Speakers 2026

Allison “Allie” Shaw is a veteran music industry professional with 20+ years of experience in festival production, talent buying, artist management, and brand partnerships. She founded boutique firm Manic Monkee and is currently SVP of Festival Operations and Talent Strategy for Pure Imagination Festival, producer/talent buyer for Good Karma Fest, and co-creator/talent buyer for the Whole Foods SXSW Showcase. Her past roles include talent buyer for Moogfest, executive producer of Sunstock Solar Fest, Executive Director of Santa Fe Muzik Festival, and Director of Music for Rachael Ray/Watch Entertainment. She has also worked with Public Enemy on brand development, served as CMO of .music, A&R/Operations Manager at Listen Records/Sony, and Head of Partnerships at Muzooka. Allie serves on the Board of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, is a member of The Recording Academy, and previously founded Hyperactive Music Magazine and its conference and festival.

Anna Fahey has been working in the music industry for over 15 years, supporting artists with their royalties while also performing as an accomplished artist herself. Her career has taken her to some of Europe’s most prestigious venues, including The Royal Albert Hall, Teatro di Verona, Lugano Arts Centre, and Teatro La Scala di Milano.

Currently, Anna co-leads business development at Copyright Delta, where she focuses on innovation in copyright, rights management, and ensuring artists receive fair credit for their work. She is also leading a new sustainability project within the company, combining her expertise in music and rights management with a commitment to building a fairer, more responsible industry.

Anna has lived and worked internationally, speaks multiple languages, and has immersed herself in diverse cultures experiences that continue to shape her global outlook on the music industry. She previously served on the board of IAFAR and remains deeply committed to advocating for justice and recognition for artists.

Beyond her professional career, Anna has practiced Zen Buddhism and mindfulness for over a decade. She is dedicated to supporting the wellbeing and mental health of musicians, blending her industry expertise with a genuine commitment to artist care.

Bavo VandenBroeck is the general and artistic director at Dranoeter VZW. Dranoeter is a non-profit organisation in a small rural community that runs a festival with a heart for trad and folk for over 50 years now. They also have a small folk club in the town (with a bar and a residence location. They are co-founders of Flanders Folk Network and organise Flanders Folk Awards for several years.

Recently they started a small booking and management agency (named BeRoots) to promote local Flemish Trad acts in Belgium and abroad.

Brandon Bush has never met a keyboard he couldn’t make sing. From the smoky glow of a Moog synthesizer on a world tour with Train to GRAMMY-winning recordings alongside John Mayer, Sugarland, and Little Big Town, the Atlanta-based musician has built a career defined by curiosity, creativity, and constant evolution.

 As a veteran session musician, Bush can be heard on 100s of albums spanning over 40 years, including recent chart topping releases from Megan Moroney. Beyond the studio, his composing and music-directing credits include theatrical productions such as Approval Junkie, Shakespeare in Love, and the world-premiere musicals Troubadour and Darlin’ Cory at Atlanta’s celebrated Alliance Theatre.

 His musical storytelling extends to the screen and the airwaves, with original scores for acclaimed podcasts (Gangster House, The Baron of Botox, Broadway Revival) and compositions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and the Food Network. Through recent artist residencies at the Hambidge Center for Arts and Sciences and the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Bush has embarked on an ambitious compositional project incorporating field recordings of old-growth forests.

 Currently, Bush tours as the keyboardist for Sugarland and serves as music director for his brother, Kristian Bush. He also helms Songs of the Architect, an Atlanta-based music collective that champions collaboration, craftsmanship, and community—continuing a career built on making every note count.

Brett is a veteran music producer with over 20 years of experience, known for his work with artists like Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Lil Wayne, and DJ Khaled. He runs The Pinkhouse, a top Miami studio that has hosted The Weeknd, Cardi B, Meek Mill, and many others.

During the pandemic, he co-founded Brown Liquor Music with Kenny Sharp, shifting into artist management. Their work has led to over 2 million streams and sync placements in hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, and And Just Like That.

Cheryl Prashker-Drummer studied classical percussion at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where she is from. She has toured Canada, U.S. Europe and Russia. She spent many years in NY City where she accompanied solo artists.
Cheryl is a founding member of the Celtic Roots band Runa. Cheryl spent 15 years helping to run the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA). She now lives in Ontario, Canada and is the Artistic Director and General Manager of the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival and College in Goderich, Ontario where she first attended as an artist in 2011. Cheryl is also the newly elected President of the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA)

Colin specialises in Artist Management, with over 25 years of experience in many areas of the Music Industry, from venue owner, promoter, booker, musician, tour manager, photographer, videographer and consultant.

Combining that experience with a Diploma in Music Business from BIMM Dublin, Colin provides a bespoke management service, Roots Room Music.
A member of IMRO Ireland and AIM Ireland Colin has represented artists and bands internationally at music industry conferences such as Folk Alliance International, WOMEX, Celtic Connections, English Folk Expo, Ireland Music Week, Music Cork and Your Roots Are Showing - Ireland's Folk Conference.

David Dee Moore is a Mayo-based singer-songwriter, producer, broadcaster, PR consultant, and festival organiser with over 40 years in the music industry. He hosts the popular David Dee Moore Radio Show on Canada’s Blues and Roots Radio, promoting independent Irish artists worldwide.

He founded Two Swan Designs to offer PR, design, and mentoring for musicians, and launched the Acoustic Yard sessions and festival—nominated three times by IMRO. As a performer, David’s diverse career spans punk, blues, folk, and original solo work, including his recent Lemonade Marinade project.

