Conferences of Note

SERFA Returns to Black Mountain, NC, May 4-7

More than 250 people will converge on Black Mountain, North Carolina, May 4-7, 2023 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 Jeff Place and features 16 juried official showcases, along with a number of late-night private showcases. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

Performing Arts Presenters Gather in NYC

More than 2,700 performing arts professionals from throughout North America and beyond converged on New York City, Jan. 13-17, 2023 for the annual conference of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) – its first in-person gathering in several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As in years past, dozens of performers from the folk, roots and singer-songwriter communities were featured among the more than 1,000 showcases during the global multidisciplinary performing arts marketplace and conference. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]
NERFA Hosts Conference In-Person and Online

NERFA Hosts Conference In-Person and Online

More than 400 performing artists, presenters, promoters, managers, agents, and others actively engaged in contemporary and traditional folk music will converge on Asbury Park, New Jersey, November 10-13, 2022 for the annual Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Conference, while more will enjoy the event virtually. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article previewing the conference.]

SWRFA Conference Returns to Austin, Sept. 21-25, 2022

For the first time in three years, Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (SWRFA) will hold an in-person annual conference in Austin, Texas. Set for Wednesday, September 21-Sunday, September 25, 2022, its 23rd annual conference will feature official and in-room showcases; communal meals; panel discussions, seminars and workshops addressing many facets of the music business; a film screening; Wisdom of the Elders; mentoring sessions; a DJ reception; an exhibit area, and lots of networking opportunities. AcousticMusicScene.com will host song swaps and a Midnight Hoot on Saturday overnight. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

2022 Americana Honors & Awards Presented

Winners in the 2022 Americana Honors & Awards were recognized during an awards show in Nashville, Tennessee on September 14 that is a highlight of AMERICANAFEST, a six-day festival and conference celebrating American roots-inspired music that is hosted by the Americana Music Association and extends through September 17. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

Official Showcase Artists Chosen for 35th Annual Folk Alliance International Conference

Nearly 150 artists/acts from more than 20 countries have been jury-selected to perform in Official Showcases during the 35th annual Folk Alliance International Conference that is slated for February 1-5, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article and to see a listing of official showcase artists.]

FARM, SWRFA Select Official Showcase Artists

Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM) and Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (SWRFA), two regional affiliates of Folk Alliance International, have selected artists/acts to participate in juried official showcases during their respective annual conferences this fall. Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) will do so in August. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

Bluegrass Ramble and Songwriter Showcase Artists Chosen for IBMA World of Bluegrass

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has extended invites to 40 artists/acts/songwriters to participate in its Bluegrass Ramble official showcases and Songwriter Showcase during the 2022 IBMA World of Bluegrass that is slated for September 27-October 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina. [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.]

Applications Open for IBMA World of Bluegrass

Artists interested in showcasing their talents during the 2022 IBMA World of Bluegrass that is slated for September 27-October 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina can now submit applications. Proposals for business conference sessions from artists, educators and industry professionals are also now being accepted, while conference registration opens in April. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

FAI Regional Conferences Go Virtual This Fall

Four Folk Alliance International regional affiliates have opted to present their annual conferences online this fall in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. First up is the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (SWRFA) virtual conference that is slated for September 24-26. Folk Alliance Region-West (FAR-West) hosts its virtual conference October 14-16; Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM)’s Virtual Connections The Gathering takes place October 27-30; and the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) 2021 virtual conference is set for November 11-14. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]
SERFA Hosts a Virtual Gathering, May 20-22

SERFA Hosts a Virtual Gathering, May 20-22

Although health and safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic prevent the Southeast Regional Folk Alliance from holding its annual in-person conference this spring, it has slated SERFA In Session: A Virtual Gathering in its place, May 20-22, 2021. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]