Remembering Ian Tyson, 1933-2022
Ian Tyson, an influential Canadian troubadour best known for having penned the hit songs “Four Strong Winds” and “Someday Soon” as half of the internationally acclaimed folk duo Ian & Sylvia, died on December 29, 2022 at his ranch in southern Alberta at age 89. Folk DJ Charlie Backfish will pay tribute to him and his music during a special edition of his long-running weekly radio show Sunday Street that airs January 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET on WUSB 90.1 FM on Long Island, NY and online at wusb.fm or https://tunein.com/radio/WUSB-901-s2324/.
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FAI Folk Radio Charts – November 2022
Sam Bush had the top album (Radio John: Songs of John Hartford) on folk radio during October 2022. The much-heralded mandolinist, multi-instrumenalist and progressive bluegrass pioneer’s rendition of his late close friend's “In Tall Buildings” tied with singer-songwriter Brian Blake’s “Rice Field in the Distance” for the month’s most-played song, while Bush and revered folksinger-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist John McCutcheon were November’s most-played artists. 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 view the top albums, songs and artists charts that are posted monthly with permission.]
FAI-Administered Fund Offers Grants for Folk Artists and Industry Professionals
Independent folk artists and industry professionals seeking funding to support their careers are invited to apply for $500 grants through The Village Fund administered by Folk Alliance International.
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Americana Honors & Awards Airs on Circle Network, Nov. 23
Performances by some of Americana music’s biggest stars – including Brandi Carlile with Lucius, Fairfield Four, Indigo Girls, Chris Isaak, Lyle Lovett, The McCrary Sisters, James McMurtry, The Milk Carton Kids, Allison Russell, The War and Treaty, and Lucinda Williams – captured live during the 21st annual Americana Honors & Awards show in September will air on Circle Network, November 23, 2022 at 9 p.m. CT.
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GRAMMY Nominees Named in American Roots Music Field
Nominees have been named for the 65th GRAMMY Awards to be presented by the Recording Academy on Sunday, February 5, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. These include those in the American Roots Music Field and select others of likely interest to readers of AcousticMusicScene.com. Among those with multiple nominations are Brandi Carlile, Lucius, Aoife O’Donovan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Bonnie Raitt, and Molly Tuttle.
[Click on the headline to continue reading this article and to view the complete list of nominees in the American Roots Music Field, as well as those in select other categories.]
FAI Folk Radio Charts – October 2022
Pat Wictor, a touring singer-songwriter and slide guitarist, had both the top album (Flare) and the most-played song (“How Will They Tell It?”) on folk radio during October 2022. Loretta Lynn, the Coal Miner’s Daughter and queen of country music, who died Oct. 4 at age 90, was the month’s most-played artist. 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 view the top albums, songs and artists charts that are posted monthly with permission.]

NERFA Hosts Conference In-Person and Online
More than 400 performing artists, presenters, promoters, managers, agents, and others actively engaged in contemporary and traditional folk music will converge on Asbury Park, New Jersey, November 10-13, 2022 for the annual Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Conference, while more will enjoy the event virtually.
[Click on the headline to continue reading this article previewing the conference.]

FAI Folk Radio Charts – September 2022
John McCutcheon, a revered folksinger-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, was the most-played artist and had the top album (Leap!) on folk radio during September 2022. James Keelaghan’s “Walk On” and David LaMotte’s “September Me” were the month’s top songs, edging out songs by McCutcheon and Sofia Talvik. 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 view the top albums, songs and artists charts that are posted monthly with permission.]
Canadian Folk Music Awards Nominees Named
Sultans of String -- an award-winning, genre-bending global roots music instrumental group -- tops the list of nominees for the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards with four nods for its album Sanctuary. Digging Roots (Zhawenim), John Wort Hannam (Long Haul), Madison Violet (eleven), The McDades (The Empress), and Kyle McKearney (Down-Home) snagged three nominations each. They are among the 104 nominees from throughout Canada vying for awards in 19 categories to be presented during the CFMA Awards Weekend, March 31-April 2, 2023, in Vancouver, British Columbia.
[Click on the headline to continue reading this article and to see the complete list of nominees.]

Black Bear Americana Music Fest Set for October 7-9, 2022 in Goshen, Connecticut
More than 50 performing artists/acts and lots of live music fans will converge on the Goshen Fairgrounds in Goshen, Connecticut, October 7-9, 2022 for the fourth annual Black Bear Americana Music Fest. The three-day festival features performances on several stages by Grammy Award-winning national touring artists, local New England-based artists and emerging talents, as well as music and art workshops.
[Click on the headline to continue reading this article that includes comments from several of the festival's performing artists.]
IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Presented
Billy Strings was named Entertainer of the Year for the second consecutive year, while his recording of “Red Daisy” was named Song of the Year in the 33rd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards on September 29, 2022. Béla Fleck received the most awards of the evening as he was honored for Album of the Year (My Bluegrass Heart), Instrumental Group of the Year (Béla Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart), Instrumental Recording of the Year, and Banjo Player of the Year.
[Click on the headline to continue reading this article and to see the complete list of winners.]
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