Fiona Bloom is a multi-hyphenate, serial entrepreneur and music industry veteran. She runs an agency representing talent across the globe called The Bloom Effect. With her finger on the pulse for discovering raw talent, she also advises and develops careers for some of the most recognized figures in music and entertainment.

In Bloom’s 30+ year career, she has developed an expertise across most major segments within the industry; promotions, publicity, management, radio, event planning/venue booking, marketing, host, curator, lecturer, and tastemaker. She also sits on the advisory board of a membership-driven organization called CoMuse, runs sponsorships/partnerships for a music biz conf/festival in NYC called Mondo and active within the Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter and Women in Music.

Some of her clients past and present are Simple Minds, The Zombies, Tower of Power, Us3, Stephane Wrembel, Talisk, Mali Hâf, Five Eight, Raul Midón, Water Seed, Nation Beat, Masta Ace and many others.

Prior to running The Bloom Effect, she ran two successful hip-hop labels, a live production agency, and talent buying for a well-established venue in NYC. Her rolodex and contacts are the most valuable asset she has. She’s a Global Connector with a knack for turning introductions into lucrative deals!

Guido de Groot is the director of the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival (RBF), a three-day music
festival in the Netherlands. Since its founding in 2009 as a neighborhood initiative, the
festival has grown into a major annual event attracting 11,000 visitors and showcasing 25–30
bands from around the world. While rooted in bluegrass, RBF features a wide range of
related genres, from desert blues to psychobilly.

In his role as director, Guido oversees the festival’s financing, programming, and day-to-day
operations. Under his leadership, RBF has become deeply embedded in the Rotterdam
community, organizing educational projects in schools and community centers, and fostering
local engagement. His vision emphasizes both artistic excellence and community impact,
making RBF a distinctive cultural event with an international reach.

Jessica Willis Fisher is a singer-songwriter and fiddler whose music blends folk, Americana, and old-time traditions with powerful storytelling. A former member of her family band, she’s performed on the Grand Ole Opry and America’s Got Talent. Her solo albums Brand New Day and Blooming showcase her journey of healing through vibrant, acoustic-driven songs. Jessica is also the author of Unspeakable, a memoir about overcoming childhood trauma, and is an active advocate for survivors. She lives in Nashville with her husband Sean and their dog, Bucky.

Joan is the Director of Hartlepool Folk Festival, which she founded in 2015. She has worked in the cultural sector for over 20 years, including at De Montfort Hall, Leicester Comedy Festival, Loughborough Town Hall and as a lecturer in Arts and Festivals Management at De Montfort University.

Katherine DePaul, Manager at ArtistVision, leads our independent artist management company with a laser focus on empowering artists who control their own masters and publishing. With a distinguished track record in the music industry, Katherine has cultivated a boutique roster of exceptional talent, from Grammy winners to emerging artists. Her strategic approach to artist development combines industry expertise with innovative digital strategies, helping artists build sustainable careers while maintaining their creative independence. Current roster includes Judy Collins, Elles Bailey, Paula Cole, Sophie B Hawkins, Malin Pettersen and Tuvaband.

Kenny Sharp is a singer, songwriter, and producer behind “Brown Liquor Music”—a genre-blending sound rooted in the rich musical traditions of Nashville, Memphis, and Muscle Shoals. His style draws fans across Americana, Soul, Blues, Funk, Country, and Rock.

A natural storyteller, Sharp began as a rapper and was signed by LunchMoney Lewis to Prescription Songs. He’s now a sought-after writer for sync, producers, and artists across pop, hip-hop, and country scenes in Nashville, Miami, and LA.

Known for his soul-cutting vocals and high-energy live shows reminiscent of Muddy Waters and James Brown, Sharp recently won Nashville’s Music City Mayhem competition. This summer, he plays Bonnaroo, co-headlines with Tabitha Meeks, and continues his “Family Affair” concert series.

Music industry veteran Leslie Fram is the Founder & CEO of FEMco (Fram Entertainment & Music), a creative consulting collective specializing in Strategic Career Development for artists, Talent Producing Services, and Connection to Nashville’s entertainment community. Her proven instinct for artist growth, mentorship and cultural relevance, combined with over 30 years of experience in the music industry, uniquely position FEMco as a premier entertainment consulting entity in Nashville and beyond.

Known throughout the industry as a tastemaker, mentor, and connector, Fram has held influential positions in rock and alternative radio, living up to her designation as the ‘First Lady of Modern Rock’. Fram is one of the music industry’s most respected executives with a distinguished career in both television and radio. During her 13 years as SR VP of Music & Talent at CMT/Paramount, she created new avenues to showcase rising acts and served as executive producer on the CMT Music Awards and booked talent for such CMT franchises as Crossroads, Storytellers and more. In 2013, she created the first female-powered initiative for the network, CMT’s “Next Women of Country” to give voice to emerging female artists by exponentially increasing their visibility and reach via nationwide touring, television exposure, brand partnerships, and more.

Lisa Schwartz is the President and Founder of Alchemy Arts Consulting, where she offers strategic marketing, management, and mentorship to artists and industry professionals. With decades of experience, Lisa believes in the golden possibilities inherent in every situation. She is committed to elevating individuals through active listening, thoughtful consideration, and genuine collaboration. Lisa specializes in providing the clarity necessary to set both short-term and long-term goals while identifying and overcoming obstacles to success.

Recently expanding her management efforts, Lisa is thrilled to be working with two
exceptional artists: Áine Tyrrell and Jessica Pearson and the East Wind.

Mary Burdette is Executive Director of the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival and President of FestiveWorks, LLC, a production company focused on building inclusive music communities. Grey Fox, now in its 40th year, is a leading US roots music festival known for its performances and artist development programs.

