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.
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.
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.
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and its partners on the City of Raleigh’s local organizing committee have expressed cautious optimism that they will be able to hold a hybrid IBMA World of Bluegrass this fall (Sept. 28-Oct. 2, 2021) with a meaningful and safe in-person component in North Carolina’s capital city, as well as online content.
As in years past, an evening of music from Quebec was a highlight of the annual conference of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), Jan. 8-12, 2021. However, like the multi-day conference itself, the Folquebec TradFest did not take place in-person in New York City but, rather, was livestreamed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [To continue reading this article, click on the headline.]
Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (SWRFA) hosts a 2020 Virtual Conference online from Friday, September 25 - Sunday, September 27. It will feature a dozen official showcases, several workshops, breakout sessions and one-on-ones, open mics, and song assignments.
Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) has opened registration for its 26th annual conference to be held in Stamford, Connecticut, November 12-15, 2020. Artists may also now apply online for juried official showcases. [To continue reading this article, click on the headline.]
February 29 is the deadline for artists to submit online applications for Official Showcases during the IBMA Bluegrass Ramble and IBMA Business Conference that are part of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s annual five-day World of Bluegrass, September 29 – October 3, 2020. Considered the genre’s annual industry gathering and family reunion, World of Bluegrass takes place in Raleigh, North Carolina for an eighth consecutive year. [To continue reading this article, click on the headline.]
The Americana Music Association is now accepting applications from artists and bands interested in showcasing their talents during the 21st annual AMERICANAFEST -- a six-day festival and conference celebrating American roots-inspired music that takes place in Nashville, Tennessee in mid-September. The showcase submissions deadline is Friday, March 6. [To continue reading this article, click on the headline.]
The Small Glories, Amythyst Kiah and Mavis Staples were among the recipients of International Folk Music Awards presented Wednesday, Jan. 22, on the opening night of the 32nd annual Folk Alliance International Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana that continues through Jan. 26.. [To continue reading this article, click on the headline.]
Several thousand people are expected to converge on New York City, January 10-14, 2020, for the annual conference of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP). The global performing arts gathering, marketplace and conference will feature more than 1000 artist showcases (including a number of folk and roots music artists), nearly 400 exhibitors, daily plenary sessions, a wide array of professional development sessions, and networking opportunities galore. Daily plenary sessions also will be streamed via Facebook Live, while Wavelengths: Global Music Conference at APAP and other pre-conference sessions on Jan. 9-10 are open to the public -- as are some of the ticketed showcases at venues throughout the city. [To continue reading this article, click on the headline.]
Registration is now open for the 13th annual Southeast Regional Folk Alliance (SERFA) Conference, with super early-bird discounts available through January 31. An extended weekend of contemporary and traditional folk music, networking and learning opportunities, the conference – slated for May 13-17 in Chattanooga, Tennessee -- will be keynoted by acclaimed singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier and will feature some two-dozen juried official showcases. [To continue reading this short article, click on the headline.]
