Looking Back at NERFA 2009
Where to begin. NERFA for 2009 has come and gone, and the music is still keeping a smile on my face. NERFA is the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance, and every November a large gathering of artists, festival and venue bookers, radio folk, and other people involved in the perpetuation of “folk” music gather to do business and to showcase talent.
There was just so much music this year, I loved it all, but there were a few artists who really impressed me.
I guess I will start with Tripping Lily (www.trippinglily.com) . I had a sampler that I’ve been playing since the summer, and it was great to see them live (and get the whole CD!). They were amazing. I love their harmonies and their interplay on stage.
I echo Barbara’s comments about Matt & Shannon Heaton (www.mattandshannonheaton.com) . Not only were they exciting and powerful on stage, but their homemade gingerbread that they were sharing was finest kind – the best I’ve ever had! They are exceptional artists and deserve to be on more playlists!
I also was blown away by Red Hen (www.redhen.net) – an old-timey band featuring Jane Rothfield and Alan Carr. Great tunes and songs, wonderful style and poise, they were an unexpected surprise and a highlight of the weekend!
Matt Brown (www.brownsdream.us)had my jaw dropping with his incredible skill on the fiddle and his haunting old-timey singing.
Michael McNevin (www.michaelmcnevin.com) was wonderful, I had not seen him previously that I can recall. A Canadian singer-songwriter named Amy Campbell (www.amycampbell.ca) was very impressive. Also “new” and noteworthy to my ears – Jude Roberts (www.judesongs.com – loved his CD that I’ve been playing, seeing him on stage was amazing!), Gypsy Dave and The Stumpjumpers (www.thegypsydave.com – a young band that shows potential), and Lisa Bigwood (www.lisabigwoodmusic.com) were a few that come to mind.
I also find it exciting to watch performers who are still relatively new continue growing. I remember first meeting Danielle Miraglia (www.daniellem.com) at NERFA several years ago, and to watch the poise and power that she brings to a stage is inspiring. Her songwriting is also a joy – check out “Moment by Moment” if you have not heard her!
Greg Klyma (www.klyma.com) keeps impressing as well. He gave me his new CD “KlymaLive” which is simply incredible. A great live performance with some new songs. Check him out!
While NERFA is always great for “discovering” new artists, it is also a great place to become reacquainted with established artists. For me, Buskin & Batteau (www.buskinandbatteau.com) was the highlight of NERFA. I had the pleasure of emceeing the formals with Rich Warren the night they performed, and as I said after they finished their showcase – I felt like I was 25 years old again and sitting back at Speakeasy in the Village. Their harmonies and wonderful presence onstage is as captivating as ever – and their new songs are so good! Personally, I think “Choose Joy” might be the song of the year! I’m presenting them at the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club on December 5th, along with another standout performer from NERFA – Kelleigh McKenzie (www.kelleighmckenzie.com) It will be an incredible show.
Speaking of old favorites, what is it about Joel Mabus (www.joelmabus.com) that knocks me out every single time I see him? Since I first saw him perform, Joel is consistently at the top of his game and I’ve never seen him give a bad performance. He is the primer on what folk music is all about.
I could go on and on, but this is a quick snapshot of my impressions of this year. I’ve been attending NERFA for about 10 years now, and I have to say that this was the most productive conference I’ve attended. The quality of music was inspiring. Folk music, in all it’s shades and forms, is in great hands! Can’t wait until next year! I can’t wait to do my radio show this Sunday and share some of it!
Ron Olesko