Manitoba Roots Run Deep at Folk Alliance International in New Orleans

Artists from Manitoba to Showcase at Annual Conference, Indigenous Artists from Manitoba and across Western Canada Have Strong Presence 

The west of Canada is heading to New Orleans next month. Seven artists from Manitoba are gathering with acts from across Western Canada to showcase at Folk Alliance International (FAI) conference under the BreakOut West banner. The premier professional development conference focuses on folk, roots, multicultural, and world music in North America, the 32nd annual event takes over a corner of New Orleans, January 22-26.

The four-day showcase is the latest in a series of partnered events with Manitoba Music, SaskMusic, Alberta Music, and MusicBC, with a lineup boasting over 30 acts, including seven artists that identify as First Nation, Metis, or Inuit. Artists and their teams will also have a chance to build their business networks and connect with over 2,500 registrants from 20 countries.

The performers from Manitoba making the trip include folk duo Burnstick, singer and hand drummer Darryl Buck, country singer/songwriters Desiree Dorion and JC Campbell, world music artist Kelly Bado, folk singer/songwriter Madeleine Roger, singer/songwriter and fiddle player Sierra Noble, and indie folk pair The New Customs. Burnstick and Bado also have official Folk Alliance showcases.

The voices of First Nation and Metis peoples, and Inuit will have a strong presence at the second edition of the International Indigenous Music Summit, which runs in conjunction with FAI. This year’s Indigenous Voices Showcase, which features artists from across Canada and around the world, including many artists from across Western Canada. The Summit is a gathering of Indigenous artists, knowledge keepers, and community builders, along with key invited allies to discuss the most important issues facing the Indigenous music community. Manitoba Music has been a partner on this year’s event through the Indigenous Music Development Program and Indigenous Music West. Other artists from Western Canada showcasing include Bebe Buckskin, Celeigh Cardinal, Hope, Jay Gilday, Kym Gouchie, Mamarudegyal MTHC, Ms. PAN!K, RELLIK / William Leblanc, Sandy Scofield, Sister Says, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, and The North Sound. Industry professionals Curtis Running Rabbit-Lefthand of Indigenous Resilience in Music, NCI FM’s David McLeod, and artist manager Elaine Bomberry are attending the Summit.

Manitoba has a strong reputation for its roots scene. Homegrown talent -- including many acts who've graced the FAI showcase rooms -- have built solid careers, garnering attention from major media, and touring to sold-out halls throughout North American, Europe, Australia, and beyond.

Bringing Manitoba music to new markets and intensifying business activity in existing markets is a key component of Manitoba Music's trade and business development activities. Manitoba Music's market development initiatives are funded by the Province of Manitoba, Manitoba Film & Music, and FACTOR through the financial support of the Government of Canada and Canada's private radio broadcasters.