Last week, the UnderDogs had the pleasure of returning to New Orleans, where we attended Folk Alliance International for the first time. The four-day conference and festival brings 3,000 of the genre’s leading artists and industry professionals together from around the world for networking, panels, workshops and, of course, showcases.
If you’ve never been to Folk Alliance, let us set the scene. After connecting via conference programming during the day, attendees stayed put at the Sheraton in downtown New Orleans to enjoy multiple levels of official showcases curated by the Folk Alliance braintrust. After those wrap up around 10 p.m., the real fun begins!
Registered attendees are then invited to take the elevator up a few levels, where multiple blocks of hotel rooms have been repurposed as performance venues, hosted into the wee hours by a small army of curators from around the world. With so many musicians in one place, we had a lot of ground to cover — and rest assured, there was no shortage of talent walking those halls!
We were so inspired by the week’s many memorable performances that we compiled a short list of some of our favorite acts from this year’s conference. It was tremendously hard to narrow this list down to just seven amazing artists, but we feel this list gives you a good cross-section of what to expect when you join us in Chicago for Folk Alliance International 2027!
Although he’s based in Atlanta, Buddy Red showed up to Folk Alliance in true New Orleans fashion, serving up a deliciously timeless gumbo seasoned with blues, rock, funk, and more. Buddy’s live performances not only present him as a versatile songwriter, but as a charismatic frontman whose contagious energy and vast technical ability combine for an experience not to be missed.
At just 18 years old, the Fort Worth-based songsmith showcases advanced songwriting ability and a world awareness well beyond his years. Barksdale’s Dylan-esque stage quips are thoughtfully delivered between songs, and his deft technical skill – combined with inventive prog-folk arrangements – give the folk genre an exciting new star to watch.
We may be headquartered in the home of country music, but Tulsa can stake its claim as the hometown of the most authentically country artist we’ve witnessed in a long time. Deck – an elected official whose job description entails “listening to the people and telling their stories” – provides earnest anecdotes about everyday life. His powerful baritone voice adds color and weight to every story, painting a picture so vivid that you’d swear you were there as it unfolded.
Above all else, folk music is a vehicle best driven by the unfiltered truth, and Ashley Virginia is not afraid to get behind the wheel. Hailing from North Carolina, Ashley’s inventive lyricism lifts the veil to reveal their most personal thoughts and experiences, while their standout artistic flair commands attention in any room. A true performer, Ashley has a knack for audience connection, offering hope through vulnerability, and activism in the face of injustice.
Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, CAOIMHÍN’s songwriting maintains its roots in Celtic folk tradition, while his arrangements – rich with danceable grooves and otherworldly ambiance – take his music into a unique stratosphere. Futurist themes open up a world of exciting possibilities to the listener, while this innovative songsmith rips up the rulebooks to usher in a rich New Age of Irish music.
For a moment, let’s keep our focus on emerging acts from Dublin. In 2015, Sina Theil moved to The Fair City to pursue a career as a musician – even if it meant busking on the streets and earning her way to opportunities. Fast forward more than a decade, and Sina’s diligence, talent, and inspiring presence have helped her find incredible success – including 26 #1 songs on the Irish iTunes charts, and the ability to reach audiences an ocean away.
Bringing things back around to Louisiana, this Lake Charles native comes from a multi-generational family legacy in the world of Creole and Zydeco music. His own spin on the region’s musical traditions has birthed a unique genre he calls “Kreole Rock & Soul,” a fun and familiar sound that simultaneously dismantles genre barriers. This dynamic listening experience is turned up another notch during Ardoin’s spirited live performances, where his larger-than-life presence inspires people from all walks of life to get out of their seats. If you want a performer who will give you his all – and sound great doing it – Sean Ardoin is your guy.
