Music
06 Dec 24

Your Roots Are Showing 2025: Grammy winners Ron Block, Peter Rowan and Rhiannon Giddens among performers for Folk iN Fusion concert

RHIANNON GIDDENS VICAR ST. Credit: Jason Doherty

Over 100 artists from 20+ countries will be descending on Kerry for a week-long celebration of folk music.

The highly-anticipated Your Roots Are Showing Folk Conference has moved to Killarney. The event, which formerly took place in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, is set to kick off the New Year with a celebration of folk and traditional music in its new home in Co. Kerry. Running between January 14-19, 2025, the gathering brings together an array of renowned artists, Grammy winners, musical innovators, industry professionals and up-and-coming talents.

The conference kicks off with FOLK iN FUSION - YRAS LIVE, a concert which will take place in the Gleneagle INEC arena on Monday, January 14.

The line-up includes fourteen-time Grammy-winning banjo player Ron Block, Grammy winner and bluegrass legend Peter Rowan (who is also set to receive a lifetime achievement award), Grammy-winning banjo player Alison Brown, as well as two-time Grammy and Pulitzer recipient, Rhiannon Giddens.

Also performing during the five-day event are Johnny Cash’s grandson and country-rock artist Thomas Gabriel, world champion Irish dancer David Geaney, rising Nashville star Kenny Sharp, Hothouse Flowers’ Liam Ó Maonlaí and Grammy-winning Eric Clapton and Joan Baez collaborator Dirk Powell, among others.

Following the opening night show, the Your Roots Are Showing conference will take place throughout the week, featuring a host of panels, workshops, showcases and networking opportunities.

Rhiannon Giddens will deliver a keynote speech, exploring the global impact of folk music and its role in cultural preservation. Rossa Ó Snodaigh of legendary Irish folk band Kíla, platinum-selling Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande producer Brett "Beats" Bailey and Compass Records co-founder Garry West will also be making presentations throughout the week.

Attendees will also have the chance to discover an array of rising – as well as established – artists from across the globe during the Official Showcases, including Ireland’s Lorraine Nash, Canadian prodigy Liam Docherty, Australian duo Saije and many, many more (check out the full lineup below).

Rounding off the event is YRAS Music Trail on January 19. The trail will see Killarney transform into a live music haven, with gigs taking place across local pubs, cafes and venues, allowing for fans to get up-close and personal with artists in intimate musical settings.