2017 IN REVIEW ABOUT FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL

This past year Folk Alliance International returned to center and simultaneously broadened Folk Alliance International (FAI) was founded in 1989 to connect folk music leaders aiming to sustain the community and its reach. The exploration of values in our “Forbidden Folk” conference theme genre. The leading international voice for folk music, FAI’s network now includes more than 3,000 members: a worldwide deepened our connection to the roots and power of folk music. community of artists, record companies, publishers, presenters, agents, managers, and arts administrators.

The 2017 conference was the largest in our 30-year history, with 500 more delegates Enhancing folk music networks and creating development opportunities for cultural sector entrepreneurs is the than the previous year, an incredible 1,000 attending for the first time, and 27 countries foundation of FAI’s work. From its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, FAI produces the world’s largest conference for represented (a 50% increase from 2016). the folk music industry, the International Folk Music Awards, the Louis Jay Meyers Music Camp, the Folk in the Schools and Artist in Residence programs, community outreach, and the Kansas City Folk Festival. Intentional actions to diversify FAI’s board, staff, networks, programming, outreach, Matt Smith President, Board of Directors and showcases challenged perspectives and strengthened outcomes. Partnerships and meaningful experiences were developed with the Indigenous, Blues, and Global Roots communities. Capacity building events included a pre-conference staff workshop on sexual harassment, a seminar on diversity for FAI’s board, and a training session on racial justice MISSION made available to all conference delegates. To nurture, engage, and empower the international folk music community – traditional and contemporary, In response to a year of heightened global tensions, community conflicts, and amateur and professional – through education, advocacy, humanitarian crises, FAI issued a values statement (found at folk.org/mission) declaring our and performance. sincere commitment to diversity and internationalism and adamant rejection of all forms of discrimination and harassment. Without equivocation, FAI called on the music industry We fulfill our mission through Education, Networking, community to adopt proactive policies emphasizing the values of diversity, inclusion, and Advocacy as well as Consumer, Field, and respect, and safety for all. Professional Development. Aengus Finnan Executive Director A highlight was an expanded Artist in Residence program that partnered musicians with Diversity and inclusion are core values of FAI. local law enforcement and correctional facilities to collaborate creatively with inmates and officers. This year we also launched a Folk in the Schools program to compliment our local children’s hospital outreach, bringing folk music to youth across the city.

Augmented green initiatives and the introduction of the Clearwater Award increased our Official Showcase artist, Gaby Moreno, performs with guitarist, David commitment to improving sustainability. Garza, at FAI, February 16, 2017.

Strategic governance, transparency, and fiscal accountability ensured another year of financial stability and program growth. Our staff also grew in the areas of development and communications, and our board expanded its activity in the areas of membership, research, and advocacy. The third annual Regional Leaders’ Retreat took place in Baltimore, Maryland, where regional board presidents met with senior FAI staff and board BOARD OF DIRECTORS members to focus on collaboration and non-profit governance best practices. President: Matt Smith Amy Reitnouer Erika Wollam-Nichols Mary Sue Twohy Club Passim The Bluegrass Situation The Bluebird Cafe Sirius XM Radio Our community has passion, solidarity, and positive momentum. We aspire to consistently Cambridge, MA, USA Los Angeles, CA, USA Nashville, TN, USA Washington, DC, USA listen, learn, and lead as the bright future of folk music unfolds and we prepare to Vice President: Lisa Schwartz Cheptoo Koistany-Buckner Greg Torrington Michael Kornfeld th celebrate our 30 conference year. Philadelphia Folk Festival American Jazz Museum Stingray Acoustic Music Scene Philadelphia, PA, USA Kansas City, MO, USA Montréal, QC, CAN Huntington, NY, USA

Treasurer: Alka Sharma Dom Flemons Joan Kornblith Michelle Conceison Folk Music Ontario Artist, The American Songster The Loud Poet Society Market Monkeys Ottawa, ON, CAN Hillsborough, NC, USA Washington, DC, USA Nashville, TN, USA

Secretary: Deana McCloud Donald Davidoff Lou DeMarco Sam Lee Woody Guthrie Center Acoustic Alley Momentary Love Management Artist & The Nest Collective Tulsa, OK, USA Littleton, CO, USA Powell, OH, USA London, England, GBR

