Your Roots Are Showing

Your Roots Are Showing, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating music, has become a cornerstone event for the global folk, roots, and traditional music community. Founded by Charlene Sloan and Brendan McCreanor, our mission is to bring the global music community together in a welcoming and dynamic space.

Who We Are

Your Roots Are Showing (YRAS) is Ireland’s premier folk, roots, and traditional music conference, dedicated to education, professional development, community outreach, and artist well-being. Now in its fourth year, YRAS has grown into a globally recognised industry event, welcoming over 1,000 attendees, 100 showcasing artists, and delegates from 20+ countries.

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While the annual conference is our flagship event, YRAS operates as a year-round nonprofit organisation focused on ensuring that folk and traditional musicians have access to learning opportunities, mental health resources, and career development support.

 

Our Mission

YRAS is committed to:

• Education & Professional Development – Equipping artists with the skills and industry knowledge to sustain long-term careers.

• Community Outreach – Expanding access to traditional music education for young people and underserved communities.

• Cultural Preservation – Ensuring Ireland’s folk traditions remain vibrant and internationally recognised.

• Mental Health & Artist Well-being – Creating industry-specific support systems and resources for musicians.

 

What We Do

Education & Professional Development

• Workshops, panels, and industry networking at the annual conference.

• Year-round learning webinars in collaboration with Folk Alliance International, Folk Music Ontario, Showcase Scotland, IBMA, and American Songwriter.

• Mentorship programs connecting emerging artists with industry professionals.

 

Community Outreach & Cultural Preservation

• Pipe Up! – A program introducing young people to traditional Irish instruments.

• Instrument Bank – This initiative provides instruments on loan to underserved musicians and local schools.

• School & Community Partnerships – Bringing folk music education into classrooms and local organisations.

 

Mental Health & Artist Well-being

• Workshops on mental health and career sustainability in the music industry.

• Collaboration with mental health organisations to offer tailored resources.

• Peer support initiatives to create a stronger, more connected artist community.

 

The Folk Waffle Podcast

• A fun initiative designed to preserve, promote, and educate on folk, roots, and traditional music.

• Interviews with Irish and international musicians and industry leaders, offering insights on cultural heritage and the evolving music industry.

 

 

Our Global Reach & Industry Partnerships

• Delegates from over 20 countries, including festival bookers, talent buyers, and media representatives.

• Strong partnerships with IBMA, American Songwriter, Folk Alliance International, Folk Music Ontario, Showcase Scotland, and other global networks.

• Connecting Irish musicians with performance and career opportunities abroad.

 

 

Looking Ahead

As a growing organisation, YRAS is actively expanding its work in education, community outreach, cultural preservation, and artist well-being. Our goal is to ensure that Ireland’s folk and traditional music sector remains globally connected, inclusive, and sustainable.

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The conference was established to support Irish artists and to create an international hub in Europe for the folk music industry. We foster collaboration among musicians, artists, and industry professionals, support emerging talent, and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation. We are committed to preserving and evolving folk traditions, advocating for the music community, promoting education through workshops and discussions, and supporting well-being within the industry.
 

At its heart, Your Roots Are Showing is about sharing incredible music, keeping traditions alive, and connecting people through learning, stories, and the sounds of folk music.