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PHOTO L-R: Anna Kline, Business Development Director, International Bluegrass Association,
Peter Rowan, Alison Brown, Emmy and GRAMMY winning banjo player, composer and producer,
Co-founder of Compass Records.
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| Your Roots Are Showing Honors Music Icon Peter Rowan
with its Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award During All Star
Kick Off Concert 'Folk In Fusion'
January 14, 2025 at INEC Arena, Killarney, Ireland.
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Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland (January 15, 2025) — Ireland's premiere music conference, Your Roots Are Showing, honored legend Peter Rowan with its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award last night during its kick off concert, Folk In Fusion.
The honor was presented before a sold out audience by Alison Brown, Emmy and GRAMMY winning banjo player, composer and producer, Co-founder of Compass Records, and Anna Kline, Business Development Director of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
Rowan, a GRAMMY Award winner and six-time GRAMMY nominee whose illustrious career spans over five decades. From his early years learning under the tutelage of Bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe, to his time with the iconic band Old & In the Way, and his impressive solo career, Peter has made an indelible mark on the world of music.
Charlene Sloan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Your Roots Are Showing, says, “Honoring Peter Rowan with our first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award is a celebration of his immeasurable influence on folk and bluegrass music — a legacy that has inspired generations and embodies the very heart of Your Roots Are Showing."
"Peter Rowan’s music is timeless, blending tradition with innovation in a way that resonates deeply. Playing onstage with him was an unforgettable experience, and this award is a fitting tribute to his profound impact on the global folk community and the stories he’s brought to life,"
says Brendan McCreanor, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Your Roots Are Showing.
Anna Kline, IBMA's Business Development Director says, "Peter's creative vision, extensive musical contributions, and innovative, inclusive spirit are the very essence of what inspires and invigorates our community. I am deeply honored to represent IBMA and celebrate this career milestone with him and our YRAS partners."
Following his moving acceptance speech, Rowan performed a four-song set and accompanied the rest of the powerful lineup throuthough the show, which captivated the audience for more than four hours.
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The Folk In Fusion lineup included:
- Peter Rowan – Bluegrass legend and recipient of the first-ever Your Roots Are Showing Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Ron Block – 14 time GRAMMY-winning member of Alison Krauss & Union Station, celebrated for his masterful banjo and guitar playing.
- Rhiannon Giddens – Two-time GRAMMY winner and Pulitzer Prize recipient, delivering a keynote address during the conference.
- Sandy Kelly – Ireland’s first lady of country music, whose timeless voice is a national treasure.
- Brendan McCreanor – Known for his innovative approach to the uilleann pipes, showcasing the rich sounds of Ireland.
- Gerry O’Connor – A world-renowned fiddle player with a deep respect for tradition.
- Liam Ó Maonlaí – The powerful voice behind Hothouse Flowers, a cornerstone of Irish culture.
- Kenny Sharp and Brown Liquor Music Rooted in the music of the American South, Sharp’s “Americana Rhythm & Blues” draws on anything from Blues and Soul to Country, Funk, Rock & Roll. Imagine the sonic landscapes of Nashville, Memphis, and Sharp’s familial home of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, combined.
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The 2025 Your Roots Are Showing conference runs January 15-19 at the Gleneagle Hotel and Conference Center in Killarney, Co. Kerry. Registration for day passes are still available. Click here for all the details.
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About Peter Rowan:
Born in Wayland, Massachusetts, Peter’s journey in music began in his youth, inspired by his musical family and the vibrant sounds of the Hillbilly Ranch in Boston. His passion led him to form his first band, The Cupids, while still in high school. After college, Peter took the leap into a full-time music career, becoming the singer, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter for Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys. His time with Monroe helped shape his distinctive style, blending bluegrass with a rich, bluesy edge.
Throughout the late '60s and early '70s, Peter was involved in various rock, folk, and bluegrass projects, including Earth Opera, Sea Train, Muleskinner, and The Rowans, alongside his brothers Chris and Lorin. His work with Old & In the Way, alongside David Grisman, Jerry Garcia, Vassar Clements, and John Kahn, produced the classic hit “Panama Red,” solidifying his place in music history.
Peter’s solo career has been equally remarkable, with critically acclaimed albums such as Dustbowl Children, Yonder, and The First Whippoorwill, His collaborations with other music legends and his relentless touring schedule have only further endeared him to audiences worldwide.
Peter Rowan continues to tour internationally, performing as a solo artist and with various bands, including the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band. His music resonates with fans across the globe, and his influence on the genre is undeniable.
In addition to receiving this prestigious award, Peter Rowan will also be taking part in the Your Roots Are Showing conference, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from this music legend.
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About IBMA:
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) is a non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide. IBMA hosts the annual event IBMA World of Bluegrass®, featuring a business conference, showcases, awards show, and street festival featuring the best in bluegrass talent. The event supports IBMA and the IBMA Trust Fund. Other special IBMA initiatives include the the IBMA International Band Performance Grant program that awards money to one non-US bluegrass act a year who would like to perform in the United States. Learn more at www.ibma.org and www.worldofbluegrass.org.
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| About Your Roots Are Showing – Ireland’s Folk Conference:
Taking place from January 14–19, 2025, Your Roots Are Showing is Ireland’s premier folk conference, featuring panels, workshops, and showcases highlighting the best in traditional and contemporary folk music. The FOLK iN FUSION concert serves as the official opening for a week of musical discovery, networking, and celebration.
Follow Your Roots Are Showing:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShowingRootsIRL/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/showing_roots
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Showing_Roots
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-roots-are-showing/
Website: https://www.showingroots.com/
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