Aengus Finnan has led the Folk Alliance International since 2014. He happens to be the first non-American Director – A Dublin-born, Canadian-raised artist and humanitarian. Aengus knows first hand the touring life of a folk musician, and has recorded three of his own albums, including award winning songs. He has produced highly successful music festivals, and as an administrator of the arts, he has seen the importance of musical culture and community. As a musical anthropologist of sorts, Aengus teaches us all about the music of “Americana before America” and that we cannot lose sight of our roots of Folk.
In January 2020, the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame journeyed to New Orleans for the annual Folk Alliance International Conference. The meeting brought together the artists and supporters who keep storytelling alive and well, and it is a unique opportunity for all musicians of different generations and styles to listen, perform and learn. Over the next 3 months, the Hallways team will bring the meeting to you through music and conversation… starting with Executive Director of the FAI, Aengus Finnan.
Since 2014, Aengus has led the Alliance, and he happens to be the first non-American Director – A Dublin-born, Canadian-raised artist and humanitarian. Aengus knows first hand the touring life of a folk musician, and has recorded three of his own albums, including award winning songs. He has produced highly successful music festivals, and as an administrator of the arts, he has seen the importance of musical culture and community. As a musical anthropologist of sorts, Aengus teaches us all about the music of “Americana before America” and that we cannot lose sight of our roots of Folk.
We were honored to get to know Mr. Finnan and have a conversation about where the Folk Alliance has been and where it is heading. We talk about the voice of the Indigenous artist that cannot be forgotten, and should be celebrated, and the responsibility we have to care for ourselves and others, and a planet that allows us to keep sharing the story, from one generation to the next.
Hallways is created in Partnership with the Boch Center and Above The Basement – Boston Music and Conversation.
www.folkamericanarootshalloffame.org
www.abovethebasement.com
https://www.folk.org