INDING FOLK IN KC: FAI Recap
FINDING FOLK IN KC
For the first time in three years, I attended the Folk Alliance International conference in Kansas City. Though not as busy as in some years past, it was robustly attended by a couple thousand artists, presenters, media, and music lovers of various stripes, who were delighted to embrace the folk community again in person.
The festivities began with the awards ceremony on Wednesday. I was moved more than you can know to be inducted into the Folk DJ Hall of Fame, along with my dear friend Marilyn Rae Breyer, host of the “Midnight Special” on WFMT in Chicago. Janis Ian, who’s been a friend since she lived in Philadelphia 50+ years ago, received a Lifetime Achievement Award, for which you gave an eloquent acceptance speech, only to be drawn back to the stage for winning Album of the Year, prompting more off-the-cuff eloquence.
Another highlight of the ceremony was an award to Oh Boy! Records the seminal independent label formed by John Prine in 1981, for achievement in the business sector. John’s widow Fiona and stepson Jody, who continue to manage the label, spoke of their ongoing commitment to John’s legacy. We were then treated to performances of John Prine covers by the Milk Carton Kids and Iris DeMent. I ran into iris the next day at breakfast and though we’d only met a couple of times over the years, she was very gracious, in spite of her shy reputation. And when Fiona showed up as well, I was able to recount my connection with John, going back to our days in Chicago in the early ‘70s.
In her introduction, the new Executive Director of Folk Alliance, Neeta Ragoonwansi, recommended that all the attendees, regardless of what conference tracks they were following, should be drawn above all to “beauty.” As it turns out, beauty, friendship, and inspiration were my watchwords for the conference. The beauty of the music; the friendship of folks like Janis, Mary Gauthier, Tom Paxton, and David Amram, and so many artists I’ve known over the years; and inspiration in both the words and music.
Beyond the remarks from Janis, Fiona, Jody, and Neeta in the opening ceremony, inspiration came from Janis again in a TED-like talk discussing her career and process; from Mary Gauthier discussing with Marilyn Rea Beyer the transformative power of songwriting in her book, Saved by a Song; Valerie June offering a glimpse of her multifarious talents and interests in her keynote address; and Ken Whitely, Deirdre McCalla, and the Rev. Robert Jones recounting their career paths in a panel moderated by Mary Sue Twohy of SiriusXM.
Getting to the musical highlights, which encompassed both official showcases and late night private showcases in hotel rooms, there were far too many to name them all. The challenge for me is always to balance seeing artists I already know (to judge their current progress) with hearing new artists in hopes of musical discovery.
There was a multitude of On Your Radar alums at the top of their games, including solo artists Amy Speace, Joe Jencks, Alice Howe with Freebo, Jaspar Lepak, Ellis Delaney, Heather Pierson, Grace Morrison, and Antje Duvekot; and duos/groups Tall Heights, Damn Tall Buildings (what’s with the height obsession?), The Black Feathers, the Small Glories, Nefesh Mountain, Son of Town Hall, Barnaby Bright, Buffalo Rose, and the Brother Brothers. Add to them future, but confirmed On Your Radar artists the Rough and Tumble, Jaimee Harris, and Katie Dahl.
Among the artists who caught my ears, some from previous conferences, were groups, including The Heart Collectors (Australia), the Henry Girls (Ireland), Talisk (Scotland), The Pairs and Fortunate Ones (Canada), and the Faux Paws, Rainbow Girls, Adrian & Meredith, Chatham Rabbits, and The Refugees (all from the U.S.). Solo artists included Terra Spencer (Canada), Karan Casey (Ireland), and Nina de Vitry, Aspen Jacobson, and Humbird (U.S.).
Outstanding American artists of color included Leyla McCalla and Deirdre McCalla (no relation), Reggie Garrett, and the Rev. Robert Jones. Among the more interesting buzz-worthy multicultural explorations were the duo of Larry & Joe (a Venezuelan Llanera musician paired with Joe Troop of Che Appalachia), the Ecuadorean bossa-influenced guitarist Javier Jara (now living in Austin), and the Korean-American singer-trumpeter Janice Jo Lee.
As always, a smorgasbord too rich to fully digest, but plenty to chew on for possible airplay and for booking On Your Radar. I’m grateful I have enough energy to take in even a portion of the offerings and that I have an additional hour for Sunday Supper and the platform of On Your Radar to share my findings with you.
Photo of Iris DeMent & Milk Carton Kids by Neale Eckstein