by Maddie Hardwick
Award shows are no stranger in the music industry, from the Grammys to the CMA’s, these all commemorate artists on their achievements through music. The International Folk Music Awards are no different. According to the Folk Alliance International Website, “The International Folk Music Awards (IFMAs) are the premier recognition of folk music industry leaders, legends, unsung heroes, and rising talent.” Each year we see a new class of nominees and awards winners in the International Folk Music Awards.
This year OM could not be more thrilled to have two of our consulting clients be nominated in the artist of the year category! As consulting clients this means that these artists Erin monthly as well as join two monthly group meetings with various other artists. These amazing artists have played for us in events such as our AMERICANAFEST and FAI showcases. We have seen the hard work that they put in towards their art and are so proud of them for being nominated this year!
Our first nominee is the one and only Abbie Gardner. “Billboard charting artist Abbie Gardner is a fiery dobro player with an infectious smile. Whether performing solo or with Red Molly, her acclaimed tales of love and loss, both gritty and sweet, are propelled by her impeccable slide guitar playing. She channels Lucinda and Bonnie, but remains pure Abbie” (Abbie Gardner Bio).
Abbie is currently on tour in the Northeast. Get tickets to hear her gorgeous voice live and check out Abbie’s website here!
Our second consulting nominee is Ordinary Elephant! “Mesmerizing folk duo Ordinary Elephant has spent the better part of the last decade on a never-ending tour that’s earned married couple Crystal and Pete Damore widespread critical acclaim and made fans of luminaries like Tom Paxton and Mary Gauthier. In 2017, the pair took home the International Folk Music Award for Artist of the Year on the strength of their breakout album, Before I Go, and two years later, they returned with the similarly lauded Honest, which the Associated Press hailed as ‘one of the best Americana albums of the year’” (Ordinary Elephant Bio).
Recently, Ordinary Elephant have just come off of a tour with more tour dates announced for January! Get tickets and check out their website here!
The International Folk Music Awards will take place on January 21st, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana! Streaming will be available on Youtube. For more information and other nominees check out the Folk Alliance website here! If you’re a member of FAI, voting is open now and you can find more information here.