2011 International Folk Alliance, Memphi

Subject: 2011 International Folk Alliance, Memphi
From: Fortunato
Date: 21 Jan 11 - 06:43 PM

Susette and I are off to Memphis for our first Folk Alliance Conference. If any Mudcatters will be there it would be great to get together.

We're doing a Official Showcase on Saturday, a Newcomer's showcase on Thursday, and a Traditional Showcase sometime, if you're around please drop by and say hello.

I think some of you folks have attended before and if you've got advice on how to 'make the most' of the conference please share it.

Cheers,
Chance

Subject: RE: 2011 International Folk Alliance, Memphi
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 07:44 AM

We haven't been to Folk Alliance for about three years. The number of people there can be overwhelming. But I think you'll have a good time. Be sure to get to the Rendezvous for dinner one of the nights you're there. Are you putting promo stuff out in the exhibit hall? I've found it's a great place to catch up on news with friends you'll see there. You'll probably also meet some new folks you'll want to stay in touch with.

Subject: RE: 2011 International Folk Alliance, Memphi
From: Fortunato
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 08:18 AM

No, Phil, we didn't set up a table or booth. They are displaying promo materials on large screens throughout the conference, and we'll stroll the hall and make a some friends anyway, I hope. We'll check out the Rendezvous, thanks.

best regards,
Chance

Subject: RE: 2011 International Folk Alliance, Memphi
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 09:56 AM

Good move, I think. Last couple times we did a booth in the exhibit hall, we didn't get a whole lot of traffic. I've always gotten better leads just talking to the other performers. The conference directory is a good place to find contacts, too.

Subject: RE: 2011 International Folk Alliance, Memphi
From: Fortunato
Date: 22 Jan 11 - 10:15 AM

Thanks. I imagine you're right about the booth.

I see from the 'net you started out on a Silvertone. I started on my grandfather's Supertone (a forerunner of Silvertone), but I had a Silvertone archtop at one point, I wish I still had it. Got my Supertone, though, it's a little parlor guitar with a a tropical scene painted on the front.

cheers,
chance

Subject: RE: 2011 International Folk Alliance, Memphi
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 11:07 PM

The silvertone cost me 24 bucks. It was a flat top, with high action. It sure made me appreciate lower action guitars when I got ahold of them.

Subject: RE: 2011 International Folk Alliance, Memphi
From: Fortunato
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 08:21 AM

Phil,

Do you know if it's usual to charge a fee for private showcases at the conference?

My Supertone is quite playable. It has the real old timey sound.

Subject: RE: 2011 International Folk Alliance, Memphi
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 03:46 PM

Yes, it is usual to pay a fee for doing one of the private showcases. Some of the private presenters manage to get a good turnout. Though don't be surprised if you don't have the turnout you'd thought. It does pay to tell people where you'll be, and at what time. Please let me know how Folk Alliance was for you.

Subject: RE: 2011 International Folk Alliance, Memphi
From: Fortunato
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 05:37 PM

Will do, Phil.