Folk iN Fusion Kicks Off Your Roots Are Showing In Belfast This Week!

Audiences travelled from across Ireland, the UK, Europe and as far as Los Angeles to witness a rare collaboration between some of the most respected voices in folk, roots and Americana. The line up featured Brendan McCreanor, Clare Sands, David Keenan, Dee White, Gerry O’Connor, Jessica Willis Fisher, Jim Lauderdale, Rissi Palmer, Ron Block, Wallis Bird, Wyatt Ellis and headliner Amy Grant.

The evening was hosted by Irish music legend Sandy Kelly, who also performed, bringing warmth, humour and deep musical heritage to a night rooted in shared tradition and connection.

A particularly moving moment came with the presentation of the Anam Award to Paddy Keenan, founding member of The Bothy Band and one of the most influential uilleann pipers in Irish music history. In Irish, anam means soul or spirit, a word central to Celtic thought. Due to illness, the award was accepted on his behalf by his friend and Bothy Band co founder Paddy Glackin.

Musically directed by Brandon Bush, the concert opened at 8pm and closed just after 11pm with the full cast of artists coming together for a rousing finale of Nashville Blues, People Get Ready and We Shall All Be Reunited.

Your Roots Are Showing continues from Wednesday 14 January with daytime keynotes, panels and workshops, followed by over 100 evening showcases across Belfast. The conference concludes on Sunday 18 January with the annual Music Trail, taking delegates through Belfast’s pubs and venues for intimate performances by participating artists.

Your Roots Are Showing has rapidly established itself as a vital meeting point for artists, industry and audiences who understand folk music not as nostalgia, but as a living, evolving force.

Artists can still register for the rest of the week at www.showingroots.com