Applications open for FOLK NORTH @ Folk Alliance 2027 in Chicago!
Folk Canada and MusicOntario present:
FOLK NORTH @ Folk Alliance International 2027
January 27-31, Chicago, IL
APPLY NOW!
MusicOntario and Folk Canada are joining forces again under the FOLK NORTH banner to host our legendary private showcase suite for three nights at Folk Alliance International (FAI) 2027.
It’s our 11th year of supporting artists and music companies from Ontario and across Canada at FAI, which is the largest gathering in the US of the folk music industry and community, which celebrates a diverse range of genres, including Blues, Bluegrass, Roots, Celtic, Cajun, Appalachian, Traditional, World, and Singer-Songwriter.
Over the years, we have showcased more than 300 artists while supporting the businesses who work with them to develop their businesses and careers. Our alumni include The Strumbellas, Great Lake Swimmers, Tanika Charles, Abigail Lapell, Julian Taylor, Tim Chaisson, AHI, Skye Wallace, Jeremy Dutcher, Reuben and the Dark, Aysanabee, Shakura S’Aida, Terra Lightfoot, Kaia Kater, Elisapie, OKAN, Ammoye, Lemon bucket Orkestra, and many, many more!
We welcome applications from all folk traditions.
Please note:
- You must be a resident of and based in Canada to be eligible to apply.
- Applicants will be assessed based on export-readiness.
- Showcases are brief – 15 minutes each, with 5 minutes to change over.
- Showcases take place in suites in the host hotel. We will have light amplification with 3 channels but recommend an acoustic configuration, with only light percussion permitted.
- MusicOntario will provide a sound technician for performers to access.
- Members of MusicOntario and/or Folk Canada receive preferred consideration for showcase slots.
- If selected to perform, each performing musician must be registered with the Folk Alliance International conference – head to https://folkconference.org/register for rates. If you are a member of MusicOntario, CIMA, or Folk Canada, you are eligible for a discounted rate.
- We suggest you start exploring funding/grant opportunities ASAP if you hope to offset costs related to attending a business and showcase conference like Folk Alliance.
- Artists are responsible for their own travel expenses and visas, where applicable.
If you would like to learn more about CIMA/MusicOntario membership or discounted registration, please contact Siddhant Shah: sid@music-ontario.ca. If you would like to learn more about Folk Canada membership, please contact Joel Elliott: joel@folkcanada.com.
Are you planning to attend as a delegate or artist either way? Members of CIMA/MusicOntario are eligible for a significant discount on registration. Inquire here!
We appreciate all interest, however, for administrative purposes, only successful applicants will be contacted in December 2026. There is no need to follow up. Thank you.
MusicOntario gratefully acknowledges our partners in this programming for making it possible, including Ontario Creates via the Ontario Music Investment Fund, and the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), the Government of Canada (through the Canada Music Fund), and Canada's private radio broadcasters.