An active IBMA member, Mary has co-produced the IBMA Awards and led key initiatives. She has recorded for Rounder Records, appeared on Ken Burns' soundtracks, and toured internationally with artists including Bill Keith and Level Best.

Paddy Keenan, born in Trim, Co. Meath, is one of Ireland’s most celebrated uilleann pipers. A third-generation piper, he began performing at just fourteen at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre before going on to redefine the sound of Irish traditional music.

As a founding member of The Bothy Band, Keenan’s fiery, improvisational style drew comparisons to Jimi Hendrix and John Coltrane, helping to shape one of the most influential sounds of the 1970s folk revival. Since then, he has toured the world as a solo artist, appearing at major festivals from Borneo to Havana, and featured in projects such as Traveller and The Mali Project.

A recipient of the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year (2002) and the Irish Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2011), Keenan continues to champion the legacy of the Traveller pipers. His 2025 Long Grazing Acre tour celebrates their profound influence on Irish music, reaffirming his place as a true innovator and cultural torchbearer.

Ron Block is a 14-time Grammy-winning banjo and guitar player best known as a longtime member of Alison Krauss and Union Station. Renowned for blending bluegrass roots with a wide range of musical influences, he’s also a solo artist whose latest album, Hogan’s House of Music, showcases his adventurous, all-instrumental style. A seasoned session player and storyteller through music, Block has performed on iconic soundtracks like O Brother, Where Art Thou and toured with legends including Willie Nelson and Garth Brooks.

Wyatt Ellis has accomplished more by age 16 than many musicians do in a lifetime. Hailing from the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, he’s quickly emerging as one of bluegrass music’s brightest young stars. With virtuosic mandolin playing, heartfelt vocals, and original songwriting, Wyatt blends the deep traditions of bluegrass with a fresh, youthful energy. Backed by a powerhouse band of Appalachia’s finest young musicians, Wyatt delivers high-octane performances that range from the Grand Ole Opry to major festivals like MerleFest and Gray Fox. His band's signature single-mic setup showcases their tight harmonies, high-lonesome vocals, and blistering solos, creating a sound steeped in tradition yet driven by the future. Wyatt’s breakout year included a debut at the Newport Folk Festival, chart-topping original instrumentals from his debut album, and becoming one of the youngest regular performers in Grand Ole Opry history. His authentic Appalachian songwriting and seasoned stage presence have quickly set him apart as a once-in-a-generation talent with a deep respect for bluegrass music’s heritage. 2024's IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year and twice nominated for IBMA’s New Artist of the Year, Wyatt has collaborated with legends like Peter Rowan, Marty Stuart, and the late Bobby Osborne. His January 2025 release, Winds of Rowan County, a duet with Rowan, celebrated bluegrass roots while symbolically passing the torch. Wyatt's lead and harmony mandolin solo on Bobby Osborne’s final recording of “Rocky Top,” along with their co-written instrumental “Fern Branch,” were both featured on Osborne’s posthumous album, a tribute to Wyatt’s connection to his hero and mentor. With a debut vocal album of all-new original songs on the way, Wyatt Ellis stands poised at the forefront of bluegrass, honoring the legacy of the genre while boldly pushing it forward into a new era.

Amy Grant’s career spans over 40 years, evolving from gospel roots into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality, and philanthropist. With three multi-platinum albums, six platinum albums, four gold albums, more than 30 million albums sold, and over 1 billion global streams, her impact is unmistakable. She has earned six No. 1 hits, 10 Top 40 pop singles, 17 Top 40 Adult Contemporary tracks, and multiple Christian chart-toppers.

Grant is a six-time GRAMMY winner with 26 GMA Dove Awards, and is honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Music City Walk of Fame, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. She broke major ground for contemporary Christian artists—becoming the first in the genre to go platinum, top the Pop charts, and perform at the GRAMMY Awards. In 2022, she received the Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime artistic achievement.

She continues to tour extensively, including her long-running Christmas at the Ryman residency with Vince Gill. Recent projects include reissues of Songs From The Loft, an expanded edition of House of Love, and a new Christmas collection with Vince Gill, When I Think of Christmas. In 2025, she completed a headlining spring tour and will return to the road for a fall tour, a Christmas Together Tour with CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith, and another season of Christmas at the Ryman.

Barry Stapleton has been involved in booking entertainment for Milwaukee Irish Fest for 30 years. Milwaukee Irish Fest hires 100 artists who perform over a 4 day weekend in August. Along with an entertainment committee, he oversees all the legal aspects, production, scheduling and logistics at the festival.

Ben Mandelson Founding Director of WOMEX and Supervisory Board member for the parent company Piranha Arts based in Berlin, Germany. WOMEX is the world’s biggest professional music conference, tradefair and showcase for World, Roots, Folk, Traditional, Local and Diaspora music - an annual October-Europe-based event.

CEO of Music City Irish Fest - Nashville’s largest St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Brenda is a determined, hardworking, creative force and supporter for everything Irish in Nashville and beyond.
As manager of the 12-member The Willis Clan, Brenda handled booking, marketing, promotions, production, tour managing and guitar playing!

Brian Hill is a veteran talent agent with a career spanning over three decades, representing some of the most influential names in music. From his start in the mailroom at CAA to launching the Progressive Global Agency and working with Monterey Peninsula Artists, Paradigm, and UTA, Brian has built a reputation for integrity, insight, and a love of music that started in childhood. Currently at United Talent Agency, his roster includes Carin Leon, Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Lewis, and Eli Young Band. When not booking tours, he’s a proud dad, avid gardener, and hobby farmer just outside Nashville.

