May 2023

The Presenter’s Peer Group meets every second Tuesday of the month at 8:00PM.  Register Here! Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85711035108?pwd=V2VDd20ranZOWisyVDB4aWtNbFZGQT09 Dan Gottfried Barbara Shiller During the unprecedented halt of the live music industry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a dedicated and resourceful community refused to allow the silence to persist. This community, united under the banner of the Presenters Peer Group, is an initiative by NERFA designed to support small venue presenters and house concert hosts through monthly Zoom meetings. These meetings are thoughtfully moderated by Board Members Dan Gottfried and Barbara Shiller, who bring their expertise and leadership to guide the conversations. The initiative rapidly gained momentum, with members joining from across and beyond the NERFA region, including as far afield as Texas. Participation wasn’t restricted to smaller venues; the group also welcomed musicians and representatives of larger festivals, such as the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and the Woodstock Folk Festival of Woodstock, IL. In the early days of the lockdown, the group acted as a forum for expressing shared challenges and frustrations induced by the pandemic. Members introduced themselves and their unique venues, and they candidly discussed their struggles. As the world adapted to the crisis, the group’s dialogues mirrored this shift, moving from shared concerns to actionable solutions. As the prospect of live music’s return became tangible, safety measures took precedence in discussions. These included mandating vaccination proof, enforcing mask requirements, and redesigning seating arrangements to maintain social distancing. The pandemic, while demanding adaptation, also necessitated sacrifices. Cherished traditions like house concert potluck dinners were paused, and due to reduced audience capacity caused by social distancing, attendees were asked for higher contributions to support the artists. Undeterred by these setbacks, the group was keen to explore digital avenues for performances. As restrictions eased, the group’s narrative transformed from one of survival to one of revival, with members now sharing success stories. Today, the Presenters Peer Group continues its monthly meetings, with conversations now revolving around experiences and insights from hosted concerts and attended festivals. The discussions have evolved into a resourceful platform, leading to new artist bookings. The story of the Presenters Peer Group, deftly moderated by Dan Gottfried and Barbara Shiller, serves as a testament to the resilience of community and adaptability. It’s a heartening reminder that in the face of adversity, the music need not stop; we can adapt, survive, and ultimately thrive – together. RESOURCES: Example House show artist agreement: LINK

Livingston Taylor to Grace NERFA 2023 as Second Keynote Speaker We are beyond excited to announce that the legendary Livingston Taylor will be joining us as the second keynote speaker at the NERFA conference this November! Livingston’s career as a professional musician has spanned over five decades, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Known for his storytelling that’s as captivating as Mark Twain and his musical talent that’s seen him write top-40 hits for his brother James Taylor, Livingston is a true icon in the music world. On Friday, November 10, Livingston will take to the stage to address our attendees. We can’t wait to hear the insights and stories he has to share from his illustrious career. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJW8DT-bBrI But that’s not all! Livingston will also be running one of his famous performance workshops. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a musician who’s shared the stage with the likes of Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, and Jimmy Buffet. Livingston’s music spans a range of genres – folk, pop, gospel, jazz – and his performances are always a delight, whether he’s sharing upbeat storytelling, touching ballads, or full orchestra performances. Livingston has been teaching stage performance for over 30 years, beginning at Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1989. He’s passionate about passing on the extensive knowledge he’s gained from his long career on the road to the next generation of musicians. Livingston Taylor is not just a musician; he’s an airplane-flying, motorcycle-riding, singing storyteller who’s been delighting audiences with his charm for over 50 years. We can’t wait to welcome him to NERFA 2023! Stay tuned for more updates about the conference, and in the meantime, check out some of Livingston’s music to get you in the mood for what’s sure to be an unforgettable event! Register Now