At-Large: Matt Sever Ellen Stanley Lynn Cingari Tim McFadden Cover: Hundreds of conference delegates gathered on the rooftop of the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas Artist, Matt the Electrician Minnesota Music Coalition Paradigm Agency Tim McFadden Management 512 Delaware Street City for a group photo. Pictured are FAI staff, board, family members, interns, volunteers, delegates, Billy Bragg, Austin, TX, USA St. Paul, MN, USA Monterey, CA, USA Nashville, TN, USA Kansas City MO 64105 USA and Ani DiFranco. In their hands are copies of the US Constitution provided by Lynne Margolis, the ACLU, and 816.221.3655 www.folk.org other generous donors. Photo: Jayne Toohey GLOBAL AMBASSADORSHIP GLOBAL EXPANSION Folk Alliance International’s 2015-2018 Strategic Plan detailed a Industry and Consumer Development begins with FAI being present at key market events. Raising the profile of folk music five-year vision that included global expansion as a key area of ensures our community of artists are connecting to an ever-growing and appreciative audience. This year, FAI participated focus. The outlined objective of the plan was “to thoughtfully in 31 events all around the world. expand FAI’s footprint globally.”

Progress Towards Strategic Goals:

• Increase international membership: International canada membership now represents 17.7%. Breakout West - Edmonton, AB • Increase international participation in annual Canadian Folk Music Awards - Toronto, ON conference: 11% increase in international attendees. Canadian Music Week - Toronto, ON • Officially represent folk music globally: Export office Folk Music Ontario - Ottawa, ON Folk North - Toronto, ON meetings with Ireland, Scotland, England, Brazil, Colombia, Mundial Montreal - Montreal, QC France, Spain, Israel, South Africa, Australia, Estonia, Showcase PEI - charlottetown, PE Norway, , Denmark, , Russia, and Italy. • Take an active role presenting, exhibiting, and europe representing folk at national and international events: 24% increase in number of events attended in FY 2017. Folkelarm - oslo, nor united states Folk Expo - england, gbr midem - cannes, fra A2IM (American Association of Independent Music) - new york city, ny Tallin Music Week - tallin, est americanafest - nashville, tn folk spot - Tønder, dnk APAP - new york city, ny the visit conference & festival - scotland, gbr arts midwest - milwaukee, wi WOMEX (The World Music Expo) - Santiago de Compostela, esp the blues music awards - memphis, tn far-west (fai region west)- bellevue, wa farm (fai region midwest) - iowa city, ia International Bluegrass Music Association - raleigh, nc marketing united - nashville, tn nerfa (FAI region northeast) - stamford, ct Serfa (fai region southeast) - montreat, nc swrfa (fai region southwest) - austin, tx australia sXSW - austin, tx tin pan south - nashville, tn Australian Music Week - cronulla, nsw Big Sound - Brisbane, QLD Woodford Folk Festival - Sunshine Coast, QLD

LOCAL IMPACT - KANSAS CITY, MO

• Economic impact of $5.5 million to Kansas City. • A sold out, second annual Kansas City Folk Festival, a family-friendly indoor festival. “Partnerships across borders are important, especially • Leadership in the cultural sector and advisory support for innovative arts initiatives in KC. in music, and Folk alliance clearly takes that part • Local referral and national exposure for area musicians. of its mission seriously.” Åke Lundström, CEO, Live at Heart, Sweden INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE FEB. 15-19, 2017 • KANSAS CITY, MO, USA

FAI’s 29th annual conference drew 2,694 attendees, the largest number in its history. THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! The conference theme, Forbidden Folk, celebrated activism in art by exploring OFFICIAL PANELS the past and present role of folk music SHOWCASES in documenting and encouraging social change. The official artwork was inspired by the evocative images of the labor movement and included the universal clenched fist of resistance wielding a populist ukulele. One result of this focus was a strong sense of solidarity and commitment that emboldened the present day folk A crew of 233 volunteers donated 4,190 hours of time community of activist artists. representing an in-kind value* of $101,147. Without the FIRST-TIME PRIVATE commitment, time, skill, and personal investment of these Billy Bragg in his keynote address said, “Activism is the ATTENDEES SHOWCASES volunteers, producing an international event at this scale antidote to cynicism,” and asked a new generation of folk would not be possible. artists to be visible by taking their messages to places (* Volunteer hourly rate based on US national average from the where it will challenge the status quo. Corporation for National and Community Service.)

