What to Expect from an Unbroken Circle Event
What to Expect from an Unbroken Circle Event
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Music. Storytelling. Community.
Music. Storytelling. Community.
Come curious, leave connected. That’s the UnBrokenCircle promise.
Each UnBrokenCircle gathering is an invitation into the heart of American roots music — part performance, part communion. Whether presented as a song circle featuring 3–4 artists in conversation through song, or as solo performances from artists eager to share the depth of their traditions, each experience offers a rare glimpse into the stories, values, and craft that shapes this music.
These aren’t just concerts — they’re living exchanges between artists and audiences, where songs carry the weight of lineage, and insight flows freely between generations, genres, and geographies.
No two gatherings are alike, but all share the same intention: to reconnect and to pass forward that which still has the power to heal.
Upcoming Events!
Upcoming Events!
BLACK AMERICAN MUSIC SUMMIT 2026
The Unbroken Circle: The Future is Folk
Host by Folk Alliance International
Just like in the myriad Black Arts movements of yesteryear, together we’ll connect the dots between past, present and future as we direct an Afro-futurist lens at important questions like: What can diasporic knowledge teach us about endurance, resistance, and revolution? What is the role of the artist amidst the turbulence inherently found in course correction? And how can we best position our voices in shaping the future?
Our summit will include a full day of affinity space, BAMS sponsored panels throughout the conference, and an official showcase stage featuring artists who represent New Orleans, American music, and our diaspora at large.
Date: Thursday, January 22nd, Waterbury Ballroom
All activities in Waterbury Ballroom on Thursday are affinity space.
Schedule:
10am-10:30am
Morning Meet and Greet
10:30am-11:30am
BAMS Keynote: Dr. Quanice Floyd, As an Artist, leader and advocate Dr. Floyd will host A keynote address about the role of artistic leadership in today’s environment. From her perspective in the arts she will share what she sees ahead and how we should prepare for it today.
1:30pm-2:45pm:
Songwriting Workshop with Crys Matthews & Lisa Sanders
3:00pm-4:15pm
African Diaspora Affinity Group lead by Lilli Lewis and Paula Boggs
Date: Friday, January 23rd
BAMS supported and endorsed panels throughout the conference.
Date: Saturday, January 24th, Rhythms I Ballroom
Official Showcase Stage
Hosted by Malik Mongo of WWL's Great Day New Orleans.
Line up:
6:00 PM – OKAN
6:40 PM – Calvin Arsenia
7:20 PM – Lisa Sanders & Brown Sugar
8:00 PM – Buggy Jive
8:40 PM – Kelly Love Jones
9:20 PM – Cheikh Ibra Fam
+ NIGHTLY PRIVATE SHOWCASES WED-SAT. LINEUP TBA.
+ FULLCIRCLE FEST
Described as “one of the best acoustic pickers on the scene today,” Cary Morin brings together the great musical traditions of America like no other. With deft fingerstyle guitar and vocals that alternately convey melodic elation and gritty world-weariness, Morin crafts an inimitable style often characterized as roots-infused Native Americana with hints of bluegrass, folk, blues, and rock.
Sunday, January 25
BAMS opens to the public and moves into the city with an immersive exploration of Black New Orleans’ history, music, and culture, beginning with a guided city bus tour through the French Quarter and historic Black neighborhoods, including Congo Square—the cradle of American music. Guests will learn about early jazz, second line traditions, Mardi Gras Indians, foodways, and the legacy of Plessy v. Ferguson, rooted in lived experience and place.
The experience culminates in a New Orleans dinner + Cary Morin in concert with Celeste Di Iorio at Café Istanbul, one of the city's most vibrant cultural hubs. Supporting will be an opening round of local and national artists sharing stories about their craft, and their experiences as global citizens. Hosted by Lilli Lewis with special guests Arlee Leonard, Mark Rubin, and more! Limited seating. Get your tickets now!
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