Christopher has been involved in Bluegrass Music for 40 years. He was an active amateur musician playing guitar and mandolin in French bands Pony Express and Moonshine for many years. Recently he rejoined his old comrades to launch poniXpress 2.0.

He is best known in the global Bluegrass community as the founder and chair of Bluegrass in La Roche, Europe’s biggest
festival dedicated exclusively to Bluegrass music since 2006. He was chair of FBMA for 8 years in the early 2000s and vice chair of EBMA for a term after that.

He is currently serving on the Board of the IBMA, representing the International Constituency.
Professionally, Christopher has travelled the world working as a manager, consultant and professor in the field of international communication and management.

Craig Shelburne grew up in rural Nebraska watching the Grand Ole Opry on TNN. He moved to Nashville in 1994 and earned a journalism degree from Belmont University. He has written for the Bluegrass Situation, CMT.com, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Folk Alliance International, International Bluegrass Music Association, MusicRow magazine, and many other outlets. In addition, he has produced three AMERICANAFEST music festivals for the Americana Music Association. 100 Years of Grand Ole Opry: A Celebration of the Artists, the Fans, and the Home of Country Music is his first book.

"To me, the Opry is living history. You get to hear the roots of country music, but you also have a chance to discover a new artist, enjoy world-class bluegrass music, and share some laughs," he says. "The Opry is the world's longest-running radio show, and it's always changing. Thousands of musicians have performed on the show over the last century. Yet, once I understood that the central character of this book is the Opry itself, the story came to life on the page. I attended dozens of Opry shows while writing and researching the book and every night it still felt like magic."

The Grand Ole Opry features today’s country music stars, superstars, and rising stars all on one stage, every week in Nashville, Tennessee—Music City, USA. Their world-famous show is where aspiring stars dream of playing and music lovers connect with their favorite artists up close at the Opry House. From the radio show that made it famous in 1925 to the cultural landmark and global phenomenon it is today, the Opry is the country's biggest stage.

David Keenan’s mission statement as he penned the stories that populate his upcoming album ‘Modern Mythologies’ was to “try to make sense of things in these songs, the chaos and the wonder of my life and the wider world.” He approaches that concept as the central figure in his own narrative, his mythologisation of his experiences informed by a modernist prism of the Irish storytelling tradition. It’s an artistic ethos that he furthers with the new single ‘We Live, We Learn, We Love’ which comes ahead of the November 21st release of the album.

While the title ‘We Live, We Learn, We Love’ feels like a subversion of a motivational catchphrase, it’s actually a song informed by a lifetime of growth. David casts his mind inwards to confront his vulnerabilities head-on - a visceral form of self-learning via brutal acceptance of such weaknesses. He sets that internal dialogue to a production both barren in its simplicity and warm in its sound: mournful piano, blues-tinged guitar textures and a sparse looped beat. The track’s focal point is a stripped-back spoken word rap in which every line feels a snapshot of a personal memory of his life or the society around him. Ultimately, it reveals that having the courage to self-analyse and learn is the only way to move forward.

David says, “I wanted to write a song that would map a whole lifetime of change, from teenage kid to present day using all the lyrical skill I could muster to achieve that progression. It’s a different style but like my hero Bowie said, ‘If you have the ability to work in different styles then use it!’ That’s always stayed with me.”
This is the fourth track to preview the ‘Modern Mythologies’ album after ‘Poison Water’, ‘50 Quid Man’ and
‘Amelioration’. Collectively they showcase the two levels of David’s style: the engaging gravelly soul and bar room live feeling that permeates his music, alongside lyrics which share nuances wisdoms of the world around him. It spans towering topics such as using creativity as the counterpoint to the societal self-destruction of the latter era of The Troubles through to the unsettling mix of chaotic living and determined resourcefulness of every small town’s local fixer, the ‘50 Quid Man’.

The album was David, who co-produced the set in three studios alongside Gavin Glass, Pete Baldwin and Cian Synnott. Its visual aesthetic was realised with cover art created in collaboration with Perry Ogden, a renowned photographer and filmmaker for Vogue, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.
‘Modern Mythologies’ is now available to pre-order / pre-save HERE. David’s official store offers a twelve-track black vinyl, while a sixteen-track digital deluxe edition will also be released.
David Keenan’s first step into a career in music came with the time-honoured tradition of playing solo acoustic sets across the pubs and clubs of Ireland. His first big break, however, came from the modern fortuity of going viral after a taxi driver filmed him singing his own song, ‘El Paso’, in a cab. Since then, David has carved out his own niche with a wealth of projects including three studio albums, nine EPs, a book of poetry, the ‘Words on Canvas’ / Focla ar Chanbhás documentary, and a soundtrack to the Shia LaBeouf / Toby Kebbell film ‘Salvable’.

It has resulted in over 100 million streams, praise from Hozier and Glen Hansard, numerous festivals, and shows with the likes of Hozier, Dermot Kennedy, Glen Hansard, Counting Crows and Rodrigo y Gabriella. David has just commenced his ‘Chasing Myth’ headline tour, in which he is seeking local folklore and capturing the magic of the Irish pub experience as he visits an independent venue in every Irish province. The tour has been extended with three additional dates.

Gerry O’Connor, a renowned fiddler from Dundalk, Co. Louth, comes from a long line of fiddle players and is celebrated for his focus on the music of Oriel. A founding member of Lá Lugh, Skylark, and Oirialla, he has recorded 14 albums, including the landmark solo album Journeyman.

He has performed with legends like The Chieftains and Planxty, and is also a respected violin-maker, teacher, and producer. Gerry recently published a tunebook of Oriel dance music and a book of Cathal McConnell’s songs.

