In this episode, Jennifer Roe, the executive director of Folk Alliance International, discusses her journey in the folk music industry, the importance of community and networking, and the upcoming Folk Alliance Conference in Montreal.

Jennifer shares insights into the organization's mission, the significance of building relationships within the music community, and tips for artists preparing to showcase their work at the conference.

The conversation highlights the excitement and opportunities that the conference brings to artists and attendees alike.

Jennifer Roe assumed the Executive Director position at Folk Alliance International (FAI) in April 2024 after serving as the Interim Executive Director. She joined the FAI team in 2013 and quickly transitioned into a leadership role managing the staff and contractors and overseeing the day-to-day operations. She worked in partnership with the former Executive Director to help grow the organization, doubling the budget, and stabilizing operations.

Jennifer’s career began in Washington, D.C., where she worked on Capitol Hill for the U.S. Senate Majority Leader before transitioning to serve on his Presidential campaign. She continued in the public sector at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission before managing the office of a small lobbying firm. After returning to her roots in Kansas City, Jennifer shifted gears, working with individuals with disabilities and eventually establishing an administrative services business, where FAI became a valued client.

Her dedication to the organization reflects her commitment to fostering the rich tapestry of folk music and sustaining a vibrant, interconnected community. With a political background prior to FAI, she is a strong advocate for arts and culture at both federal and state levels.

Under Jennifer's guidance, FAI's global network has expanded to include more than 3,000 members—a diverse community of cultural sector entrepreneurs and leaders encompassing artists, record companies, publishers, presenters, agents, managers, arts administrators, diplomats, and more. Under Jennifer’s experienced leadership, the organization will continue to grow in diversity and service of the membership including scholarships, enhancing FAI’s regional chapters, and advocating strongly for the rights and interests of the independent music sector.

Find out more @folk_alliance

Lola Loops is a passionate multi-disciplinary artist residing on the unceded and illegally occupied territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Nation, Aka Vancouver, BC. Her journey into the world of performance art began with a simple Hoop, where she found a captivating medium for exploring her body's movements in spiral form. This initial fascination blossomed into a diverse skill set spanning into street and contemporary dance, ritual theatrics, soft acrobatics, dynamic stilt dance, and clowning.

Having honed her craft over years of dedicated practice, Lola has cultivated a deep understanding of movement and expression, evident in every captivating performance she delivers. Her artistic endeavours serve as a testament to her unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and crafting unforgettable experiences for audiences.

In addition to her prowess on stage, Lola boasts a wealth of experience behind the scenes in event management and production. Notably, she has played integral roles within production management teams, overseeing diverse staff, conducting casting calls, show curations, auditions and ensuring flawless execution of events from start to finish.

A staunch advocate for inclusivity and diversity within the circus community, Lola brings a unique perspective to her work. She is dedicated to fostering environments where all artists feel valued and represented, championing inclusivity at every turn.

As the owner, booking manager and performer for Lola Loops Entertainment, Lola seamlessly navigates the intricate world of talent booking and client relations. Her expertise in managing artist profiles, media assets, and promotional materials ensures a polished and professional image for her company.

Her impact stretches across borders as she shares her artistry through mesmerizing performances and immersive workshops, both locally and internationally. Renowned for her expertise in contemporary circus-style hoop dancing and expressive choreography, Lolas workshops inspire creativity and forge deep connections with students, solidifying her status as a revered luminary in the global circus community.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Lola is deeply entrenched in Vancouver's vibrant arts community. She is a familiar presence on the local scene, gracing stages across the city and collaborating with a diverse array of production companies spanning burlesque, drag, variety, dance, and circus arts. Through these collaborations, Lola has cultivated meaningful connections with fellow artists and creators, contributing to the rich cultural fabric of Vancouver’s artistic landscape.

Bethany is an indie-rock experimenter who sets introspective lyrics against innovative instrumentation, resulting in music that stirs and swings in equal measure.

As a longtime member of Halifax’s venerable music scene, Bethany has led multiple outfits, wielding a Jaguar in art-rock bands and breaking it down neo-soul style in her solo project Shadow, which released a pair of concept EPs (The Dark/The Dawn) in 2019. She’s a road veteran who has charted on college radio, performed with orchestras, and travelled the Canadian festival circuit.

She's re-emerging from a time of creativity and introspection for a full-length album released, for the first time, under her given name. Recorded with her longtime band Andrew Jackson and Andrew MacKelvie (the horn section) and Casey Thompson and Shane Martin (the rhythm section), the eight songs on Handwritten Notes find Bethany moving thrillingly between guitar and piano. The songs search, reflect and question, with outcomes ranging from satisfied to resolute to unrequited. Stories told with the wisdom of experience (and a dynamic vocal range).

Bethany is a journey of the heart.

Check her out @bethany.hfx