The 2026 lineup for Your Roots Are Showing is packed with engaging panels and workshops. If you’re in the folk and roots scene, you won’t want to miss it.
Your Roots Are Showing (YRAS), Ireland’s premier conference for folk and roots music, has just announced its programming for 2026, scheduled to take place at ICC Belfast from January 14 to 18. The conference will feature a diverse range of speakers, panels, and workshops aimed at addressing various aspects of the music industry.
Kicking off on January 14, the event promises a full day of discussions and interactive sessions. Attendees can join Tai Chi with Jim Lauderdale to start the day on a calm note. The day also includes a panel titled, “Whose Voice Gets Heard? Gender, Power, and the Folk Revival,” featuring Linda Coogan Byrne, along with “Music, Climate & Creative Leadership,” presented by Maria Vittoria, Sean McGrath, and Clare Sands. The schedule also presents a “Distribution 101” workshop led by the Symphonic team, and a discussion on “Social Media & Journalism” with Ian Saint. For those looking to enhance their musical skills, a mandolin workshop with Wyatt Ellis is on offer, alongside a keynote interview with traditional Irish musician Paddy Keenan.
The following day, January 15, will highlight personal stories of resilience in the music industry, such as “From Ruin to Relaunch,” featuring Lanny West, Leslie Fram, and Dee White. A special session on the “Booking Process for Raglan Road at Disney” will be led by John Cooke. Various songwriting workshops will occur, facilitated by notable figures like Jim Lauderdale and Wallis Bird. A panel on music journalism, moderated by Jackie Martínez Marushka, will include established journalists like Craig Shelburne from The Bluegrass Situation and Chris Barilla from People Magazine. Additionally, a workshop on visas and an interactive Q&A session with agents from the United Talent Agency will round out the day.
The agenda continues on January 16, where Jackie Martínez Marushka will present her “PR&Branding” workshop. Notable songwriter Kristian Bush and his brother Brandon will lead a session titled “Road Runner Rules,” while Susan Hamilton from Middle Tennessee State University offers insights into the “Music Business.” Music supervisor Andrea Von Foerster, known for her work on Yellowstone, will provide a look into film and TV sync placements. The day will conclude with a fireside chat featuring Fiona Bloom and a keynote interview with Amy Grant, moderated by Craig Shelburne.
On January 17, discussions will transition to modern topics with “Web3, Blockchain & AI” led by Anna Fahey. A fireside chat with Joel Wertman, a veteran of the industry who discovered the Goo Goo Dolls, will also take place. Representatives from Curb Records will host a Q&A session, while Allison Shaw will discuss “Industry Leadership & Artist Development.” The conference will conclude with “Storytelling with Liam O’Maonlai & David Keenan” as well as “Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer.”
The final day, January 18, will feature the Conference’s Music Trail, with venues and artists to be announced shortly. This year’s YRAS aims to foster connections and discussions vital to the growth and sustainability of folk and roots music.
For those interested in attending, further details about schedules and registration will be made available soon.