NERFA 2015
<<<Back to page 5
This year the panel consisted of legendary singer-songwriter Eric Andersen, radio personality Vin Scelsa and Lowell Levinger, the co-founder of the Youngbloods and affectionally known as “Banana.” They were interviewed by Sonny Ochs and special guest Meg Griffin, another iconic voice in the annals of radio.
Wisdom of the Elders panel at NERFA 2015
Hearing their stories and listening to their music gave considerable insight into the individual roles each played. While Vin Scelsa and Lowell Levinger might not immediately register as “folk” to the mainstream, their stories and backgrounds showed how music connects and the roots grow into many branches. Again, the idea of “community” and connections to diverse musical muses brought their stories together.
Saturday night’s Formal Showcase also brought a number of veteran performers to the stage. In the past, I’ve heard people gripe that the showcases should be for “new” artists, but that misses the whole point. The Formal Showcases represent some of the finest performers in the field of folk music. The idea is to show presenters the wealth of talent that exists. While some presenters might be well aware of these artists, it should be noted that NERFA also attracts arts organizations and other facilities that present live music. To have an opportunity to experience some of the best talent in our community has always been a hallmark of NERFA.
This year we were treated to a wonderful showcase from Don White and Christine Lavin. The two have been touring together, sharing their unique senses of humor as well as their ability to tug at your heartstrings. I know many presenters welcomed this chance to see the two together. Ken Whiteley brought his Beulah Band to share the stage, and it is always a treat to hear Cosy Sheridan and discover her latest songs. The Sultans of String returned to NERFA with Anwar Khurshid. Together they are recording and doing shows that highlight the connections between different cultures and music.
I‘ve talked to some artists who attended NERFA in the past and left disappointed. If you walk into NERFA and expect to fill your schedule with gigs, you are in the wrong place. While it is true that there are many presenters who come to NERFA looking for talent to book for their venues and festivals, the process is often a long one that can take several years for a booking to be made.
What artists will get at NERFA is exposure. Yes, I am well aware of the late Dave Van Ronk’s opinion on the subject – “People die from exposure.” It is very true that struggling musicians need to make a living, but it can be a painfully long process and steps do need to be made. Sometimes the talent is so obvious that an artist will stand out from the rest, but that should not discourage others from creating.
Speaking personally, I’ve often watched an artist sing to a couple of people in the wee hours of the night. A song or performer sticks with me and when future opportunities arise, I will act upon it, but there is more for an artist to gain at NERFA.
In the old days of the folk revival, each city seemed to have an enclave of interested fans and performers. Artists would be able to work on their craft though numerous opportunities in coffeehouses or other venues that welcomed folk music. Getting feedback was easier then. In current times, those opportunities are fewer, but what we have at conferences like NERFA is for performers to play their songs for their peers as well as potential bookers. They can receive feedback on what reaches others. It is a valuable experience to share songs, and sharing songs is at the heart of folk music.
There are also mentoring sessions – private one-on-one consultations with professionals in the music industry. Each mentor has a list of specialties and anyone can sign up for an available slot to discuss specific topics that will help their own careers.
Sunday is the final day of the conference, and many people leave the conference early to catch planes or trains or just get on the highways to head for home. Those that stick around are treated to some additional workshops, an extra hour or two in the exhibit hall, and a wonderful brunch. This year an additional concert was added to the schedule and a sizeable portion stuck around to attend.
The concert was an 85th birthday celebration for David Amram, and I was asked to help organize the event by NERFA. The iconic composer, conductor, instrumentalist and author makes his home in the Hudson Valley and is a regular at NERFA. Throughout his career, David has explored the diverse world of music including jazz, classical, folk and world music. The list of artists he has worked with is astounding – a list including names like Jack Kerouac, Woody Guthrie, Willie Nelson, Langston Hughes, Pete Seeger, Odetta, Leonard Bernstein and so many others. Over the years, I’ve bumped into David in the pre-dawn hours of the morning as he wandered the halls taking in final guerrilla showcases and often jamming with artists. He also generously shares advice and encouragement with the artists he meets and his enthusiasm for the spirit of NERFA is infectious.