Forbidden Folk themed programming: • Indigenous Gathering hosted by a local elder to welcome Indigenous artists from the Americas, GREEN FOLK Australia, and Norway. MUSIC CAMP EXHIBITORS The Green Folk program launched to • Standing Up for Racial Justice training promoting CLASSES address the environmental impact of FAI accountability through collective action. events and programs. Implementing a variety • Contemporary Protest panel with Nic Dawes of of strategic actions to significantly reduce Human Rights Watch, Billy Bragg, SONiA disappear the footprint of the five-day conference, FAI fear, Ramy Essam, and Eliza Gilkyson. successfully diverted 5.9 tons of landfill waste • Two new annual awards to honor the socially to recycling and compost stations. conscious roots of folk music. 27 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED • Special presentation by Ani DiFranco, who spoke of the importance of voting by saying, “Believe in democracy just enough to show up and make it real.”

Armenia Australia Brazil Canada Denmark Estonia Highlights: ATTENDEE DATA • 50% increase in international presence • Sold out hotel and Exhibit Hall • Expanded mentor and peer sessions • New industry-specific eceptionsr France Guatemala Honduras Hungary Ireland Israel 44% ARTIST • Enhanced production values 25% INDUSTRY 14% PRESENTER Italy Netherlands New Zealand Norway Russia Spain Sweden 10% ASSOCIATE 7% MEDIA

