Jennifer Roe - Folk Alliance International Executive Director

There is the classic movie or theater story line where the understudy of a lead role, or the staff employee at a company, gets the opportunity to assume the helm and shine.  This episode’s guest, Jennifer Roe, is a living/breathing example of that life changing opportunity. Over the years, Roe fulfilled many supporting roles at Folk Alliance International, an international arts non profit and NEA designated national arts service organization based in Kansas City, Missouri.  She even served as Interim Director twice and when circumstances placed FAI in need, the governing body wisely, in my opinion, did the right thing and with Jennifer’s concurrence, installed her officially as Executive Director. I’ve been a member Of FAI since 2010 or so.  It is a community of artists, managers, agents, DJs, festivals, record labels, fans, and more… striving to keep the tradition of folk, roots and indigenous music thriving through preservation, presentation and promotion.   The 37th Annual FAI conference with the theme “Illuminate” is scheduled for February 2025 in Montreal.  Enjoy this conversation with Jennifer Roe, Executive Director of Folk Alliance International.