Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway, Billy Strings and Iris Dement, Winners of International Folk Music Awards 2024

(headline image: Billy Strings – Photo by Joshua Black Wilkin)

The International Folk Music Awards for 2024, hosted by Folk Alliance International (FAI), unfolded on February 21, 2024, marking the inauguration of the conference. Among the notable recipients of the Best of 2023 accolades were Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway, recognized for their album City Of Gold (Album of the Year); progressive bluegrass star, Billy Strings (Artist of the Year), and Iris Dement’s “Workin’ On A World” (Song of the Year).

Throughout the event, there were several standout moments: Joy Clark’s rendition of Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason,” a captivating finale featuring Willie Watson, Malena Cadiz, and the Steel Wheels, a heartfelt video tribute to Chilean singer Victor Jara followed by Mireya Ramos’s performance of his posthumously-released song “Manifiesto,” and Kaia Kater’s opening performance of an Odetta song. Noteworthy was Alynda Segarra’s (of Hurray for the Riff Raff) acceptance speech, where she articulated the profound effect of folk music in her life and society.

Numerous artists expressed gratitude for Folk Alliance International, citing it as an invaluable platform and enduring community in their careers. FAI made an announcement during the event, revealing that the next conference is slated to be held in Montreal, QC, Canada, from February 19-23, 2025.

Strings said, “I’m incredibly honored… The fact that my name even comes up in conversation with the other nominees just blows my mind. I made so many great friends at FAI in 2013-14 when I was ripping showcases and pickin’ all up and down them hallways and hotel rooms. I’d like to say thanks to Folk Alliance for giving us artists a place to come together and make lifelong friends, showcase our music, bump elbows, meet the right people, and start to grow our careers in an organic and natural way.”

Tuttle expressed, “I feel so lucky to be part of this folk music community. I draw so much inspiration from the folk tradition when I was writing this album, I imagined these songs being played by folks around the campfire. Music really is my City of Gold. I wish I was there with you all in Kansas City. I know we’d have a great time.”

The People’s Voice Award is presented to an individual who unabashedly embraces social and political commentary in their creative work and public careers. This year’s recipient is Alynda Segarra (of Hurray For the Riff Raff, which has released nine albums).

Segarra conveyed, “I started writing songs as a way to have power in this world. I started a band to create a family. Since my first days playing music on the street in New Orleans, I’ve turned to the mysteries of songwriting to document, honor, and defend the people on the outskirts of society. Folk music drew me in because it tells the truth, it disgraces the warmongers, and it defends the innocent. It’s been enlivening to watch folk music become more visibly queer and radical.”

She then added, “I want to use this platform for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to the occupation in Palestine.”

Lifetime Achievement Awards were granted to four-time GRAMMY Award-winner, thirteen-time GRAMMY nominee, and writer of a #1 Billboard Hot Country Song chart hit, Tracy Chapman; Chilean songwriter and activist Victor Jara; and McCabe’s Guitar Shop, which has been hosting concerts in southern California for over 50 years. The Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented each year to honor the cultural impact of legendary folk music figures: one Living, one Legacy, and one Business/Academic.

More about Fok Alliance International: folk.org