Your Roots are Showing 2025, Ireland’s folk conference showcases has announced partnership with Nashville’s International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).

The pairing reflects the celebration of bluegrass, folk, americana and roots music which Your Roots Are Showing conference founders, Charlene Sloan and Brendan McCreanor, had in mind when they first imagined the conference.

According to Sloan, the partnership marks a significant milestone in the growth of the annual conference. “The opportunity to collaborate with an organization that has such a profound impact on the bluegrass community is truly special,” she continues. “We look forward to welcoming IBMA to Killarney and celebrating the incredible legacy of Peter Rowan with his well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Rowan will also share his insights during the 'In Conversation with Peter Rowan' panel, which will be hosted by IBMA's Business Development Director, Anna Kline.

Sloan and McCreanor are also set to attend IBMA in Chattanooga, TN this September to continue building these vital connections.

 

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"As a musician, I’ve always been inspired by the artistry of Peter Rowan, so it’s a great honor to see him receive the Lifetime Achievement Award," McCreanor says. "I’m also excited to spend time in Kentucky, immersing myself in Old Time music, which will be an interesting endeavor as an uilleann piper and whistle player.”

Running between January 14-19, 2025, the gathering brings together an array of renowned artists, Grammy winners, musical innovators, industry professionals and up-and-coming talents.

The conference kicks off with FOLK iN FUSION - YRAS LIVE, a concert which will take place in the Gleneagle INEC arena on Monday, January 14. The line-up will include fourteen-time Grammy-winning banjo player Ron Block, Grammy winner and bluegrass legend Peter Rowan, Grammy-winning banjo player Alison Brown, as well as two-time Grammy and Pulitzer recipient, Rhiannon Giddens.

Following the opening night show, the Your Roots Are Showing conference will take place throughout the week, featuring a host of panels, workshops, showcases and networking opportunities.

The evening showcases will feature performances blending traditional and contemporary folk sounds, with notable acts such as Rodney Owl, Lorraine Nash, Patrick Stefan, The Henry Girls, Áine Tyrell, The Good Behaviours, Tadhg Williams, Fiona Kennedy, Mark Lyndon, The 19th Street Band, Good Habits, Al Qahwa, Brídín, ADT, Paddy Dennehy, and many more.

Tickets for the FOLK iN Fusion gig are available via the INEC Box Office or at this link.

Conference and showcase passes for Your Roots Are Showing are available on the event’s website.