed as a ‘folk angel’ or ‘folk mom,’ on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Co-sponsored by Focus Music, Uptown Concerts, World Folk Music Association (WFMA), Songwriters’ Association of Washington (SAW), and Institute of Musical Traditions, the concert takes place at the Olney Theatre in Olney, Maryland and will also be live streamed. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article, which includes reflections from several of the participating artists.]

Applications Open for IBMA World of Bluegrass

Artists interested in showcasing their talents during the 2022 IBMA World of Bluegrass that is slated for September 27-October 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina can now submit applications. Proposals for business conference sessions from artists, educators and industry professionals are also now being accepted, while conference registration opens in April. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]
FAI Folk Radio Charts - January 2022

FAI Folk Radio Charts – January 2022

Singer-Songwriter Janis Ian had the #1 album (Light at the End of the Line), four of the top 10 songs, and was the most-played artist on folk radio during January 2022. Buffalo Rose, a modern folk-Americana ensemble, joined by Tom Paxton, had the month’s most-played song (Paxton’s “I Give You the Morning”). So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio. [Click on the headline to continue reading the article and to view the monthly charts that are posted with permission.]

Virtual Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival Set for Feb. 18-20

Winterfolk, Toronto, Ontario’s annual blues and roots festival, will be streamed online, February 18-20, 2022 from 7-10 p.m. EST all three nights. As was the case last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted festival organizers to pivot to an online event. The scaled-back virtual edition of the popular festival, now in its 20th year, will feature primarily Canadian artists. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article, which includes comments from several of the free festival's featured artists.]

Mike P. Ryan Wins 38th Mid-Atlantic Song Contest

Mike P. Ryan has been named the grand prize winner of the 38th annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest presented by the Songwriters’ Association of Washington. The Clifton, Virginia-based contemporary folk-Americana singer-songwriter was recognized for his song “Between Heaven and the Ground,” which was also the first place (Gold) winner in the contest’s Folk-Acoustic category. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article, which includes extensive comments from Ryan and a link to hear his winning song.]

Entries Sought in Performing Songwriter Contests

Several performing songwriter competitions are currently accepting entries. Although the Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest, Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition, and Songwriter Serenade take place in Texas, they are not solely for songwriters based in the Lone Star State. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]