What to expect at Your Roots Are Showing 2025 - Ireland’s Folk & Roots Conference

23 Oct

Your roots are showing takes place from the 15th to the 19th of January 2025 in the gleneagle hotel, killarney, co.kerry.

Your Roots Are Showing - Ireland's Folk Conference - 2025 Agenda

If you are a folk, roots or Irish traditional music act looking for networking opportunities and events to pop into your calender for next year, then let Your Roots Are Showing kick off your 2025.

The annual event has quickly become a cornerstone for the folk music community, offering a platform for artists, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts of all ages to come together and celebrate the rich heritage of folk music. Having attended last year, I found it an excellent industry event for those in the folk and roots sector, and would encourage anyone involved in this area of the music industry to attend. This is where as a band/artist, you will connect with bookers, agents, promoters, publicists and more, to take on new opportunities and to further your career. If you’re one of the latter, it is a chance to discover, book and develop new talent all in one place.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

✅Live Performances: Over 100 showcases featuring a mix of emerging talent and seasoned professionals from around the world.

✅Industry Panels: Engage with leading experts in music industry discussions on current trends, challenges, and opportunities in folk and traditional music.

✅Workshops: Hands-on sessions tailored to enhance skills in music creation, appreciation, and promotion.

✅Trade & Gig Fairs: Explore opportunities for collaboration, career advancement, and discover the latest in music products and services.

✅ Networking Opportunities: Meet with peers, mentors, and industry influencers to build lasting connections and gain valuable insights.

If you have never attended an industry / conference setting event in the music industry before, this is a warm, welcoming opportunity to do so. It is also a chance to test the waters and find out if you would like to consider showcasing at 2026’s event.

Registration is now open, with a special student rate also available.

For details on registration and showcase performers / speakers, visit www.showingroots.com

Special accomodation packages available at The Gleneagle Hotel with code ROOTS25.

Who is showcasing at Your Roots Are Showing 2025? See our highlights below!

To launch this year’s Your Roots Are Showing, a special opening concert will also be taking place on the 14th of January at the Gleneagle INEC Arena. “FOLK iN FUSION”, is the first year of an event that promises to become a staple in the Irish music calendar.

FOLK iN FUSION - YRAS LIVE, a folk and roots concert happening in the INEC Arena in Killarney, County Kerry, on January 14th 2025

FOLK iN FUSION brings together some of the most celebrated artists in the world of folk and roots music. Rhiannon Giddens, a Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner known for her deep connection to roots music, will set the tone for an evening that celebrates both tradition and innovation.

Joining her is Liam Ó Maonlaí, the powerful voice behind Hothouse Flowers, whose music has become a cornerstone of Irish culture. Peter Rowan, a true legend in folk and bluegrass, will share the stage with Ron Block, the virtuoso banjo player from Alison Krauss & Union Station, blending their expertise in a way that only masters can.

The evening will also feature Thomas Gabriel, who carries on the legacy of his grandfather, Johnny Cash, with a unique blend of country and rock. Sandy Kelly, Ireland’s own first lady of country music, will bring her timeless voice to the stage, alongside rising Nashville star Kenny Sharp.

Brendan McCreanor, with his innovative approach to the uilleann pipes, and Gerry O'Connor, world renowned fiddle player with a deep respect for tradition, will showcase the rich sounds of Ireland. All will be joined by Brown Liquor Music who bring their high-energy to the mix, ensuring an amazing night of music.

A portion of the proceeds will go towards Your Roots Are Showing's Artist Bursary.

Tickets for this event are not included in the conference registration for Your Roots Are Showing, so please find tickets below to avoid disappointment.

FIND TICKETS HERE