The Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) has announced the artists who will perform at the Formal Showcases during this year’s annual Conference. NERFA will be held November 8-11 at the Crowne Plaza Stamford Hotel in Stamford, CT.

2018 NERFA’s Formal Showcase artists are:
Alice Howe
Ronny Cox
Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio
Sally Rogers and Claudia Schmidt
Jonathan Byrd
Scott Cook
Kenny White
Screaming Orphans
Louise Mosrie
The Black Feathers
Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway: Deeper Than The Skin
Windborne
Robinson Treacher
Zoe Mulford

Alternates:
Quentin Callewaert
Low Lily
Kolonien

NERFA is the northeast regional affiliate of Folk Alliance International and their annual four day conference draws artists, presenters, promoters, DJs and others involved with folk music. NERFA is the largest gathering of all the regional affiliates and the showcases have gained a reputation for presenting some of the finest artists representing the folk community. Hundreds of applicants submit recordings that are reviewed by a panel of jurors. Full disclosure, I was one of the judges this year – and I can tell you that the quality of applicants was outstanding.

In addition to the Formal Showcase, NERFA offers a variety of other showcase opportunities during the 4 day even including an official “semi formal”, a Folk DJ showcase and literally hundreds of guerilla showcases throughout the hotel. There are a number of workshops, peer group sessions, an exhibit hall, informal jams and numerous opportunities to make connections and share best practices. It is a unique gathering and one that has personally opened many doors and helped me in my work on radio and at the Hurdy Gurdy.

For information about NERFA, please visit their website at www.NERFA.org