Ian Saint is an arts and culture correspondent for NPR/PBS affiliate WOUB and a contributor to outlets like Buddy Magazine. He has interviewed major artists from The Police to The Judds, covered red carpets for CBS and PBS, and emceed stages at the 2024 State Fair of Texas.

Also an event producer, Ian has organized concerts and debates in Dallas and served as a programmer and panel curator for the Women Texas Film Festival. Of Irish descent, he has championed Irish-American stories—helping advocate for Aer Lingus’s Cleveland–Dublin route and interviewing acts like Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys.

Jim Lauderdale is a two-time GRAMMY winner, Americana Music Association Wagonmaster Award honoree, and one of Nashville’s most prolific artists, with 38 albums and more on the way. A master songwriter and performer, he’s penned songs for legends like Ralph Stanley, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Emmylou Harris, and Elvis Costello, while continuing to craft his own genre-blending sound rooted in country, bluegrass, and Americana.

His latest project, Game Changer, recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios, reflects his trademark mix of heartache and hope. Released on his own Sky Crunch Records, it captures both the spirit of classic country and the curiosity of an artist still evolving. “Country music keeps changing,” Lauderdale says, “but I’ll always have a soft spot for steel guitar and a Telecaster.”

Joel Wertman is a veteran music and television producer whose work spans artists like Heart, Goo Goo Dolls, Bush, and No Doubt, and shows including Happy Days, Dance Moms, and Honey Boo Boo.

He began with a Top 5 single in 1977, later producing for Mushroom Records and shaping the alternative scene through ventures with BMG, Eureka Records, and Warner Music.

Wertman co-created the award-winning children’s series Mustard Pancakes and continues to produce across music, film, and television. A Toronto native, he now lives in Los Angeles.

Keith Johnson is Director of Marketing and Membership at the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO).

IMRO Ireland administers the performing right in copyright music on behalf of its members (songwriters, composers and music publishers) and on behalf of members of the international overseas societies that are affiliated to it. IMRO´s function is to collect and distribute royalties arising from the public performance of copyright works, i.e. live performances, radio, TV and online.

IMRO is also prominently involved in the sponsorship and promotion of music in Ireland. Every year it sponsors a large number of song contests, music festivals, seminars, workshops, research projects and showcase performances. IMRO is now synonymous with helping to showcase emerging talent in Ireland.

Kristian Bush is country music’s renaissance man — a shape-shifting creator who thrives on the genre’s fringes while staying true to its heartbeat. He’s built an enviable career by stretching norms, embracing creative freedom, and never giving up.

Kristian founded two wildly successful duos in different genres — Sugarland and Billy Pilgrim — launched a solo career, formed the improvisational rock band Dark Water, and explored lo-fi chill music through Cabin Chill. His producing career has surged in recent years with artists such as Megan Moroney, K Michelle and Runaway June, while his songwriting remains in constant demand.

“Creating things where there was nothing before is a genuine thrill,” Kristian says. “You never quit trying. Always keep one project that feels like the beginning of the dream.”

A multi-platinum, two-time GRAMMY® winner, Kristian is best known as one-half of the record-breaking duo Sugarland with Jennifer Nettles. In 2024, he celebrated Sugarland’s 20th anniversary with a co-headlining arena tour alongside Little Big Town — while also marking 34 years with Billy Pilgrim, which made its Grand Ole Opry debut that same year. “I love that people are still putting the clues together that the guy from Sugarland is one of the guys from Billy Pilgrim,” he laughs.

Sugarland earned accolades from the Recording Academy, CMA, and ACM for hits including “Stay,” “Baby Girl,” “Stuck Like Glue,” and “Life in a Northern Town.” “Sugarland has this beautiful ability to deliver every time you turn on your favorite song,” Kristian explains.

Billy Pilgrim — Kristian and Andrew Hyra — began in 1990 and released five albums in 11 years, scoring success with “Sweet Louisiana Sound” and “Insomniac,” which resurfaced nearly three decades later in The New York Times. In 2024, the duo recommitted to its trademark harmonies and folk-rock storytelling.

The same spirit drives Dark Water, Kristian’s collaboration with brother Brandon and guitarist Benji Shanks. Formed in 2020, the group released One Step Ahead of the Robot in Fall 2025. “The whole idea of Dark Water is it’s a novel you can read over and over again,” Kristian says. “Whereas Sugarland is a bestseller you read once, Dark Water is the thing you keep picking back up.”

The trio also records as Cabin Chill, releasing more lo-fi music in 2025. They’re the sonic backbone of Megan Moroney’s albums — with Kristian producing while Brandon and Benji serve as her studio band. “Because I had to guide my own music through the maze of ‘How can I get the most commercial version and it still be me,’ I feel comfortable helping others find it,” Kristian says.

Moroney, once Kristian’s intern, was named CMA New Artist of the Year in 2024, while Rolling Stone listed her Am I Okay? among the year’s best albums. Kristian earned three CMA nominations for his work on the album.

Kristian continues crafting his next solo project — a gulf-and-western follow-up to his 2023 EP Drink Happy Thoughts. He calls new single “Beach in Tennessee” “so country in structure,” while “Queen of the Keys,” written with his son Tucker Bush and Andrew Hyra, explores another side.

“There’s incredible joy in putting together this new set of beach music,” he says. “I can see reggae, storied folk, even the funky gulf-and-western New Orleans stuff that sounds like Dark Water.”

Two decades in, Kristian is still experimenting — or, as he puts it, “finding joy in the challenge of an ever-expanding creative space.”

