Deadline to apply: November 9, 2026
MusicOntario and Folk Canada are joining forces again under the FOLK NORTH banner to host our legendary private showcase suite for three nights at Folk Alliance International (FAI) 2027.

It’s our 11th year of supporting artists and music companies from Ontario and across Canada at FAI, which is the largest gathering in the US of the folk music industry and community, which celebrates a diverse range of genres, including Blues, Bluegrass, Roots, Celtic, Cajun, Appalachian, Traditional, World, and Singer-Songwriter.

Over the years, we have showcased more than 300 artists while supporting the businesses who work with them to develop their businesses and careers. Our alumni include The Strumbellas, Great Lake Swimmers, Tanika Charles, Abigail Lapell, Julian Taylor, Tim Chaisson, AHI, Skye Wallace, Jeremy Dutcher, Aysanabee, Shakura S’Aida, Terra Lightfoot, Kaia Kater, Elisapie, OKAN, Ammoye, Lemon bucket Orkestra, and many, many more!

We welcome applications from all folk traditions.

Please note:
  • You must be a resident of and based in Canada to be eligible to apply.
  • Applicants will be assessed based on export-readiness.
  • Showcases are brief – 15 minutes each, with 5 minutes to change over.
  • Showcases take place in suites in the host hotel. We will have light amplification with 3 channels but recommend an acoustic configuration, with only light percussion permitted.
  • MusicOntario will provide a sound technician for performers to access.
  • Members of MusicOntario and/or Folk Canada receive preferred consideration for showcase slots.
  • If selected to perform, each performing musician must be registered with the Folk Alliance International conference – head to https://folkconference.org/register for rates. If you are a member in good standing, you can access our exclusive rate of $300 CAD per artist and $375 CAD per industry member, which reflect savings of more than $400 CAD.
  • We suggest you start exploring funding/grant opportunities ASAP if you hope to offset costs related to attending a business and showcase conference like Folk Alliance.
  • Artists are responsible for their own travel expenses and visas, where applicable.
If you would like to learn more about MusicOntario membership or discounted registration, please contact Siddhant Shah: sid@music-ontario.ca. If you would like to learn more about Folk Canada membership, please contact Joel Elliott: joel@folkcanada.com.

We appreciate all interest, however, for administrative purposes, only successful applicants will be contacted in December 2026. There is no need to follow up. Thank you.

Question Title

1. Name of Artist/Group: (Required.)

Question Title

2. Which Canadian city are you based in? (Required.)

Question Title

3. Which Canadian province/territory are you based in? (Required.)

Question Title

4. Email Address: (Required.)

Question Title

5. Phone Number: (Required.)

Question Title

6. Have you been selected for an Official Showcase at the Folk Alliance International Conference? (Required.)

Question Title

7. Who will be representing you at the conference? List all applicable names and their companies: (Required.)

Question Title

8. Company Information (Please provide full contact information for your company or artist entrepreneur who will be attending Folk Alliance 2025 to represent you and/or your artist.) (Required.)

Question Title

9. Are you currently registered for the Folk Alliance International 2025 conference?
(Please note that, if selected, each musician performing will have to register with FAI, and that there is a discount for members of MusicOntario/Folk Canada if you register by December 31, 2026) (Required.)

Question Title

10. Please provide one link to stream your music online: (Required.)

Question Title

11. Please provide one link to a video of your live performance: (Required.)

Question Title

12. Artist Website: (Required.)

Question Title

13. Please provide a brief biography/description (150 words): (Required.)

Question Title

14. Please provide any notable metrics to support that you are export-ready. This can include recent tours, notable performances, press engagement, streaming/social media stats, fan engagement, unique marketing strategies, etc.:

Question Title

15. What is your export strategy surrounding FAI? What objectives do you have for the US market, and what groundwork have you laid toward achieving them?

Question Title

16. Have you attended Folk Alliance in the past? If so, please describe some of the business connections you made, any deals started or completed, or other professional opportunities you accessed as a result of attending FAI. If not, what kinds of businesses are you interested in meeting?:

Question Title

17. Are you a current member of MusicOntario in good standing? (Required.)

Question Title

18. Are you a current member of Folk Canada in good standing? (Required.)

Question Title

19. Are you interested in registering for Folk Alliance at our preferred discounted rate by December 31, 2026? (Required.)

T