The Cody Sisters at the 2026 Folk Alliance International – photo © Alissa B Cherry
It’s only natural that any gathering of folk enthusiasts and aficionados would make provision for inclusion of those representing bluegrass and old time music. After all, roots music of a string band variety represents the very essence of American — and Americana — tradition. So while there were literary hundreds of artists and ensembles seeking attention at the annual Folk Alliance International confab in New Orleans the third week of January, a notable number of bluegrass bands were among those showcasing their wares throughout the festivities.
With four floors hosting private showcases and only a select number of official showcases, the competition to gain attention from the attendees — many of whom represented different chapters throughout the US and even overseas — was immense. So too, with dozens of hotel rooms to traverse throughout the late night offerings, and elevators that were so unreliable they often stole attention from the music folks had traveled so far to see, any attempt to see those on one’s priority list became a challenge in itself. Granted, most of the musicians played repeatedly throughout the conference, but the fact that most were confined to sets lasting no more than 20 or 25 minutes meant only a fleeting encounter at best.
Fortunately, we mapped out our strategy accordingly, and while we weren’t able to see every artist on our preferred list, we did make a number of significant discoveries. Naturally, the familiarity factor weighed in heavily as far as choosing to see Dirk and Amelia Powell and the dueling fiddles of Bruce Molsky & Darol Anger, two duos who had particular appeal among the confab’s old time boosters. Both duos soared not only on the strength of their respective reputations, but also courtesy of their individual performance, each of which reflected the fact that they boast solid skills worthy of a pseudo-sacred status.
The Steel Wheels held court several times throughout the proceedings and managed to excel on each occasion. By their own admission, the band follows their own instincts when it comes to reaching beyond the boundaries, and yet at the same time they are cognizant of the need to give full relevance to their roots. Their expansive and expressive sound easily fills the confines of the hotel rooms that provided the settings for their showcases, but the ebullience and engagement still resulted in a decidedly intimate experience.
On the other hand, the most unexpected entry came via the descriptively-dubbed From Appalachia To China, a trio consisting of the Grammy-winning duo Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer doubling on banjos, ukulele, and guitars, and Chao Tian deftly playing the yangqin, a Chinese hammered dulcimer. The group’s repertoire incorporates traditional Chinese and Appalachian music as well as contemporary and traditional music from around the world, allowing for a true synthesis of sound and styles. The depth and diversity displayed throughout was truly impressive, and whether taking on a traditional Asian folk song or an age-old Appalachian standard, the performance was both crisp and clear.
So too, there moments of levity as well. When one song demanded that the trio sing in Chinese, Fink was quick to admit, “We don’t know what we’re singing!”
For her part, Linda McRae played a sparkling solo set that was captivating all on its own, but when she called up the two members of her new combo Miracle Cure — Kay Miracle and Penny Jo Pullus — to sing back-up, it served as a precursor of things to come when the trio performed a day later. With McRae on guitar, bass and vocals, Miracle on guitar, mandolin and vocals, and Pullus on guitar, bass and vocals, this tri-coastal trio covered all the bases instrumentally and their soaring harmonies added to the variations and vitality overall. Their song selection reflected a decided love of Appalachian tradition, with one song in particular, Miracle’s Honkytonk HealinI, representing the group’s debut recording, having made its bow on the compilation album, Women on a Mission Project Freedom. Clearly, there’s much that’s left to be heard from this talented trio.
The Cody Sisters provided another singular standout. Helmed by sisters Maddie and Megan Cody, along with bassist Will Pavilonis, they’ve gained traction as collaborators, musicians, and singers, having initially entertained audiences in their native Colorado. The two sisters have been making music together since ages six and eight, respectively, having inherited their love of making music with a folk-like finesse from their guitar-playing dad. RockyGrass offered them an early opportunity to playing live, and with Maddie on banjo, Megan on mandolin, and both women trading turns on the guitar, the sisters gained an impressive early reputation based on their homespun harmonies and meticulous instrumental arrangements. Following the release of their 2023 self-titled EP, they toured throughout the US and Europe.
The trio’s new album, All the Quiet People, delivers on that promise, but it was their official showcase performance that sealed the deal. Their solid dynamic and infectious energy made it clear that they are ones to watch.
Finally, Redd & The Paper Flowers gave east Tennessee plenty to be proud of. Based in Knoxville, the group consists of Katie Adams (upright bass), Colleen d’Alelio (cello), Gavin Gregg (mandolin), and Redd Daugherty (guitar). Their debut album, Appalachian Bell Jar, pays homage to their native environs while paying tribute to Appalachian origins and the special circumstances that impact he people of that area.
It was hardly surprising then that their final FAI performance, in the room hosted by SERFA (Southeast Regional Folk Alliance), helped end the conference on a striking note, reminding all those in attendance that while bluegrass boasts universal appeal, it emanates from home and heart.