Liam Ó Maonlaí is one of Ireland’s most distinctive voices — a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his soulful blend of traditional Irish music, rock, and world influences. Best known as frontman of Hothouse Flowers, Liam’s powerful performances and deep cultural roots have made him a respected figure on stages across the globe. Whether singing sean-nós or exploring new musical horizons, he continues to embody the spirit and emotion of Ireland’s living tradition.

At an early age and largely encouraged by the musical atmosphere in his family, Lluís Gómez started teaching himself the acoustic guitar and the electric bass. He studied two years of flute and went on to study classical guitar at the age of 18 with Pere Payes at the Music School of Premià de Mar, and subsequently took up the electric guitar with Josep Traver. He also studied modern harmony with Ramón Montoliu at Badalona’s Municipal School of Music. At the age of 30 he started learning fiddle, first self-teaching and then he studied with Raúl Munizaga.

The discovery of bluegrass through the Banjo Paris Session album was a watershed in his career. He was so taken by this style that he immediately picked up the five string banjo and took lessons from Sedo Garcia and Ricky Araiza in Barcelona. He then travelled to France, Ireland, the UK and the US to take lessons from Jean Marie Redon, Bill Keith, Tony Trischka, Peter Wernick, Noam Pikelny, Béla Fleck, Adam Larrabee, and Jayme Stone among others.

Matt Bartlett, CEO of Midnight Mango, has built one of the UK’s fastest-growing live booking agencies by focusing on people. Starting as a national promoter in the 2000s, Matt became an agent after artists he promoted asked him to take on the role - and he’s never looked back.

Midnight Mango’s strong growth during and since the pandemic stems from an innovative focus on developing and training agents.

“We think of our agents as our new rockstars,” says Matt. “By giving them the tools, training, and support they need, they can spend more time doing what they do best - booking shows and growing live careers.”

Today the agency represents over 250 artists represented by 22 agents, living in 7 countries supported by 7 admin staff. In 2025 alone, they’ve contracted over 3,500 shows worth well over £5M in artist fees across 39 countries. Recognised as Live Agency of the Year at the UK Festival Awards in 2019, 2023, and 2024, Midnight Mango continues to combine global reach with a grassroots ethos.

“We love events like Your Roots Are Showing,” Matt adds. “They’re a fantastic place to meet not just new artists but also potential agents who want to join a team that’s reshaping how live music careers are built.”

Pete Fisher is a Grammy-nominated producer and visionary music executive with over 30 years of experience across music publishing, A&R, artist management, and television. As former VP/GM of the Grand Ole Opry, he revitalized the institution with landmark inductions of stars like Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton. He also served as CEO of the Academy of Country Music, executive producing three ACM Awards broadcasts on CBS. Now based in Nashville, Pete leads Fisher Entertainment Consulting, guiding top-tier entertainment projects with deep industry insight.

Ronnie Norton launched his photography career in 1974, quickly becoming a key figure in Ireland’s music and arts scene. From shooting album covers for EMI to capturing legends like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Dolly Parton, his work spans decades of iconic moments.

A co-founder of Lonesome Highway, Europe’s leading Americana website, Ronnie has interviewed greats like Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle, and produced tour content for Kris Kristofferson. He’s also a longtime radio host with CMRNashville, and resident photographer at major festivals including Omagh, Johnny Keenan, and Bunratty.

Wyatt Ellis is a 16-year-old mandolinist, singer, and songwriter from East Tennessee, hailed as one of the most exciting young talents in bluegrass and country music. A Grand Ole Opry performer by age 13, his debut album Happy Valley topped the Billboard Bluegrass chart. Known for his raw, single-mic performances and deep Appalachian roots, Wyatt is featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s American Currents exhibit and serves as a musical ambassador for the Great Smokies Region.

Andrea von Foerster is an award-winning music supervisor with over two decades of experience in film, television, digital media, and advertising. In 2006, she founded Firestarter Music, a company dedicated to delivering comprehensive music solutions tailored to each project’s unique needs.

Andrea has contributed to acclaimed projects such as (500) Days of Summer, Yellowstone, Air, Landman, M3GAN, Welcome To Wrexham, Five Nights At Freddy’s, 1883, Begin Again, and 1923, shaping the sound of some of the most memorable stories in film and television. She partners closely with filmmakers to bring their musical vision to life, balancing creative goals with real-world production needs. Andrea’s expertise spans the full spectrum of music supervision—including concept, creative direction, clearance, pre-records, on-camera performances, and commissioning original compositions.

As a dual U.S. and U.K. citizen, Andrea brings a versatile and global perspective, enabling seamless work across international markets.

From Dublin, Ireland, based in Berlin since 2003, Barry is an internationally recognised booking agent, tour manager, stage manager and artist manager. Barry’s career in the music industry began in 1990 in Dublin. For many years Barry concentrated more on tour managing and festival stage managing, tour booking was more of a side project. Over the last 15 years he has become much more involved in concert booking although still very passionate about tour managing. ”It´s a great way to build relationships with promoters, artists and audiences and also a good way to keep in touch with new developments and trends within the industry.”

Barry joined Midnight Mango in 2022 after working independently for many years. In Barry’s words,

“I'm delighted to be a member of the MM team, it’s a breath of fresh air to work with such a supportive and dynamic group of very talented people. I spent many years working as a freelance agent, artist manager, stage manager and tour manager so

I've had the opportunity to see the business from multiple angles. Joining Midnight Mango has given me the opportunity to expand my roster and develop new relationships within the industry. An old dog can indeed learn new tricks!!;-)…and this dog is very much looking forward to attending YRAS 2026”

Bradshaw Lambert is a veteran music executive, label founder, artist manager, broadcaster, and concert producer. He began at San Diego’s 91X FM and later worked as an engineer at A&M Studios for Jimmy Iovine. He co-founded Bong Load Custom Records, known for launching Beck’s breakout single “Loser”, and releasing acts like Elliott Smith, L7, and Richard Thompson. The label relaunches in 2025.

