Folk Alliance International Plants its Roots Firmly in the Midwest

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Feb. 20, 2014 - PRLog -- After moving its U.S. headquarters last year from Memphis to Kansas City, the first major introduction to Folk Alliance that most Midwesterners will have occurs this week as some 2,000 people arrive in Kansas City for the 26^th Folk Alliance International Conference.

The Folk Alliance event is one of the five largest music conferences in North America, drawing thousands of people, with an economic impact on the Kansas City estimated at more than $3 million dollars, according to Folk Alliance Executive Director Louis Meyers. It continues through Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel.

The folk music organization started in 1989 and had been based in Memphis since 2005, but moved to Kansas City in April, 2013.  Folk Alliance is dedicated to remaining in Kansas City for at least five years.

Folk Alliance International exists to foster and promote traditional, contemporary, and multicultural folk music and dance and related performing arts.

During the 26^th Folk Alliance International Conference, legendary musician Graham Nash will make the opening remarks on Thursday, Feb. 20 and hundreds of bands from 13 states and five countries will perform in the evenings.  Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore is also speaking on Saturday about global climate change.  Tickets are required for all events and a limited number are still available; find out more about tickets and events at www.folk.org.

“This year’s showcase highlights the history of folk music and will feature undeniable legends and tomorrow’s superstars performing over four nights,” says Meyers. Of the 300 artists performing, musicians include well-known folk names like Tom Rush, David Amram, Josh White Jr., Carolyn Hester, Sarah Jarosz, John Gorka, Sam Baker, Christine Lavin, John Fullbright and Brewer & Shipley.