Folk Alliance International Bestows Folk Music Awards At 38th Annual Conference In New Orleans

Folk Alliance International, a global nonprofit for folk music, presented its International Folk Music Awards during FAI’s 38^th annual conference in New Orleans.

Of the night’s big winners, Carsie Balton and I’m With Her, the trio made up of Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan, tied for Artist of the Year. I’m With Her also won album of the year with Wild and Clear and Blue on Rounder Records and Crys Matthews took home Song of the Year for “Sleeves Up.” Värav / Vārti / Vartai by The Baltic Sisters, a cross-border group that sings Lithuanian multipart songs, as well as music from Estonia and Latvia won the inaugural Global Folk Album Award.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to five-time Grammy winner Taj Mahal; zydeco originator Clifton Chenier, subject of both a forthcoming career-spanning box set on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and a major tribute album featuring the Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams and others; and Louisiana Folk Roots, founded by Dewey Balfa’s daughter, which celebrates the spirit of Cajun and Creole cultures.

On receiving the award, Mahal stated, “I cannot tell you how much it’s a pleasure to receive this wonderful award. I’ve been enjoying making music for 75 years. As I approach my 84th birthday, I’ve still got a lot to go. I appreciate all y’all remembering that it’s never in somebody’s shadow, it’s standing in their light.”

C.J. Chenier performed and accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of his father who died in 1987, playing an accordion that Clifton had gifted him in the 1980s.

“It was already old then,” he told the audience. “This was his favorite accordion.”

Yasmin Williams was honored with The Rising Tide Award, which recognizes artists who inspire others by embodying the values and ideals of the folk community through their creative work, community role and public voice.

“Speaking out against inequity and injustice should be just as important to a folk musician as the music that they make,” stated Williams. “It’s an equal part of our job.”

The People’s Voice Award, which is presented to an individual who embraces social and political commentary in their creative work and public careers, was awarded to Kyshona.

Spirit of Folk Awards, which honor people and organizations involved in the promotion and preservation of folk music, went to Laura Thomas, whose ComboPlate Booking has spanned a quarter century; Cultural Heritage Manager for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Rachel Ornelas; FAI’s Alex Mallett, who has served as Deputy Director of the Folk Alliance International for a decade; and Cindy Cogbill, who has held leadership roles with FAI and Memphis’ Overton Park Shell.

On receiving the award, Mallett said, “When I stumbled into my first Folk Alliance in 2013, I came at the invitation of a friend, as a musician, and I just had no idea the journey that I would be on. I want everyone to know that this is a really special and rarified and magical place. And it’s magical because of the people that are here.”

In accepting her award, Cogbill recognized her mentor Louis Meyers, former executive director of Folk Alliance International, stating, “That job became my community, my bridesmaids, my adopted family, my people, they’re the ones that taught me how to grieve, how to celebrate, how to care for each other.”

The Clearwater Award, which is presented to a festival that prioritizes environmental stewardship, was given to Edmonton Folk Music Festival. And four DJs were inducted into the Folk Radio Hall of Fame, including Susan Forbes Hansen (WHUS), Kieran Hanrahan (RTE Radio 1), Ron Olesko (Folk Music Notebook) and Michael Stock (WLRN).

From the stage, Jennifer Roe Executive Director Jennifer Roe of the 501(c)3 said, “This city [New Orleans] teaches us that music carries grief and joy side by side, that it remembers where we’ve been and insists on where we’re going. From porch songs to protest anthems, folk music has always risen in hard times. It tells the truth. It builds connection. It helps people endure and imagine something better.”

She continued, “In this moment of social and cultural urgency, we are called to rise up as artists, activists, and allies. To follow tradition, to challenge it when needed, and to lift one another when the road gets heavy. Whether through quiet storytelling or collective shout, this is our second line, our shared movement forward. Tonight, we honor people who embody that spirit. The International Folk Music Awards celebrate artists, leaders, and advocates whose work strengthens our community.”

Folk Alliance International will be returning to New Orleans in 2030 and 2032.