During the next week or two, I am serving on the Formal Showcase Committee for the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA). As one of the five judges, I am reviewing submissions from numerous artists who hope to be chosen as one of the 14 Formal Showcase performers at NERFA this coming November. In past years, nearly 200 performers have submitted for the formal. Each artist offers three songs for consideration and the judges try to determine “the cream of the crop”. Not an easy task if I do say so myself! Still, it is a wonderful opportunity to hear new performers, and many of them will be heard on WFDU-FM’s Traditions in the weeks ahead!

I probably won’t have any lengthy reports over the next week or two, although I am planning a preview of the upcoming Philadelphia Folk Festival that will appear on this site over the weekend. There are a few events coming up that I hope some of you will plan to attend.

As mentioned, the Philadelphia Folk Festival will be held August 18 through 20th in Schwenksville, PA. Hope to see you there! For more information, visit their website at www.folkfest.org , and keep checking this site for the preview!

Today is a glorious day in the NYC area. The past few weeks have seen a heat wave hit our area, as well as other parts of the country. With the temperatures slightly cooler today, it is time to start thinking of – fall!!! Mark your calendars for the Folk Project’s Fall Folk Festival. The Folk Project’s Spring and Fall festivals are unique. The festival is held at a YMCA camp in New Jersey with attendees housed in dormitory style cabins. Attendance is limited to 250 people which creates an atmosphere for attendees to get to know the performers AND each other. The festival includes workshops, dances, performances, skits, singalongs and other activities. Performers at this years festival include the Kennedys, Joel Mabus, We’re About 9, Dave Sherman, Jean Scully, Scott Sheldon, Mary Kay Mann, and the dance band Raise the Roof – with caller Tori Barrone. A wonderful weekend in a beautiful setting with a warm and friendly crowd! Check it out at www.folkproject.org .

An annual New York highlight, Lincoln Center Out of Doors is offering exceptional music this summer. Their annual Roots of American Music Festival will be taking place at the North Plaza and at Damrosch Park (Amsterdam & West 62nd Street) on the weekend of August 19th and 20th. On Saturday August 19th at 2pm festival performers at North Plaza include our good friend Joe Jencks, Dan Milner & Bob Conroy, the Wiyos, Stairwell Sisters and Robin & Linda Williams. Then at 7:30pm, Eddie Floyd and Percy Sledge will rock Damrosh Park with R&B and soul!

On Sunday August 20th, the action kicks off in North Plaza at 2pm with the Blue Vipers of Brooklyn, Adrienne Young (highly recommended!!), Larry Johnson and Murray Porter. At 7:30pm the festival continues at Damrosch Park with a lineup featuring Mavis Staples, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives and special guest Rosie Flores.

The price – FREE!! What a great opportunity to sample some of the finest traditional and contemporary folk music being made today!

Also, if you are interested in the “business side” of the folk music community, I urge you to check out NERFA. The annual conference is held November 10th through November 12th at Kutsher’s Resort & Conference Center in the Catskills. Besides a nice bowl of borscht, you will be treated to a weekend of showcases, workshops, panel discussions, seminars, and an exhibit hall featuring artists from across the United States and Canada. The conference is geared for both professionals and volunteers, and if you are looking to get involved or simply wish to find out how everything works – check out NERFA – www.nerfa.org . Early bird registration ends soon! You will have a great weekend!

Last but certainly not least, if you find yourself near a radio (or a PC!) this coming Sunday August 13, please join me on WFDU-FM’s Traditions. As part of our Traditions Summer Festival, I will spend the entire program sharing recordings made at the original Newport Folk Festival. From 3 to 6pm ET you will hear from a wide variety of artists and relive moments such as Joan Baez’s first appearance with Bob Gibson, Bob Dylan electrifying the crowd, Rev. Gary Davis showing his mastery of the guitar, jug band music from Jim Kweskin, and so much more. You can listen in via the internet through our website – www.wfdu.fm or if you are in the NYC area just tune in to 89.1!!