Hi Russ,

Sorry if I sounded suspicious about your questions. Maybe I am still sleep deprived!

Actually, while I do make a distinction between "singer-songwriter" and "traditional folksinger", the same criteria is used for each - how does the performer present the material and reach the audience.   Are the musical skills evident? Would you consider them to be highly skilled on their instrument of choice (voice, guitar, etc.)?   Do they have a rapport with the audience (not always easy to tell from a submission)? Do they represent something "special"?   Often, we will rely on personal experience as well - perhaps we saw them in concert. Those items come into play.

NERFA is trying to serve a diverse range of presenters. At this years event I spoke to people who run house concerts - one person offered contemporary singer-songwriters. Another chose ballad singers from a more "traditional" perspective. There were presenters from a variety of coffeehouses, commercial venues, and festivals. There were a number of radio people in attendance, each with different tastes in music.   The idea of the formal and tricentric showcases at NERFA is to offer artists who can fit in different settings. You might see an artist who isn't ready for the mainstage at Philly Folk Fest, but they would offer a great night of music in someones living room. Likewise, you might find a 6 piece band that would be too expensive for most coffehouses, but they might have a home at a festival or being presented by one of the arts agencies that were there.

The venue that I book and my radio show presents diverse lineups.   I may have someone that I would consider a good representitive of a "tradition" - sea chantey, southern banjo, etc.   The next month (or show) I might have a contemporary singer-songwriter who speaks about personal issues.   Each has their own draw, and I hope that each will attract their own audience. It builds a community. There is no need for two separate armies at war with each other in "folk music".

No, there are no "secrets" to being selected.   Being good in your chosen field usually works.   Frankly, any judge will also admit to an ounce or two of "because we like it" in their final choices, but the process is deeper than that.