At a Glance
- Your Roots Are Showing 2026 brought Nashville and Belfast together for a week of music and collaboration.
- 105 artist showcases and dozens of panel discussions highlighted the roots music scene.
- Amy Grant and other legends emphasized the importance of roots music for emerging artists.
Your Roots Are Showing 2026, abbreviated YRAS, ran from January 14-17 in Belfast, linking the capital of Northern Ireland with its sister city across the Atlantic, Nashville. The conference blended musicians, industry leaders, and fans from around the world, offering a unique cross-border experience that celebrated roots music in all its forms.
The event opened with the Folk iN Fusion concert, a world-class ensemble that drew folk, bluegrass, trad, Americana and more. Performers included Wyatt Ellis, Jim Lauderdale, and Amy Grant herself. Ellis, a 16-year-old mandolin prodigy, told News Of Los Angeles that “It’s just so special to come and be a part of representing the roots of the music that we play.” Lauderdale echoed the sentiment, saying, “I really appreciate this festival because there are people from so many countries here and we all have this thread of roots music.”
The conference took place between the adjoining Waterfront Hall and ICC Belfast, two iconic venues that framed the week-long celebration. The Waterfront Hall’s expansive stage and the ICC’s modern facilities provided the perfect backdrop for the diverse programming.
Key Performances
A wide range of artists took the stage, each adding their own flavor to the conference. Highlights included:
- Aysanabee
- Yellofox
- James Keegan
- Steve Ray Ladson
- Georgia Mooney
- Ollee Owens
- Davin McCoy
- Lorraine Nash
Each act showcased a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, underscoring YRAS’s commitment to honoring musical heritage while encouraging innovation.
Folk iN Fusion Highlights
The Folk iN Fusion concert was a centerpiece of the festival, featuring a world-class ensemble that spanned folk, bluegrass, trad, and Americana. The lineup, which included Ellis, Lauderdale, and Grant, demonstrated the genre’s versatility and the performers’ technical skill. The concert was praised for its energy, musicianship, and the way it brought together artists from different backgrounds.
Panel Discussions and Industry Insights
Beyond the music, YRAS offered 105 artist showcases and panel discussions featuring veteran journalists, public-relations experts, and musicians. The sessions covered topics such as songwriting, touring, and the business of music. Kristian Bush of Sugarland shared his creative process, telling News Of Los Angeles that “This is not the part of the tree you see. This is the part that holds it to the ground where it actually grows from. Not what you hear out in culture. It’s before that.”
The conference also highlighted the challenges artists face. Crystal Gayle, who was originally slated to perform, had to cancel due to a torn meniscus. She explained to News Of Los Angeles via Zoom, “I haven’t canceled that many dates through the years from just illness and things that … but when you have something that happens, I mean, it takes a toll on you mentally and physically.”
Emerging Voices
New and rising artists found a platform at YRAS. Dee White, a native of Ala., performed his new track “Sugar” and discussed the significance of international exposure. “I think it’s a big deal for any artist to take their music out on an international level,” White told News Of Los Angeles. “It’s something you dream about when you first start writing music … also, from a touring standpoint, this is my foot into the pool of Europe [and beyond].”
Belfast’s Cultural Backdrop
The conference’s setting added to its allure. Belfast’s historic waterfront, architecture, and lively pub scene-such as the famed Bittles Bar-provided a vibrant backdrop for the event. The city’s rich Titanic history and Irish-British roots complemented the festival’s theme of cross-cultural collaboration.
Takeaways for Artists and Fans
- Cross-border collaboration: YRAS proved that music can bridge continents, bringing together talent from the U.S. and U.K. in a shared creative space.
- Support for emerging artists: The platform gave rising musicians like Dee White and Wyatt Ellis visibility among industry professionals and international audiences.
- Focus on roots: By spotlighting traditional genres, the festival reminded artists of the foundational elements that shape modern music.
Looking Ahead
With its growing reputation, YRAS is poised to expand further in future years. The success of 2026’s event-highlighted by the enthusiastic participation of artists, industry leaders, and fans-signals a bright future for the festival. The organizers plan to build on this momentum, continuing to showcase the best of roots music while fostering new talent.
