Prairie Roots Run Deep at Folk Alliance International in Montreal

Posted on February 20, 2025

Artists from Manitoba are set to gather with acts from across the Canadian Prairies for a showcase at the annual Folk Alliance International (FAI) conference under the Prairie Music Export banner this month. The premier professional development conference focuses on folk, roots, and traditional music in North America, as the 37th annual event rotates to Canada for 2025 from its usual Kansas City home.

Running February 22 at the FAI host hotel, Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel, the showcase lineup boasts six acts making waves in the folk and roots world. 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 performing at the showcases include mixed Anishinaabekwe folk/soul artist Ila Barker and haunting Americana outfit Leaf Rapids. Other artists showcasing are Alexis Normand and Eliza Mary Doyle from Saskatchewan and John Wort Hannam and Mallory Chipman from Alberta. The showcase is presented in partnership with Sask Music and Alberta Music.

More artists from Manitoba will take the FAI stage. JUNO-winning singer/songwriter and The Small Glories bandleader Cara Luft and WCMA-winning, genre-blurring artist Kelly Bado both have official FAI showcase spots. Honky tonk singer/songwriter Bobby Dove and bilingual folk/roots duo Fire & Smoke also have several showcases at FAI.

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 America, 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 Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) through the Government of Canada; The Manitoba Government; FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s private radio broadcasters.

PRAIRIE MUSIC EXPORT SHOWCASE
Folk Alliance International
Saturday, February 22 / 6 – 10:45 PM
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel, Salon 4/5 Level 2

Featuring:
Alexis Normand
Eliza Mary Doyle
Ila Barker
John Wort Hannam
Leaf Rapids
Mallory Chipman