Author Archive

Top Albums and Songs of December 2015 (FOLKDJ-L)

Hudson Harding Sampler, Vol. 10: Happy Holidays was the most-played album on folk radio during December 2015, while “Longest Night of the Year” by Joe Jencks, from that CD distributed by radio promoter Erik Balkey, tied with John McCutcheon’s classic “Christmas in the Trenches” as the month’s most-played song. So say charts compiled by Richard Gillmann from radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in all folk-based music on the radio. The December 2015 FOLKDJ-L Top Albums and Songs charts are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com with permission. To view them, click on the headline.
People's Music Network Winter Gathering Set for Jan. 29-31 in Albany, NY

People’s Music Network Winter Gathering Set for Jan. 29-31 in Albany, NY

There will be lots of singing of socially relevant songs, communal meals, jamming, mentoring, socializing, and an array of workshops during the People’s Music Network’s 2016 Winter Gathering at the Hackett Middle School in Albany, NY, Jan. 29-31. Singer-Songwriter Joe Jencks, known to many as part of the folk harmony trio Brother Sun, is this year’s PMN Artist-in-Residence and will both perform and lead workshops during the event that has taken place annually in various locales since 1977. [To continue reading this article, click on the headline.]

2016 Kerrville New Folk Competition Entries Due by Feb. 29

Entries are now being sought for the 2016 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters to be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29, 2016, during the 45th Annual Kerrville Folk Festival in the Texas hill country. The first 800 entries received via the mail or online by February 29 will be accepted, and 32 finalists will be named in mid-April. To continue reading this short article, click on the headline.

Showcase Artists Sought for SS Cape May

Some 150 acts, from solo artists to full bands, will be selected to showcase at various venues over two nights during the ninth annual Singer Songwriter Cape May music business conference set for Friday-Saturday, March 18-19, 2016 in the historic Victorian-lined New Jersey seaside resort community. All artists who submit showcase applications by the Jan. 15 deadline will receive free registration for the conference whether or not they are slotted. [To continue reading this article on AcousticMusicScene.com, click on the headline.]

2015 NewSong Contest Finalists to Showcase Their Talents in NYC, Jan. 7

Ten artists/groups have been named as finalists in the 2015 NewSong Contest and will perform live during a music showcase and competition finals set for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium (61 W. 62nd St., New York, NY). Admission is free, although seating is limited. [To continue reading this article, click on the headline.]

Entries Sought in Telluride Troubadour Contest

Songwriters are invited to enter the 2016 Telluride Troubadour Competition held in conjunction with the 43rd Telluride Bluegrass Festival that takes place June 16-19 amid Colorado’s rugged San Juan Mountains. Entrants will vie for cash and other prizes, recognition, and the opportunity to perform at the festival. [To continue reading this article, click on the headline.]

Grammy Awards Nominees Named

Nominees in 83 categories have been named for the 58th Annual Grammy Awards to be presented by The Recording Academy on Monday, February 15, 2016. Of particular interest to readers of AcousticMusicScene.com are the nominees for awards in the American Roots Music Field that will be presented prior to the live broadcast airing on CBS television stations that evening from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. [To continue reading and see a listing of the nominees in the American Roots Music Field and select others, click on the headline.]

January is Music Festival Time in Florida

Floridians and visitors to the Sunshine State have opportunities to escape the winter doldrums and enjoy some fine music in mid-January. Both the South Florida Folk Festival and the 30A Songwriters Festival take place over the same weekend in different parts of the state. [To continue reading this article, click on the headline.]
Top Albums and Songs of November 2015 (FOLKDJ-L)

Top Albums and Songs of November 2015 (FOLKDJ-L)

Joy of Living: A Tribute to Ewan MacColl (Compass) was the most-played album on folk radio during November 2015, while “I Am an Immigrant” by Jesse Palidofsky and “Take Me Home” by Free the Honey were reportedly the most—played songs. So say charts compiled by Richard Gillmann from radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in all folk-based music on the radio. The monthly Top Albums and Songs charts are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com with permission. To view them, click on the headline.

2015 Canadian Folk Music Awards Presented

The 11th annual Canadian Folk Music Awards were presented in Edmonton, Alberta on Sunday evening, Nov. 8, and streamed live online via Concert Window. Winners for 2015 were named in 19 categories, while an Unsung Hero Award recipient was also honored during a bilingual gala & reception at the Citadel Theatre. [To continue reading this article, click on the headline.]

AcousticMusicScene.com Hosts Showcases at 2015 NERFA Conference, Nov. 12-15

Some 800 performing artists, presenters, promoters, agents and managers, folk DJs and others actively engaged in contemporary and traditional folk music will converge on the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, New York, Nov. 12-15, 2015, for the 21st Annual Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Conference. AcousticMusicScene.com will again have a major presence as it hosts afternoon and late-night song swaps, in addition to its popular Midnight Hoot at the close of the conference’s first day. To continue reading this conference preview, click on the headline.
Top Albums and Songs of October 2015 (FOLKDJ-L)

Top Albums and Songs of October 2015 (FOLKDJ-L)

Free The Honey, a young western Colorado-based “honeygrass” folk quartet, had both the most-played album (Fine Bloom) and song (“Take Me Home”) on folk radio during October 2015. So say charts compiled by Richard Gillmann from radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in all folk-based music on the radio. The October 2015 FOLKDJ-L charts are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com with permission. To view them, click on the headline.