Author Archive

Winners Named in 2022 Kerrville New Folk Competition

Six singer-songwriters have been named as winners in the 2022 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters. They were chosen by a panel of judges from among 24 finalists who performed two songs each during the New Folk Concerts on May 28 and 29 as part of the Kerrville Folk Festival, an 18-day event at the Quiet Valley Ranch in the Texas Hill Country. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

International Folk Music Awards Presented

Folk Alliance International honored artists and others in the folk music community during the annual International Folk Music Awards show that took place May 18, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri on the opening night of FAI’s 34th annual conference. It was also streamed online. Allison Russell was named Artist of the Year (2021) and also accepted the award for Album of the Year (Outside Child), while Crys Matthews’ “Changemakers” was named Song of the Year. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article and to view a few videos.]

Allison Russell, Maria Dunn Win Juno Awards

Allison Russell’s Outside Child was named Contemporary Roots Album of the Year and Maria Dunn’s _Joyful Banner Blazing won Traditional Roots Album of the Year during the 2022 JUNO Awards ceremonies on May 15 at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto, Ontario. Members of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) selected the award recipients in these and other categories. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

FAI Folk Radio Charts – April 2022

East Nashville-based folk and Americana singer-songwriter Amy Speace had the most-played album (Tucson) and was the most-played artist on folk radio in April 2022, while “Ukranian Now” by Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon was the month’s top song – edging out Speace’s “If You Fall.” So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio. [Click on the headline to view the monthly top albums, songs and artists charts that are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com with permission.]
Sav Buist Wins 2022 Songwriter Serenade

Sav Buist Wins 2022 Songwriter Serenade

Sav Buist, a Nashville, Tennessee-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, took top honors during the 15th annual Songwriter Serenade in Schulenburg, Texas on May 7, 2022. She was chosen from among 15 semifinalists in the songwriting competition by a panel of judges who evaluated them based on lyrics (imagery, story, creativity, and originality), melody (structure, phrasing, and rhythm), and performing ability (vocals, musicianship), as well as stage presence/audience rapport. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

AcousticMusicScene.com Hosts Song Swaps During SERFA Conference, May 12-15

More than 200 people will converge on Black Mountain, North Carolina, May 12-15, 2022 for the annual Southeast Regional Folk Alliance (SERFA) Conference. An extended weekend of contemporary and traditional folk music, networking and learning opportunities, the conference will be keynoted by Thomm Jutz and features 16 juried official showcases, along with a number of late-night guerrilla showcases hosted by AcousticMusicScene.com and others. [Click on the headline to continue reading this conference preview.]
2022 Kerrville New Folk Finalists Announced

2022 Kerrville New Folk Finalists Announced

Twenty-four songwriters have been named as finalists in the 2022 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters. Chosen from among more than 500 submissions from around the world, the finalists will perform the two songs they submitted at the New Folk Concerts slated for Saturday and Sunday afternoons, May 28 and 29, as part of the 50th annual Kerrville Folk Festival. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

FAI Folk Radio Charts – March 2022

The Accidentals, an eclectic American power trio, had the most-played song (“Eastern Standard Time”) on folk radio in March 2022 and edged out Quebecois folk group Le Vent du Nord with the month’s top album (Time Out Session #2) and as the most-played artist. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article and to view the top albums, songs and artists charts that are posted monthly with permission.]

International Folk Music Awards Show Set for May 18

Folk Alliance International revealed the names of upcoming recipients of International Folk Music Awards and Best of 2021 nominees during an April 7 livestream. An awards show is slated for May 18, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri on the opening night of FAI’s 34th annual conference. It will also be streamed online. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article that includes information about award winners and a listing of the finalists for album, song and artist of the year.]

Semifinalists Named in 2022 Songwriter Serenade Competition

Fifteen songwriters have been invited to showcase their original songs and compete for prize money at the St. John’s Outdoor Pavilion in Schulenburg, Texas on Saturday, May 7, 2022, after being named as semifinalists in the 2022 Songwriter Serenade competition. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]
Paul Siebel, Singer-Songwriter, 1937-2022

Paul Siebel, Singer-Songwriter, 1937-2022

Paul Siebel, a folk-country singer-songwriter whose songs have been covered by a number of better-known artists, died on April 5, 2022. He was 84. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article and to view a short performance video.]

Grammy Award Winners Named in American Roots Music Field

Winners in the 64th annual Grammy Awards’ American Roots Music Field were recognized during a premiere ceremony that took place prior to the Recording Academy’s televised awards show on Sunday, April 3, 2022 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]