July 31 is the deadline for receipt of applications (electronically or via U.S. Mail) from artists seeking official showcase opportunities during the 2010 Southeast Regional Folk Alliance (SERFA) Conference, slated for Oct. 13-17 at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Arkansas.

A chapter of Folk Alliance International (FAI), SERFA exists to promote, develop and celebrate the diverse heritage of roots and indigenous music, dance, storytelling and related arts in the southeastern United States. All artists must be FAI members to showcase. Information and applications may be found at www.serfa.org, as can online conference registration forms. There is a $25 showcase application fee, while selected artists also will be responsible for a $25 production fee.

To entice more presenters, venues and folk DJs to attend the conference this year, SERFA is offering them free admission. In addition to the official showcases, there will be late-night guerilla showcases from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., workshops, exhibit space, open-air jams on the grounds of the Ozark State Park in which the Ozark Folk Center is nestled, and plenty of opportunities to learn, share and network. Conference attendees also will be afforded free admission to the exhibits and living history sites within the park.

SERFA President Kari Estrin encourages folks to attend the conference and “help us build our community, get involved with expanding the activities and opportunities in the Southeast while celebrating our special Southeast roots and culture.”