top of page

The National Folk Festival presents the nation’s finest traditional artists from across the nation representing a broad array of America’s cultural communities. The National also strives to showcase the traditions of cultural communities historically identified with the host city, state, or region, as well as the arts of newer immigrant communities that are contributing to the state’s cultural landscape. 

 

If you are interested in performing at the National Folk Festival, check out How to be a performer at the National Folk Festival.

Annie & the Caldwells

soul gospel

West Point, Mississippi

Blending fiery gospel sounds with the slow-burn groove of soul, this family band is a longtime favorite on the gospel circuit in Mississippi’s Golden Triangle, and of late, across the world.

Capoeira Luanda

Brazilian capoeira

New York, New York

Led by the nation’s premier capoeira master, this ensemble will astound with their display of an Afro-Brazilian tradition that fuses dance, martial arts, and acrobatics.

Dat Mighty 9 feat. Big Chief Romeo

Mardi Gras Indian music

New Orleans, Louisiana

The visual splendor and high-energy sound of Black Masking Carnival culture meets Mardi Gras Indian funk instrumentation as this band propels a deep New Orleans tradition into thrilling new territory.

Dexter Allen

blues

Jackson, Mississippi

Former lead guitarist and producer for soul blues legend Bobby Rush, this Jackson favorite is making his own mark with a sound that exudes soulful vocals and dynamic guitar solos.

Eddie Cotton, Jr.

soul blues

Clinton, Mississippi

This master of soul blues will move audiences, body and spirit, with blistering guitar work, stirring vocals, and a hard-driving style rooted in the church of his youth.

Epi Martinez & Friends

conjunto tejano

Rio Grande Valley, Texas

With deep roots in the music, culture, and traditions of the Rio Grande Valley, this mother-and- son-led conjunto offers charming duet harmony lines that invite their audience to two-step.

The Jerry Douglas Band

bluegrass

Nashville, Tennessee

“Dobro’s matchless contemporary master,” the greatest innovator of the resonator guitar in the last half century—possibly the greatest ever.

Mavis Staples

gospel, soul, rhythm and blues

Chicago, Illinois

From traditional gospel to protest songs and self-empowerment anthems, this iconic vocalist will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greatest gospel singers of all time.


Melissa Carper & Emily Gimble

classic country

Austin, Texas

Two renowned musicians brought together by their shared love of classic country music collaborate to create a fresh sound that also intertwines western swing, jazz, and old-time.

Mississippi Alumni All-Star Band

HBCU marching band

Jackson, Mississippi

Featuring an extraordinary blend of tightly choreographed music, movement, and showmanship, this marching band is upholding Mississippi’s legacy of HBCU excellence.

Mississippi Mass Choir

gospel

Jackson, Mississippi

Featuring the finest voices in Mississippi churches, one of the country’s great gospel choirs is sure to bring audience members to their feet with its powerful, inspiring, and uplifting sound.

Mystic Wind Choctaw Social Dance Group

Choctaw social dancing

Choctaw, Mississippi

Wearing traditional dress and guided by a chanter’s singing and percussive sticks, Choctaw dancers have been dancing Chahta Hihla (Choctaw dancing) for centuries, fostering fellowship and community.

Rahim AlHaj Trio

Iraqi oud

Albuquerque, New Mexico

This renowned Iraqi oud virtuoso and one-time political refugee is a cultural ambassador whose music evokes his homeland, the experiences of exile, new beginnings, and healing.

Rahzel

beatboxing

New York, New York

Redefining the possibilities of the human voice, this one-time member of the Roots sparked a beatbox renaissance.

Raiatea Helm

Hawaiian falsetto singing

Honolulu, Hawai’i

One of the preeminent female vocalists from Hawai’i keeping the flame for the islands’ distinctive falsetto singing tradition.

Rebolú

Colombian

Queens, New York, and Tampa, Florida

The foremost Afro-Colombian ensemble in the United States plays the rich, rhythmic, and undeniably danceable music of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Revival Worship from the Jackson Revival Center

praise and worship music

Jackson, Mississippi

Bringing their powerful voices, devotion, and spiritually uplifting message, this award-winning praise team always leaves their listeners inspired and full of joy.

Rondalla Club of Los Angeles

Filipino rondalla

Los Angeles, California

Arguably the most outstanding Philippine rondalla in the nation, this ensemble is at the forefront of performing and preserving this delightful stringed instrument tradition in the United States.

Savoy Family Cajun Band

Cajun

Eunice, Louisiana

One of Cajun music’s most recognizable families shares an inspiring passion for their culture, from accordion-driven house party two-steps to timeless French ballads and twin fiddles.

Stanley & the Ten Sleepless Knights

quelbe music

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

These St. Croix legends, the foremost conservators of quelbe music, shine a light on this unique, infectious dance music, the official traditional music of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Steppin’ in the ’Sip

step team competition

Mississippi

A celebration of Black culture and HBCU campus life, Divine Nine stepping teams from across Mississippi bring everything to the stage to showcase their skill, coordination, and precision.

Tay Cheesy

trail ride line dancing

Atlanta, Georgia

Known for viral TikTok videos full of lively and catchy dance steps, this up-and-coming dance teacher has spread the communal joy of line dancing throughout the South and beyond.

Winnsboro Easter Rock Ensemble

Easter Rock spiritual ensemble

Winnsboro, Louisiana

These St. Croix legends, the foremost conservators of quelbe music, shine a light on this unique, infectious dance music, the official traditional music of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

bottom of page