Bradshaw has managed Grammy-winning songwriter Jack Tempchin (Eagles, Glenn Frey), securing major record deals and supporting his 2019 induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Today, he manages a diverse roster including Under the Rug, Nathan Graham, and David Luning, and recently launched the Under A Mountain Sky concert series and radio show in New Mexico.

Brent Cassidy has championed traditional Irish music, storytelling, and culture in Finland since 2000. Based in Oulu, he is the founder and Artistic Director of The Irish Festival of Oulu, the world’s northernmost Irish cultural festival, recognized in the Irish Government’s 2025 Nordic Strategy and praised by Finland’s leading newspaper as “The Irish Culture Mecca of Finland.”

He also leads Gaelic Culture Productions, specialising in event production and music curation, and was awarded the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Service Award in 2010 for his contributions to Irish culture abroad.

Brent has performed widely across Finland and the US, including with the Oulu Symphony Orchestra in Riverdance: A Symphonic Suite and at the Divulge Dancers' Film Festival in Hollywood. His 2023 debut storytelling album The Port Seal received acclaim for its blend of sean nós singing and original tales.

In 2026, he curates Cultural Kaleidoscopes, part of Oulu’s European Capital of Culture programme.

Caroline is a founding partner of TOURBOmusic GmbH, a Swiss music agency and label supporting folk, traditional, world, and experimental artists through booking, consultancy, and label services. She also co-founded Beatmap.com, a digital marketing platform for the music industry.

A specialist in Celtic music, she launched the Celtic Carrousel concert series in 2018, bringing top Irish and Scottish acts across Switzerland. Caroline is also a music and entertainment lawyer, advising artists, managers, producers, and publishers on rights and contracts.

She serves on the boards of Indiesuisse and Music Declares Emergency Switzerland, advocating for independent music and climate action.

Cindy Watts spent more than two decades with The Tennessean and USA Today building a career as one of country music’s most respected journalists before taking a leap in 2020 to join an artist management company.  

During her time as a journalist, she toured with artists ranging from Cam to Garth Brooks and was a go-to for homegrown icons Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers and Charlie Daniels. Watts was also a trusted source for the day’s most noted country stars, including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Chris Stapleton and more. She conceptualized, booked and hosted the award-winning podcast Country Mile and was a popular red carpet host for The USA Today Network’s live stream programs. 

Watts is currently the senior writer for American Songwriter in Nashville and has been published in outlets including People Magazine, Country Insider, and CMA Closeup. She serves as a PR consultant and podcast co-host for Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, and is a staff writer for Garth Brooks.

Grammy-winning songstress Crystal Gayle is a beloved country music icon whose reign in the music business includes 22 No. 1 country hits, four top twenty pop hits, six albums certified Gold by the RIAA and three certified Platinum, including We Must Believe in Magic which was the first album by a female artist in country music history to reach platinum sales. Her list of platinum and gold is matched by her awards and accolades. CMA’s “Female Vocalist of the Year” for two consecutive years, Crystal is also a Grammy® Award winner for “Best Female Vocal Performance” thanks to her timeless, international smash hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” – a song that she today admits she has never grown tired of singing. Crystal has three Academy of Country Music Awards statuettes for “Top Female Vocalist'' and won four American Music Awards. Not surprisingly, she was named the Most Performed Country Female Artist on radio for the decade of 1975-1985. Perhaps nothing sums up Crystal’s career achievements better than being awarded with a star on the fabled Hollywood Walk of Fame in October 2009. Famous for her nearly floor-length hair, Crystal was voted one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world by People Magazine and in 2016 the Academy of Country Music honored her with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award. Gayle was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in January 2017 by her sister and Opry legend Loretta Lynn.

Dee White is a preservationist. On his new album Heart Talkin’, produced by Grammy-winning
Nashville visionary Tony Brown, the 26-year-old singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Slapout,
Alabama, is committed to celebrating the people and things that came before. Over 10 tracks, he sings
about mischievous old men at a church potluck dinner, laments the way his lover treats him like a
discarded paper cup, and ruminates on the lesser qualities of humanity that are passed on through
generations. Heart Talkin’ is the follow-up to Dee’s 2020 debut album Southern Gentleman, which
paired him with producers Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys and David “Ferg” Ferguson. After
beginning his career as a teenager under the encouragement of legendary record man Harold Shedd, Dee
has evolved into his own man and artist, touring the world with icons like Alan Jackson and Alison
Krauss and with fellow rising stars like Jackson Dean. He represents both the past and the future of
country and Americana music.

Gijs van de Burgt is the founder of Harvest Music, a company dedicated to booking and promoting artists, albums, and events across the Netherlands, with a focus on roots music. He currently plays a key role with the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, where he assists the Head of Program in curating and booking the lineup of performing artists. In addition, he is responsible for writing artist biographies for the festival’s website and app, and serves as publicist, working to secure media coverage and raise the festival’s profile.

Jackie Marushka is a trailblazing creative entrepreneur and founder of Marushka Media, the first and only Hispanic woman-owned PR agency in Americana music. With 30 years’ experience in brand building, public relations, and story development—including senior roles at Sony Music and Shore Fire Media—she’s led campaigns for major artists and organizations. A dedicated mentor and community advocate, Jackie serves on multiple boards, including the Americana Music Association and The Recording Academy. She’s also a certified yoga instructor, nonprofit founder, and cultural curator, passionate about elevating underrepresented voices and stories.

