Founded in 1989, Folk Alliance International (FAI) is an organization that strives to preserve, promote, and present folk music. Its 32nd conference takes place in New Orleans in January 2020. Ahead of the major event, which will feature programming exploring themes of diversity, inclusion, immigration, intersection, and influence in folk music, FAI will host an information session on May 22.

Hosting the Folk Alliance International information session are FAI board member Reid Wick, FAI’s executive director Aengus Finnan and FAI’s director of operations Jennifer Roe. Topics covered include:

Why you should attend
Ways to take advantage
How to make connections
How to submit for an official showcase
How to submit for private showcases
First-timers information
How to apply for a scholarship

The information session takes place at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center (1205 N. Rampart St.) on Wednesday, May 22, from 4-6 p.m. To register for free, click here.

In addition to the 2020 conference in New Orleans, FAI produces an Artist in Residence program, the Louis Jay Meyers Music Camp, the International Folk Music Awards, the Kansas City Folk Festival, and an overseas micro-conference called The ExChange. “Ultimately each person has a story (especially as folk artists) of who they are, where they are from, and how the places they live in shape them,” FAI says.