December 2023

That’s a wrap for the 2023 Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference! Thank you to all our attendees, virtual and in-person: the presenters, performers, DJs, fans, volunteers, mentors, panelists … all the people who create this space every year. As we unpack both our suitcases and our experiences, some further thoughts and thanks: NERFA is not a place or a hotel or a board of directors or a person, but a culture created by its community, different every year, but also familiar. It’s the kind of community where Crys Matthews would cancel paying gigs to save what she could of her powerful voice for our keynote. Where Steáfán Hannigan would play an instrument from the 18th century while donating thousands of dollars of his very modern video equipment to capture the performances of others. Where near strangers would room together. Where the bedazzled drag queen, Flamy Grant, might seem an unlikely match for our audience until the room was on its feet for that folkiest of messages – fighting the systems that oppress. Where the most respected tastemakers curate the humblest of house concerts, and bona fide folkstars feel comfortable enough to share juicy industry secrets in the panels and workshops. It’s two dozen music lovers making a living, late-night mixtape of a hotel hallway. It’s the people who signed an online petition, and then also showed up to a community meeting to document, listen and lend their voices. It’s all of you who show up in whatever manner you can to give whatever you have to offer, be it virtually, as a volunteer … as a voice. Thank you so much to all of you who gave your time, your talent and your perspective to continue creating our NERFA community. This conference reconfirmed that the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance is like the very music it celebrates: at the intersection of tradition and change. NERFA “the conference” is over for 2023, but NERFA “the community” is ongoing. It’s less of a tent city resurrected once a year, and more like a whole network of mycelium busy underground, periodically sending up a stunning display. Both parts of the lifecycle are important. Every stage of NERFA, year round, needs care and feeding. If you loved it, hated it, saw a need for improvement, please fill out the attendee survey (A quick survey went out yesterday. Expect a long-form one next week). Give us your suggestions and consider lending us your skills on committees. Keep showing up in this network of preparation and conversation to make our next stunning display even better. Thank you for being here. Your NERFA Team

Donate Now As the year draws to a close, the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) invites you to join its crucial end-of-year fundraising drive, an initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the rich diversity of folk music. This drive is more than a call for donations; it’s an invitation to become part of a vision where the unique melodies and stories of folk music are accessible to everyone, transcending cultural and generational boundaries. Our 2023 Impact: Your Support in Action This past year has been remarkable for NERFA, and it’s all thanks to our community of generous donors. With your support, we achieved significant milestones, notably awarding $10,000 in scholarships. This initiative has been pivotal in breaking economic barriers and fostering diversity at our conferences, enabling artists from the earliest stages of their careers to share their artistry and stories. Additionally, the launch of our “Coffee and Wood” series marked a new chapter for NERFA. This vibrant platform has become a celebration of talent, where artists from diverse backgrounds showcase their incredible skills, enriching the folk music landscape with fresh perspectives and sounds. The Core of Our Mission: Inclusivity and Connecting Generations At its heart, NERFA is more than just an organization; it’s a movement dedicated to inclusivity and cultural wisdom. Our ongoing initiatives, like the “Wisdom of the Elders” and “On the Griddle” segments in our podcast, serve as vital connectors between generations and cultures. These programs are not mere entertainment; they are essential threads in the fabric of our community, weaving together the old and the new, the traditional and the innovative. Your Role in This Continuing Journey To maintain the momentum and continue our vital work, we need your support. Every contribution you make plays a crucial role in fueling our mission to create and sustain inclusive spaces for artists and audiences alike.  Let’s Keep the Music Playing Imagine the impact of your support: more empowered artists, more shared stories, and a folk music community that’s stronger and more connected than ever. We invite you to join us in this mission. Whether your contribution is large or small, each donation makes a significant difference. We extend our heartfelt thanks to you for believing in the power of music and community. Your support not only helps preserve the legacy of folk music but also ensures its vibrant future. Let’s keep the music playing. Join us in making a difference. To donate or learn more about our initiatives, click here or contact us at [email protected]. Your support is instrumental in keeping the rich tapestry of folk music alive and thriving. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaFg2LpcLUQ