Switzerland United Kingdom United States Uzbekistan Venezuela Yemen MEMBERSHIP FRIENDS OF FOLK ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM FAI membership includes the following: FAI launched the Friends of Folk FAI created the Artist in Residence (AIR) program in 2015 to develop partnerships, foster cultural cross-pollination, • Discounted registration for conferences and events. program to build awareness and diversify audiences, and nurture artistic growth between musicians and national institutions and community organizations. grow financial support for initiatives The 2017 conference featured two projects: • Access to a network with over 3,000 global members and programs. An inaugural Kansas through the member database and forums. City event raised $3,360 in one evening and the program • Work visa letters of support. raised $7,340 overall in its first year. • The opportunity to elect the board of directors for FAI and regional organizations. • A vote to determine recipients of the Lifetime “Folk Alliance is a vibrant organization that Achievement Awards, and Artist, Album, and Song of connects professional musicians to a career- the Year. building network and uses art to bridge • Listing in FAI’s monthly festival and conference email and online festivals calendar. cultures and strengthen communities. I am • Exclusive benefits and discounts on a variety of proud to support FAI financially and to raise services and memberships. awareness of its good work.” The first project featured acclaimed blues artist, Rita The second project featured emerging Kansas City-based Chiarelli working in the Topeka Correctional Facility for Latinx band, Making Movies, and 16-year veteran police • Participation in a global community that works Pete B. Browne, Kissick Construction Company Women, in partnership with Warden Shannon Meyer officer and poet, Chato Villalobos. His poem, “Brown Eyes together to provide a platform for emerging artists. and retired warden and poet, Rex Pryor. Rita and a select in Blue,” addresses the complex feelings and sometimes group of inmates established and rehearsed a new choir conflicting roles of being a hispanic officer during a 2,075 MEMBERSHIPS KANSAS CITY FOLK named the Freedom Singers. Four days later, the new contentious era of law enforcement’s relationship with group performed for inmates and guests at the prison. FAI minority communities. The band was commissioned to individual 1,036 FESTIVAL commissioned a short documentary film shot and edited by create a soundscape composition to accompany a live small org. 349 The Kansas City Folk Festival (KCFF) was at capacity Kansas City-based production company State City Films. recitation of the poem at the FAI conference. partner 318 and welcomed 1,800 attendees in only its second year, non-voting 168 a mixture of the public and international conference delegates. The event featured six stages of local, national, lifetime 132 and international talent. Headline performers included medium org. 56 iconic UK artist-activist, Billy Bragg, Blues legend Bobby INTERNATIONAL FOLK MUSIC AWARDS large org. 16 Rush, and the GRAMMY™ Award-winning Okee Dokee The International Folk Music Awards (IFMAs) were standing room only. The event was hosted by Paula Cole, with special Brothers on the Children’s Stage. The Artisan Market Membership vs. Members: A membership is counted as a single paid guest Megan Mullally and performances by Capuli Iskali, Jean Rohe, Eliza Gilkyson, and Kris Kristofferson. account regardless of size or type. Members are the actual number of featured 43 local artisans and makers, a photo bus, and individuals associated with each membership. the addition of Coloratura, an interactive art and music- making activity. Awards and Recipients • Lifetime Achievement Awards: • The People’s Voice Award: Bruce Cockburn LOUIS JAY MEYERS David Amram, Malvina Reynolds, Helen Creighton • Clearwater Award: The Clearwater Festival • Spirit of Folk Awards: MUSIC CAMP Barbara Dane, Chloe Goodyear, Michelle Conceison, In 2017, the music camp was Ramy Essam, Si Kahn, SONiA disappear fear renamed after its founder, • Member-voted Best of 2016 Awards: the late Louis Jay Meyers. The camp featured 85 »» Album of the Year: Sarah Jarosz for Undercurrent classes over three days. »» Song of the Year: Michael Kiwanuka & Inflo for Instructors included guitar titan Bill Kirchen, banjoist “Black Man in a White World” Tony Furtado, soul-roots artist Cécile Doo-Kingué, and »» Artist of the Year: Parker Millsap many more. Featuring classes in 19 distinct disciplines, t A ke topics ranged from “Ukulele: The Magic of Chord Twins” n ar • Folk DJ Hall of Fame inductees: In M do an or tis Fa Ar Oscar Brand, Howard & Roz Larman, Mike Regenstreif, to “Flatpicking: The Lesson of the Masters,” from“Blues mi t & ly-F Even Banjo” to “Ottawa Valley Step-Dancing,” and from “Intro riendly Musical Rich Warren, Gene Shay to Looping” to “Fiddle Basics.” FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT OUR GENEROUS DONORS & FUNDERS Continued focus on industry best practices for financial stewardship have resulted in seven years of positive earnings, Our deepest thanks to the following donors who supported the charitable mission three years cresting a million dollar operating budget, and this year achieving increased and diversified revenue streams. of our 501c3 organization during the 2017 fiscal year (July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017). To donate or bequeath funds, visit folk.org/donate. Federal EIN # 56-1698333. TOTAL INCOME TOTAL EXPENSES $10,001 - $50,000 $51 - $100 Goodbye Blue Music Anonymous Adrian+Meredith* Helen Austin 60% conference* 78% PROGRAM SERVICES* Alex Walter* Janet Brown Moss & Joel $2,501 - $10,000 Amy Killingsworth Wakham 15% membership 19% MGMT. / GENERAL n/a Amy Reitnouer~ Jean Spivey~ Anonymous* Jeff Munger 13% barters 3% FUNDRAISING Jerod Rivers~ in memory of $1,001 - $2,500 Anonymous in honor of SONiA Bob & Fay Kay Louis Jay Meyers donations Kissick Construction Company+ 7% Bob Riesman Jim Heald Pete Browne & Julie Walker- Cindy Cogbill~ in memory of Jim Roe camp & KCFF Browne+ 4% Porchboard Dean & Nadene Jim Schultz~ 1% other CTfolk in honor of Frank Jo Ann Fox $501 - $1,000 Pergola, Helene Sapadin, John Smith Aengus Finnan~ <1% in-kind & Sue Truax Jon Gindick Jack & Karen Finkenberg++ Elizabeth Levitt Hirsch* Jonathan Klein The Martin Guitar Charitable Greg Patterson Joyce M. Wilson Foundation *Conference Breakout: *Program Services Breakout: James Curley*** Joyce Sica Open Society Foundation 53% Registration, 27% Sponsors & Advertisements, 20% Other 85% Conference, 7% Music Camp, 7% KC Folk Festival, 1% Other Jenny Tonyes~ Kathy Peters Randell Moore+ Joanne L. Martin* Leah Watts~ Steve & Polly Revare+ John Platt*** Lindsay Lou Music Katherine Ungerer Lisa Olson $251 - $500 Keli Wenzel~ Mary Sue Twohy~ *** Barbara Manners+ Lisa Schwartz~ Matthew Nowak ANNUAL REVENUE VS. EXPENSES Brian Walker+ Michael Kornfeld~ Matthew Sever~ Catherines Inc. Miura Events~ in memory of Matthew Smith~ Chuck Schmitz+ Penny Lang Michael & Debora Jaworek income $12,807 Dan Tappan Renee Bodie~ Michael Howard Donald Davidoff~ Rich Warren*** Mike Doll expenses PROFIT Lou & Loraine DeMarco~ Robert Schuck Moonshiner Collective Matt Stone Sonny Ochs Nancy Cassidy Michelle Conceison~ *** Stephen Peter Edge Paul Tyler Ralph Jaccodine~ Wayne Greene*** Point Entertainment Scott & Rhoads Burnett+ Polly Bevil in memory of Tracy & Hollie Resseguie Up to $50 Professor Charles Seeger FUNDRAISING GROWTH Alka Sharma~ Rachel Barreca* $101 - $250 Anonymous Randy Wynne Alex Mallett~* Artie Martello Richard Kardon*** Anonymous $250,000 Barbara Jo Kammer Robin A. Gierer +38% Anonymous* in memory of Beth Hatch~ Sandra Goldfarb Rosalie Sorrels Betsy Jill Jackson Scott Skeabeck Babette Macy Bob Rose Sheena Keane~ $200,000 +16% Bernd Haber in memory of Bruce Newman in memory of Sigi Nagys Chuck Pyle Oscar Brand Si Kahn Bill Cutler The Changing Room Music Stephanie Vozzo Catherine & Michael Wood Dave Cool* Suzanne Saunders $150,000 Chuck Honnet David Drake Tara Tonsor Dan Navarro~ Dennis Lowe in memory of Taylor Pie David Holiday Bob Black Ten Strings and a Goat Skin Deana McCloud~ Donald Baker Uptown Concerts Inc. $100,000 Don Sheldon Don Thomson +34% +64% Ellen Stanley~ Doug Cox~ in memory of Erika Wollam-Nichols~ Louis Jay Meyers Jennifer Roe~ Elaine Romanelli $50,000 Kevin Amey Ellin Rosenthal Matthew Stevens Erika Noguera~ Legend Neale Eckstein & Laurie Laba Erin McGrane Regan Brown ~ member of FAI staff, contractor or board of directors Ernest Alphin + Kansas City Friends of Folk Robijn Hornstra Gael Music 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 Tim McFadden~ ++ Friends of FAI Gillian Snider * Donation to the Elaine Weissman Fund (First-Timer Scholarship) BARTERS & GRANTS & SPONSORS UNRESTRICTED ** Donation to the Mike Seeger Fund (Traditional Artist Scholarship) IN-KIND FOUNDATIONS DONATIONS *** Donation to the Gene Shay Fund (Emerging Folk DJ Scholarship) FAI 2017 DISTINGUISHED GUESTS

