Mavis Staples Among Additonal Performers Announced for the 83rd National Folk Festival

Seven additional performers appearing at the 83rd National Folk Festival in Downtown Jackson, November 13-15, were announced today. The artists represent a broad spectrum of traditions, from gospel and soul to the Iraqi oud, the visual spectacles of Mardi Gras Indian culture, and HBCU marching bands.

This year marks the second year of the festival's three-year residency in Jackson, Mississippi, and will prominently feature National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship recipients, the nation's highest honor for the traditional arts, in a special program celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

Newly Announced Performers

• Annie & the Caldwells (West Point, Mississippi) — soul gospel 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.
• Dat Mighty 9 feat. Big Chief Romeo (New Orleans, Louisiana) — Mardi Gras Indian music 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.
• Mavis Staples (Chicago, Illinois) — gospel, soul, and rhythm and blues 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. Mavis Staples received an NEA National Heritage Fellowship in 2006.
• Mississippi Alumni All-Star Band (Jackson, Mississippi) — HBCU marching band Featuring an extraordinary blend of tightly choreographed music, movement, and showmanship, this marching band is upholding Mississippi's legacy of HBCU excellence.
• Rahim AlHaj Trio (Albuquerque, New Mexico) — Iraqi oud 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. Rahim AlHaj received an NEA National Heritage Fellowship in 2015.
• Savoy Family Cajun Band (Eunice, Louisiana) — Cajun 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. Marc Savoy received an NEA National Heritage Fellowship in 1992.
• Tay Cheesy (Atlanta, Georgia) — trail ride line dancing 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.

Festival Dates

The 83rd National Folk Festival takes place November 13-15, 2026, in Downtown Jackson.

The festival is also participating this year in Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals, a series of programs and exchanges marking the U.S. Semiquincentennial and showcasing the country's remarkable cultural landscape. The National Folk Festival and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival share a common mission to shine a light on the richness and variety of America's cultural communities and promote awareness and appreciation across cultures. With programming support from the Smithsonian, this year's festival will honor some of the country's most acclaimed traditional artists.