Bridging the Atlantic: Your Roots Are Showing 2026 Unveils Powerhouse Lineup for Belfast Conference
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Ireland’s premier folk and roots music conference, Your Roots Are Showing (YRAS), has officially pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated 2026 schedule. Set to take place at the ICC Belfast from January 14–18, the conference has established itself as a vital bridge between the heritage of Irish folk and the global music industry.
With over 1,500 registrants already signed up, this year’s event promises unprecedented access to the industry’s most influential minds, alongside a diverse array of workshops, keynotes, and showcases.
A Masterclass in Accessibility
What sets YRAS apart is the intentional lack of barriers between emerging artists and seasoned executives. Co-founder Brendan McCreanor emphasizes that the event is designed for one-on-one connection. Attendees can find themselves in conversation with legendary music critics like Will Hermes (Rolling Stone, The New York Times) or industry giants like Leslie Fram and the team from United Talent Agency (UTA).
“We took the last three years’ feedback and built this year’s conference based on what attendees both loved and requested,” says co-founder Charlene Sloan. The result is a curriculum that covers the full spectrum of a modern music career, from TV sync placements and distribution to health, wellness, and AI.
Featured Artists and Keynote Highlights
Sandy Kelly: The FOLK iN FUSION Emcee
The conference is honored to welcome Ireland’s beloved country icon Sandy Kelly as the emcee for the FOLK iN FUSION event. Renowned for her songwriting and her historic collaborations with Johnny Cash, Kelly brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted connection to the country and folk genres.
Paddy Keenan & Amy Grant
The keynote stage will feature two true legends. On Wednesday, the “King of the Pipers,” Paddy Keenan, will sit for a deep-dive interview. On Friday, the conference reaches a crescendo with a keynote interview featuring Amy Grant, a multi-Grammy winner whose career has spanned pop and contemporary roots music for decades.
Daily Schedule Highlights: January 14–18
Wednesday, January 14: Wellness and Foundations
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Tai Chi with Jim Lauderdale: Start the conference with a moment of zen led by the two-time Grammy winner.
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Gender and Power: Linda Coogan Byrne leads a vital talk on the folk revival.
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Workshops: Mandolin techniques with Wyatt Ellis and “Distribution 101” with Symphonic.
Thursday, January 15: Resilience and The Gig Fair
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The Comeback Trail: A panel featuring Lanny West, Leslie Fram, and Dee White on overcoming defeat in Nashville.
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The Gig Fair: A “speed-dating” style event connecting artists with industry leaders.
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Songwriting Workshop: A powerhouse room featuring Jim Lauderdale, Wallis Bird, Liam Ó Maonlaí, David Keenan, and Kenny Sharp.
Friday, January 16: Branding and Sync Success
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PR and Branding: A return of the popular workshop by Jackie Martínez Marushka.
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TV Sync Placement: Andrea Von Foerster, the music supervisor for Yellowstone, breaks down how to get music on the small screen.
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Road Runner Rules: Insights from Kristian and Brandon Bush on the realities of the touring life.
Saturday, January 17: The Future of Music
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Web3 & AI: Exploring the new frontier of music technology with Anna Fahey.
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The Label Perspective: A Q&A with Curb Records, one of Nashville’s largest independent labels.
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Storytelling: A final deep dive into the craft with Liam Ó Maonlaí and David Keenan.
How to Attend
The conference kicks off each day at 10 AM, with panels running through the afternoon. At 6 PM, the Official Showcases ignite multiple stages across the ICC Belfast, offering a first look at the next generation of folk and roots talent.
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Registration: Available at www.showingroots.com.
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FOLK iN FUSION Tickets: Available via the Waterfront Hall website.
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Dates: January 14–18, 2026.
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Location: ICC Belfast, Ireland.
The final day, Sunday, January 18, will feature the Music Trail, a curated tour of venues and performances throughout the city, with the specific artist lineup to be revealed soon.