NERFA proudly presents its inaugural concert series, the Coffee & Wood Concert Series, designed to bolster touring artists with a regular lineup of Thursday night performances. In collaboration with West Brookfield Library and the Mass Cultural Council, we’re thrilled to showcase members of our esteemed 2022 Formal Showcase artist group. Following a prolonged pause due to the pandemic, this series serves as a platform for artists to reignite their touring calendars, courtesy of the Mass Cultural Council’s sponsorship. Our concert series, happening on every third Thursday of the month, offers community concerts for audiences of all incomes. Conveniently located, it’s just an hour’s drive from Boston, Northampton, and Hartford, and two hours from NYC.Join us for memorable evenings of music and community at the stunning Merriam-Gilbert Library, and help support the revival of live music in a post-pandemic world. For more information and to take part, please visit Merriam-Gilbert Library website. May 18 – The Rough & Tumble The Rough & Tumble are a folk/Americana duo, consisting of Mallory Graham & Scott Tyler. After forming in 2011, they’ve spent the last 8 years traveling full time in a 16ft camper with two big dogs and one small hamster. Equally at home in festival settings, listening rooms and house concerts, their commanding stage presence, engaging performances and affecting songwriting won them The Listening Room Network’s Artist of the Year in 2019 and the Independent Music Awards Americana Song of the Year for their song “The Hardest Part. In 2021, they released We’re Only Family If You Say So, an album about what it means to be family, and what it means to lose it. With singles debuting on American Songwriter, The Bluegrass Situation and Grateful Web referring to the album as “a must listen,” it has been embraced by fans for its stark honesty, unique storytelling and well-crafted melodies. June 15 – Rees Shad & The Conversations Songwriter, storyteller, multi-instrumentalist Rees Shad is a master of alluring melodies and short story songs whose characters interact and reoccur in eloquent musical vignettes. An accomplished musician, composer, and creative, Shad has an impressive catalog of wide-ranging music and narratives. Shad grew up absorbing the NYC music scene and immersing himself in vintage blues, jazz, folk music, country, classic rock and punk before moving to upstate New York to embrace a more rural lifestyle. An experienced studio engineer, musician, and producer, he has happily and determinedly reinvented himself musically over the decades evolving and honing vision and craft. Imbued with a style & wisdom rare in contemporary music, his new album One Glass at a Time, strikes a fresh vein of meaning and melody, imagining a flourishing, reflective future built upon the loves and life lessons of the recent past. July 20, Aaron Nathans & Michael G. Ronstadt Cello-guitar duo Aaron Nathans & Michael G. Ronstadt never lose their capacity to surprise. On their upcoming collection of songs, they put new spins on American history and legend. There’s an ode to Alan Turing and the birth of the computer, as well as a pop song about the minting of a new programmer; a ballad about the last days of a beloved ballpark; and a whimsical tonal country-tinged tribute to a long-lost atonal musical trend. They combine wild musicality with soaring beauty and accessible hooks. They respect the roots of folk tradition, while always trying something different. Nathans, from the Philadelphia area, is an award-winning leader in the Philly songwriting community. Ronstadt, a member of his famous family from the Arizona-Mexico borderlands, is now a Cincinnati-based cello bandleader, teacher, touring artist, and much in-demand studio sideman. August 17, Grace Morrison Nashville-based singer-songwriter Grace Morrison brings a cast of relatable characters to every performance. She’s a daughter, a loner, a confidant, a partier, a restless rambler seeking an escape from small-town life, and finally, a mother. She has written with Nashville based multi Grammy winner Lori McKenna and country hit maker Barbara Cloyd. In 2022 she has already completed a cross country tour from Cape Cod to Utah and back with a busy festival season forthcoming. Awards have piled up along the way. A 2022 Songwriter Serenade and New Song finalist; in recent years she has also been named the Grand Prize of the New England Songwriting Competition (MA); the Wildflower Festival (TX) performing singer-songwriter contest and the WPRI Rhode Show Big Break. Grace was selected to be an Official Showcase performer at SERFA (TN), SWERFA (TX), and she was selected for the Emerging Artist Showcase at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (NY). September 21 – Rod Abernethy Rod Abernethy is a unique blend of an authentic southern folk troubadour, master acoustic guitarist and award winning composer for film, TV and video games. Rod is the 2021 Overall Grand Prize Winner of the International Acoustic Music Awards and the 2019 Winner of American Songwriter’s Bob Dylan Song Contest. His latest album “Normal Isn’t Normal Anymore” produced by Grammy nominated producer Neilson Hubbard (Mary Gauthier, Kim Richey, Glen Phillips) includes songs and instrumentals that revolve around family, friends and places across the Deep South. Rod has scored and produced music for over 80 video games including Electronic Art’s blockbuster hit Dead Space which won a BAFTA Award in 2009 and Tolkien’s The Hobbit for Vivendi Universal winning Video Game Soundtrack of the Year in 2003. Rod is also an adjunct professor of music composition at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston Salem, NC. October 19 – Kemp Harris Kemp Harris defies categorization. He is a singer-songwriter; a master weaver of American musical styles; an actor, activist, author, storyteller, and educator who taught young public school students for over 40 years. Kemp has acted in films and TV shows such as SMILF, and is comfortable sharing the stage with artists like Taj Mahal, Koko Taylor, and Gil Scott-Heron, as well as performing shows with his smokin’ band. Kemp’s powers of observation, his unique gift for shining a light on our modern world and