The conference was enriched by extraordinary attendance, international representation, and passionate engagement. Below are excerpts of conversations with our distinguished guests who shared their thoughts about being at the world’s largest gathering of the folk music community and industry.

Billy Bragg, United Kingdom - iconic artist-activist and organizer Folk Alliance has always given a platform to people who have something to say. So, for an artist like myself to come and be a part of that and give a keynote speech, it was a

Billy Bragg great great honor. The key moment for me was the end of my keynote singing “Solidarity Forever” with the crowd of people. Being able to strike a chord with people… bringing the room together like that is something that I’ll take away with me. Because, you know, talking is great, but singing is always better.

Ani DiFranco, United States - feminist trailblazer and artist-entrepreneur This is not just the community I grew up in, but the community I continue to come home to. This is the community-based, politically aware, socially conscious folk underground. Independent promoters, bookers, labels, and performers that are really doing the underground sub-corporate music thing. And it is strong enough that it will hold you, you

Ani DiFranco can live and die on the folk circuit and have a career, it’s that strong. So, I was always happy to be here, I got that recognition, and it mattered a lot to have a place to belong.

Ramy Essam, Egypt - artist voice of the Arab Spring This is my first time to experience something like this. Everybody is supporting each other in different ways. There is music all the time, 24-hours, everywhere. Jamming and meeting new artists from different cultures and backgrounds, it’s the best feeling. I had missed the feeling of unity, of having other fighters around like I had in Egypt. I had been feeling lonely in the music fight. When I came here, it was wonderful to see hundreds of people caring about the same causes and fighting for the same thing, so I am not alone anymore

Ramy Essam in just four days.

CORE TEAM ADDITIONAL STAFF Aengus Finnan Jerod Rivers Doug Cox Bird Fleming Executive Director Membership & Technology Music Camp Director Music Camp Coordinator Manager Jennifer Roe Lellie Capwell Cindy Cogbill Director of Operations Leah Watts Publicist Programming Coordinator Office & Outreach Coordinator Alex Mallett Sheena Keane Jim Schultz Business Development Manager Marisa Kolka International Representative Private Showcase Coordinator Development & Communications Erika Noguera Coordinator Treasa Levasseur Kelly Dougherty Communications Manager Canadian Representative Folk Festival Coordinator

Jenny Tonyes Beth Hatch Tara Tonsor Creative Services Manager Volunteer Coordinator Artisan Market Coordinator

FAI is committed to enhanced recycling, waste-diversion practices, and reducing its environmental impact. This document is made from 100% eucalyptus fibers and is printed with soy ink. For more information on our sustainability efforts, visit folk.org/greenfolk.