To NERFA or not to NERFA

Subject: To NERFA or not to NERFA.....
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 10:57 AM

I'm toying with the idea of applying for a showcase spot of some kind at this year's NERFA Conference in November, to be held in Kerhonkson NY.

The material that I do is more tradition-based than what many of the acts on the contemporary folk scene are doing, but I have had very good experiences sharing it with general, "non-trad" folk audiences.

Would love to hear experiences from performers and all others who've been there!

Subject: RE: To NERFA or not to NERFA.....
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 11:03 AM

What's a NERFA then ?

Dave H

Subject: RE: To NERFA or not to NERFA.....
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 01:44 PM

Good luck. NERFA stands for New England (or North Eastern) Regional Folk Alliance. It's a local branch of the Memphis based Folk Alliance. I have not had experience at NERFA, I've either gone to the National conference of the Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference (FARM) in the Chicago area. I've heard good and bad things about the conference. I'm meaning to go one of these years, but haven't made it out yet. I understand the site is just great.

Subject: RE: To NERFA or not to NERFA.....
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 02:35 PM

It depends what you are looking for. I've gone to NERFA every year for the past dozen years. The conference tends to be singer-songwriter heavy, due to the fact that fewer trad folks feel a need to participate. (Not meant as an editorial comment, just an observation)

I feel that more trad folks should participate (Meant as an editorial comment).

NERFA stands for North Eastern Regional Folk Alliance and it draws between 500 to 700 people.

Subject: RE: To NERFA or not to NERFA.....
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 02:36 PM

Full disclosure - I have been the chair of the formal showcase committee at NERFA for the past few years. I've always wished we had more traditional acts apply.

Subject: RE: To NERFA or not to NERFA.....
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 02:42 PM

Ron, any idea where could I find a listing of past performers who have been accepted for Formal and TriCentric showcases?

Subject: RE: To NERFA or not to NERFA.....
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 04:26 PM

Wasn't it a Bond film...






NERFA Say NERFA Again








I'll get my coat!



Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: To NERFA or not to NERFA.....
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 11:25 PM

I don't think there is a website with the names of past winners. I have a few articles on my blog for the last couple years about NERFA.   I will see if I can dig up some info for you.

If you have any questions, please ask away.

Phil - I think we met in Nashville at the annual International Conference.   I've enjoyed sharing the CD's you gave me with my listeners. I really enjoy conferences like this because it gives me an opportunity to hear new music and see performers that I play on my radio show and many that I've booked at the Hurdy Gurdy.

However, I can see the frustration an artist must have. With so many artists showing up and performing, it is a challenge to find the right people you want to connect with, but the good thing about NERFA and Folk Alliance is that the opportunity exists to make those connections and to learn a few things. I don't recommend it for everyone - with travel and such it can be expensive, but depending on what you are looking to get out of it and how you approach the conference, it can be very rewarding.

Subject: RE: To NERFA or not to NERFA.....
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 09:42 AM

I remember meeting you, Ron. As I was saying, I would like to get to NERFA sometime. However, I was on the board for FARM for a long time and couldn't tie that many weekends up with conferences. The last National FA conference I went to was rather disappointing. Not from seeing people I know, I always like that part. My group, February Sky is still a member of FA. But it is expensive to go to the National now. Susan and I will be sort of in your neck of the woods in October for a couple of house concerts.

Subject: RE: To NERFA or not to NERFA.....
From: DebC
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:05 AM

It would be nice to see more traditional musicians like Dave at Folk Alliance conferences. I'll be at NERFA, mainly wearing my Local 1000 hat.

As for showcases, Local 1000 always hosts the "Showcase-Free Zone" where anyone is welcome to come and sing a song or play a tune. Unlike many of the guerilla showcases at NERFA, FA and the other conferences (FARM doesn't allow guerilla showcases and I applaud that decision) Local 1000 doesn't charge a fee and as i said, the door is open to anyone.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: To NERFA or not to NERFA.....
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 07:34 AM

I have notice at the National FA conference that there's now so many guerilla showcases that the whole idea has been diluted. The showcase free zone is a good idea. Then you can possibly meet and play along with some other musicians. I didn't feel comfortable twisting arms of other folks to come see us play. So many other musicians were handing out cards trying to get everyone to come to their showcases. It all seemed that no one got to go anywhere.