Here is a note that I sent out this evening to a few newsgroups as well as my website - www.ronlesko.blogspot.com
For those of you unfamiliar with NERFA - it stands for the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance. Each November several hundred musicians, presenters, media and fans gather in the Catskills for a weekend of showcasing, business and fun. Yes, folk music has conventions! I serve as the chairperson for the Formal Showcase committee. If anyone is interested in more information, I would be happy to answer any questions.
Here is the note - --------- It is that time of year!
With great pride I would like to announce the 2006 Formal Showcase selections for the NERFA Conference, to be held November 10, 11 & 12, 2006 at Kutsher's Resort & Conference Center in Monticello, NY.
The committee has selected the following 14 artists for the 2006 NERFA Formal Showcase:
Ronny Cox Maria Dunn Jonathan Edwards Freebo & Photoglo Rocky Gaines Johnsmith Terence Martin The McDades Guy Mendilow Reveillons Rowan Brothers Danny Schmidt Cosy Sheridan Little Toby Walker
Additionally, the committee has selected three "alternates":
Kate McDonnell Dave Potts Jan Smith
We would like to congratulate the artists who were selected as well as ALL the artists who applied for and gave us the opportunity to review their submissions. The talent was outstanding and it was not an easy task to choose. I am sure that I can speak for the judges when I say that we are looking forward to hearing not only the artists we selected for the formals, but all the great talent that will be performing in the Tricentric, Private and Guerilla showcases. This should be an amazing year! (There are still plenty of other showcase opportunities available - for more information call 215-546-7766 or visit our website at www.nerfa.org .)
Also, thank you to my colleagues on the Formal Showcase Selection Committee - Dianne Tankle & Robert M. Cohen, Alan & Helene Korolenko, Scott Sheldon, and Gene Swimmer & Carole Silcoff. It was a pleasure to work with all of you and to share the unique perspectives and criteria that serves to represent a cross-section of the members of NERFA. This years committee included presenters from festivals and coffeehouses, musicians and media.
We all look forward to a productive and enjoyable conference in November. Be sure to sign up - go to www.nerfa.org for more details.