A view of Lake Susan at the Montreat Conference Center (Photo: Michael Kornfeld)

February 29 is the deadline for receipt of applications from performing artists seeking official showcase opportunities during the 2012 Southeast Regional Folk Alliance (SERFA) Conference, May 17-20, at the Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, North Carolina, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Asheville. An extended weekend of contemporary and traditional folk music, networking, and educational sessions, the conference attracted more than 170 people last spring.

The newest of the five regional affiliates of Folk Alliance International, 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. Its annual conference is a primary means of doing that. 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.

To entice more presenters and folk DJs to attend the conference, 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, one-on-one mentoring opportunities, exhibit space, and plenty of opportunities to learn, share and network. Conference attendees also can enjoy strolling around the beautiful ground and hiking along the trails at the center.