A Serendipitous Discovery at Folk Alliance International 2017

Life's big moments have a strange way of sneaking up on us in the most unexpected settings. Mine (Adrian Krygowski) occurred on a raucous late-evening at the 2017 Folk Alliance International Conference. Lost amidst countless musicians, industry folk, and enthusiasts frantically meandering through the halls of the Westin Crown Center Hotel, I engaged in a conversation that would profoundly change my course.

A Canadian Immigration Lawyer that I invited to our showcase was in attendance in our late night hotel room, and when we struck up a conversation after the songs, he asked why I wanted to tour in Canada. As one of the many impromptu networking gatherings that make Folk Alliance so special, the conversation started as casual talk of my my mother's Canadian family and heritage.

The lawyer's eyes lighted up. "Wait a minute," he said, leaning forward with a list of sudden quesions. “As for your own citizenship, you may already be a Canadian citizen!”

After a few additional questions he indeed said, “You can get a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (once I find out if you are already a Canadian citizen) and I can do this for you. Send me the stuff and I’ll get right on it!” He additionally explained that not only would I be able to claim my Canadian citizenship, but this could open up numerous opportunities in the Canadian music industry, like Festivals, SOCAN, FACTOR, Canada Council, that could potentially support my musical career once my Canadian citizenship was established.

His expertise and generosity in handling the documentation made what could have been a complex process feel manageable and clear. Looking back, it almost seems like a dream that a chance meeting at Folk Alliance would finally reveal my dual citizenship and open up a whole new world of opportunities throughout the Canadian music scene. This experience perfectly sums up all that Folk Alliance International is about: it's not just the music; it's the life-altering connections and discoveries that can happen when passionate people come together.

Had I not gone to Folk Alliance that year, who knows if I would’ve ever claimed my Canadian Citizenship, and the opportunities therein? It's just a reminder that sometimes the best conference takeaways are not only the business cards and showcase performances but rather the unexpected conversations that one has, which can end up changing their trajectory in life and career.