American Blues Scene was in attendance at the virtual press conference, held from the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, where Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band paused rehearsal to speak with media. With the fall tour underway and six upcoming shows at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, the band touched on everything from tour life and musical collaborations to Starr’s latest projects — including his STARR ART exhibition and the new country-leaning album.

The Red Clay Strays swept through Chicago like a Southern storm, unapologetically their own. Under the lights of the Salt Shed, genre lines blurred, hearts stirred, and a band once rooted in Alabama proved they now belong to the world.

Over 150 artists from 34 countries will perform at FAI’s 38th annual conference, themed Rise Up, celebrating global folk traditions and activism. Headliners include GRAMMY winners Lost Bayou Ramblers and Terrance Simien, protest icon Ramy Essam, and genre-spanning talents from across the world. The event, set for Jan 21–25, 2026, promises a powerful Second Line of Song in the heart of New Orleans.