Registration Now Open! We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Conference, taking place in Asbury Park from November 9-12, 2023! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be a part of a dynamic community and grow your artistic career. Early registration pricing is available on a first come first serve basis. We are currently in the “Earliest Bird” phase with registration starting at $250. Get up to date information on opportunities and registration now at https://nerfaconference.org!   Showcase Opportunities This year’s conference will feature a wide variety of showcasing opportunities for artists, providing you with the chance to perform and connect with fellow musicians, presenters, and industry professionals. Be prepared to immerse yourself in an uplifting community experience, as we come together to celebrate our shared love for music and the arts. Visit the NERFA Conference website for more information on these opportunities!   Panels, Workshops, and Peer Groups (oh my!) In addition to the amazing performances, you’ll be able to attend workshops and panels led by industry experts, aimed at equipping you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed in the music industry. From networking to marketing, from performance techniques to career planning, our workshops and panels have you covered. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us for an unforgettable experience at the 2023 NERFA Conference. Secure your spot today!

Welcoming New Board Members to the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance The Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) is thrilled to announce the addition of two newly appointed board members: Joel Elliot, and Tara Shannon. Both brings a wealth of experience and passion for music, philanthropy, and community engagement. This strengthens NERFA’s mission to support and promote Roots, Folk, and Americana artists and presenters in the North American Northeast Region. Joel Elliott Joel Elliot joins the NERFA Board with valuable experience from his tenure at Folk Music Ontario since January 2020. Prior to that, he spent a decade at The Conference Board of Canada, organizing and marketing numerous conferences and webinars. Active in the Ottawa music scene, Joel and his partner were former co-hosts of The Monday Special Blend on 93.1 CKCU FM. He has also hosted The Ottawa Music Video Showcase and Live! On Elgin Open Mic on Rogers Cable 22. As a former board member of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, Joel still contributes to the programming committee. He helped deliver the 3rd Annual Capital Music Awards in May 2022. With a diverse background as a singer, composer, and entertainer spanning over 20 years, Joel’s expertise and passion for music will be an asset to the NERFA Board. Tara Shannon Tara Shannon, a singer/songwriter from Russell, Ontario, and the founder of Willow Sound Records, joins NERFA’s board with a strong passion for philanthropy. Through her music, Tara has supported various causes, raising funds for a young neighbor with epidermolysis bullosa and raising awareness for aboriginal youth and mental health services. As a mother of seven who balanced family life with a music career, Tara brings an invaluable perspective to the NERFA board. Her experiences as a mother deepened her songwriting and enrich her contributions to the folk community. As we welcome our newly appointed board members, we would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our outgoing board members, Sarah Porter, Kimberly Sinclair, and Michael Kornfield. We appreciate their unwavering dedication and service to NERFA. Their contributions have been invaluable, and their passion for supporting the folk community has greatly impacted NERFA’s growth and development. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors, and we know they will continue to make a difference in the world of music.