Jo has worked in the music industry for over 20 years. Jo began her career as a session brass player and recording/live sound engineer. She graduated from Queen’s University in 2004 with a BSc in Music Technology, which paved the way for her transition into artist management, development, and consultancy. Over the years, Jo has worked with various artists and bands, including managing Junior Johnson, Katie Richardson, Grainne Hunt and Taste (formerly Rory Gallagher’s Taste). While still in artist management in recent years she has gone back to her technology roots exploring music in the immersive space. She is board member of Ulster Touring Opera and Non Executive Director of Holo Edge Digital, Vice Chair of Safe in Sound and Co Chair of Innovate UK’s Immersive Tech Network ED&I Committee.

John Cooke is Co Founder and President of Raglan Road Orlando located at Walt Disney World, Orlando Florida.

Since its opening in 2005 Raglan Road has presented accomplished and newcomer musicians at this authentic Irish Pub Restaurant and Entertainment Venue located on the world famous resort. The venue recruits the majority of its entertainment artists from Ireland, presenting Live Music and Irish Dance 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Raglan Road is constantly on the search for professionally minded artists, acts and dancers to fill its extensive annual calendar.

Ken Irwin is a pioneering force in American roots and bluegrass music. As co-founder of Rounder Records in 1970, alongside Bill Nowlin and Marian Leighton Levy, he helped shape one of the most influential independent labels in the world. Guided by a love of folk, old-time, and bluegrass traditions, Rounder became home to groundbreaking artists such as Alison Krauss, George Thorogood, Béla Fleck, and many others — earning more than 50 GRAMMY Awards and building a catalogue of over 3,000 recordings across genres.

In 2023, Irwin and his Rounder co-founders launched Down the Road Records, returning to their original mission: discovering, supporting, and sharing music of enduring authenticity. A lifelong champion of musicians and musical heritage, Irwin continues to inspire the global roots community through his unwavering commitment to artistry over industry.

Lanny West is an American music and entertainment industry veteran with more than six decades of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle behind him – who has now turned the spotlight on Jesus Christ. With colorful experience in artist management, concert promotion, nightclub operation, FM radio and more, West’s high-flying professional career was matched only by a vibrant personal life filled with behind-the-scenes adventure, and sometimes disaster. After leaving entertainment behind to focus on personal health, West found his way to God in unexpected style, becoming a born-again Christian in 2017. He has since founded the “Bring It All to the Table” men’s ministry, helping shepherd more lost souls like his into the light, and now lives with his wife on 40 acres of pristine farm and forest land in Portland, Tennessee. Since the release of his book, “Father, Son and The Unholy Road” in 2021 Lanny has rebranded and relaunched his management company Tipping Point Entertainment Group and has joined forces with his wife Leslie Fram as Chef Operating Officer for her new music and entertainment company FEMco

Music Industry Consultant, Author and Award Winning Advocate for Equity

Linda Coogan Byrne is one of the most influential voices in contemporary Irish and UK music culture. Managing Director and co founder of Why Not Her, the organisation behind the groundbreaking Gender and Racial Disparity Reports that reshaped conversations around representation across Irish and UK radio and festival programming. Her work has driven measurable change in the industry and has been recognised internationally. Linda received the Outstanding Contributor to Gender Equality Award from UN Women UK in 2025. She has been inducted into the Music Week Women in Music Hall of Honour and has been nominated multiple times at the National Diversity Awards for her impact on equity and social change.

Maria Theessink is the Artistic Director at Tønder Festival, Denmark. The festival proudly celebrated its 50th edition in 2024.

Tønder presents a wide range of music – traditional, Americana, Country, Cajun, Zydeco, Singer-Songwriters, Blues – we can do anything as long as its GOOD.

​The festival takes place on the last weekend of August. The non profit Tønder Festival is considered one of Europe's most respected Folk & Roots festivals.

Matthew Morgan is Partner and Co-Head of UTA’s Nashville office, representing GRAMMY-winning artists like Lizzo, Cam, and Rodrigo y Gabriela. A strategic powerhouse in artist development, he was instrumental in launching Lizzo’s global rise—from securing her producer and label to building a multimillion-dollar arena tour. With prior roles at CAA, WME, and CMT, Matthew brings over two decades of industry expertise. He’s a Leadership Music alum and an active member of the CMA, ACM, and Recording Academy Nashville Chapter.

Rissi Palmer made history in 2007 with her debut single “Country Girl”, becoming the first Black woman in 20 years to chart on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. She has since released three acclaimed albums, including Revival (Rolling Stone’s “Top 25 Country-Soul Albums of All Time”), and hosts Apple Music’s Color Me Country Radio. A passionate advocate, she founded the Color Me Country Artist Grant Fund to support artists of color. Palmer tours internationally, serves as a CMT correspondent, and is a Governor of the Recording Academy Nashville.

Susan began her musical journey at nine on the piano, later studying at North Carolina State University before earning a law degree from Texas A&M. After a stint practicing law in Tennessee, she shifted gears, founding two music blogs and moving full-time into public relations in 2017. She now serves as Communications Director at Brooklyn Basement in Nashville and teaches in the Department of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University.

Áine Tyrrell is a boundary-breaking Irish artist whose music blends traditional roots with spoken word, hip hop, and folk. A fierce advocate for justice, her work calls the Irish diaspora to reckon with history and rise in solidarity with Indigenous movements.

Described as “a force” by The Irish Times, Áine’s electric live shows and genre-defying sound have made her a festival favourite across Australia, Ireland, the UK, and the US. Her voice is both intimate and incendiary—an unforgettable call to action through music.