More than 1,000 delegates from the music industry are anticipated to gather in Hamilton this week as Folk Canada hosts its yearly conference alongside the 32nd Ontario Folk Music Awards, featuring a public festival for all ages.
Running from Wednesday to Sunday, the Folk Canada Conference will bring together musicians, agents, managers, record labels, and industry professionals from Canada and beyond. The Ontario Folk Music Awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday at The Studio at FirstOntario Concert Hall, hosted by Hamilton’s Terra Lightfoot and featuring performances by various artists including Tanika Charles, Vicki Brittle, Jonathan Nvita, Kazdoura, and Logan Staats.
Logan Staats, a Mohawk singer-songwriter from Six Nations, is set to be honored with the Culture in Climate Award for his efforts in intertwining music, Indigenous perspectives, and environmental activism.
The conference will conclude with the Community Folk Fest on Sunday at Mills Hardware, offering a full day of family-friendly programming, workshops, and lively concerts to engage attendees.
Rosalyn Dennett, the executive director of Folk Canada, emphasized the significance of networking and relationship-building at the conference, highlighting the potential for collaborations that may span years and lead to various opportunities within the music industry.
Issues facing independent musicians, such as inadequate compensation from streaming services, the impact of artificial intelligence on creative fields, and changes in audience behavior post-pandemic, were also addressed. The event aims to provide development programs, workshops, and connections with international buyers to support emerging artists and address industry challenges.
Piper Hayes, a local musician, will lead workshops focusing on the connection between voice, health, and personal identity during the conference. She emphasized the importance of folk music in storytelling and addressing societal issues.
Logan Staats expressed the unique value of the Culture in Climate Award, underscoring the significance of activism and community in his music. He emphasized the role of Indigenous voices in climate discussions and storytelling through his latest album, “Peacemaker.”
Additionally, the Ontario Folk Music Awards will recognize Chris White with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Coco Love Alcorn with the Community Builder Award, honoring their contributions to the folk music community in the province.
The event is expected to showcase the diverse talents within the folk music scene and foster connections among industry professionals and artists from various backgrounds.