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The North East Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) is gearing up for its upcoming elections, a significant event for all eligible Folk Alliance International (FAI) voting members associated with NERFA. This election, set to take place from Monday, January 8, through Thursday,  February 8, marks a pivotal moment for the organization. Election Timing and Process: The election period opens on Monday, January 8, when ballots will be emailed to all eligible voting members. This window provides ample time for members to consider their choices carefully and cast their votes by February 8. What’s on the Ballot? This year’s ballot features six candidates running for three open spots on the NERFA Board. This election is crucial as the new board members will play a significant role in shaping the future direction and policies of NERFA. A Significant Vote: Following an online petition to remove the NERFA Board President (Justin Nordell) and Executive Director (Ethan Baird), the NERFA bylaws were invoked. The degree to which the Bylaws can be invoked to take these actions is limited as follows: The Executive Director is Staff, serving at the pleasure of the Board, and therefore can only be removed by the Board and not by a vote of the membership at large. Any board member may be removed from their position as an officer of the board (e.g., the President can be so removed) in one of two ways: with or without cause by vote of a majority of the members entitled to vote in the election of board members or for cause by vote of a majority of the board members then in office. The current board recently voted unanimously to retain Justin Nordell on the NERFA Board. He will continue in his current role as president until after the election of new officers. Members at large will have the opportunity to vote on whether to retain Justin Nordell on the NERFA board. Your Vote Matters: This election, especially the vote on the president’s position, is a critical moment for NERFA. It reflects the collective voice and decision-making power of its members. As a voting member, your participation in this election is vital. It’s an opportunity to influence the direction of NERFA and ensure that its leadership aligns with the members’ vision and values. Looking Forward: As NERFA continues to grow and evolve, the outcomes of these elections will play a crucial role in guiding the alliance. The elected board members and the decision on the president’s role will impact NERFA’s strategies, initiatives, and overall contribution to the folk music community. Stay Informed and Participate: Keep an eye on your email for the ballot on Monday, January 8. At our community meeting on Tuesday January 9 all candidates will be given five minutes to share their intents to contribute to the organization. Review the candidates, consider the question about the board president carefully, and make your voice heard. Your vote is not just a right but a responsibility to shape the future of the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance. The NERFA elections are more than a routine procedure; they are a reflection of our collective voice and vision. Participate, vote, and help steer the course of our beloved folk community.

Are you an artist planning to attend this year’s Folk Alliance Conference in Kansas City? The NERFA is excited to announce a opportunity for artists from our region to shine! This event is scheduled to take place from February 21-25, 2024, at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Why You Should Participate: The Folk Alliance International Conference is not just any event – it’s a platform where artists can perform in front of an audience comprising buyers, industry experts, and peers. This is your chance to achieve your professional goals for 2024 and beyond! Here’s What’s Happening: Friday Night: NERFA will be showcasing acts from our region. Saturday Night: It’s all about first-timers! If this is your first time at the FAI, here’s your chance to make an unforgettable debut. Special Collaboration: This year, we’re thrilled to partner with acts from FAR WEST for a coast-to-coast collaboration, taking place on either Wednesday or Thursday night. How to Apply: If you are already registered to attend the conference, we invite you to fill out our application form. Your submission will be juried, and if selected, you will be given a slot to showcase your talent. Remember, NERFA uses LIVE video for jurying, so make sure to put your best foot (or video) forward! Don’t Miss This Opportunity! To apply for a showcase opportunity at the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference, please visit our application form: Apply Here.   We can’t wait to see what you’ve got! Submissions will be reviewed, and we’ll be in touch in mid-to-late January with more information. Thank you for your interest, and we hope to see you at the conference! Join us in making the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference an unforgettable experience. Apply now and let your talent be seen and heard! Apply Here!

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

These are the meetings where we invite the community to an informal discussion of what’s going on, what we are doing, discuss first looks into programming and conference planning, and basically are there to discuss any questions on the community’s mind. Hope to see you soon! Code of Conduct for Community Meetings   Keep your share to 3 minutes or less (So we can include as many speakers as possible and address questions in our planned hour and fifteen minutes).  Allow one person to speak at a time (Raise your hand to indicate you’re waiting, or you can always put something into the chat box). Listen actively and speak thoughtfully, engaging in open, honest, and constructive dialogue. Maintain a safe and welcoming space for all (Critcism and disagreement in a civil conversation is good.) If you don’t know something for sure – ASK. Commit to ongoing learning and improvement of the community   Welcome to NERFA’s vibrant bi-weekly community meetings, where the heart of our organization comes alive in open discussions with our dedicated staff, board members, and the community we cherish. These dynamic gatherings serve as a testament to our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and the shared passion for fostering folk and roots music in the Northeast Region. Hosted on Zoom, these gatherings provide a unique opportunity for our community to connect directly with the individuals driving NERFA’s mission. Picture a virtual space buzzing with energy as assorted staff and board members come together to delve into the intricacies of our organization, the annual conference, and the evolving programming that fuels our collective growth. At the heart of these meetings is a commitment to inclusivity. Whether you’re a long-time supporter, a first-time attendee, or someone curious about the inner workings of NERFA, everyone is invited to listen, question, and actively participate in shaping the future of folk and roots music in the Northeast. Ethan Baird ([email protected]) Natalia Zukerman ([email protected])

We are excited to announce that Crys Matthews, a trailblazer in modern protest music and intersectional representation, will be our Saturday night keynote speaker at the NERFA conference on November 11, 2023. Crys Matthews is not just a musician; she’s a movement. Her music—a rich blend of folk, blues, and Americana—tells stories of life, love, and the quest for social justice. Her songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls “the poster-child for intersectionality.” Matthews has made significant contributions to the #BlackLivesMatter movement with her folk anthem, “How Many More”. This poignant song is a public vigil for the victims of police brutality, reciting their names and challenging listeners to care about their stories. Her music is a call to action, skillfully articulating the emotional toll the fight for equality has taken on Black people. At the NERFA conference, Matthews will delve into her experiences with modern protest music and intersectional representation. We can’t wait to hear her insights and are sure that her keynote address will be a highlight of the conference. Stay tuned for more updates on the NERFA conference and our incredible lineup of speakers and performers. Register Now

We hope you are looking forward to the upcoming NERFA conference as much as we are! We want to remind you to secure your accommodations at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, our official conference hotel. Exclusive Discount Rates Deadline: Wednesday, October 25 To take advantage of our exclusive discounted rates, make sure to book your room before Wednesday, October 25. Staying at the conference hotel not only ensures convenience but also immerses you in the heart of the event, allowing you to make the most out of your NERFA experience. Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel Details: Address: 1401 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 Discount Link! Phone: 855-516-1090 Reserve your room now to guarantee your spot and enjoy the benefits of being right where the action is. We look forward to welcoming you at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel and creating unforgettable memories together at NERFA!

The Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) is thrilled to unveil this year’s impressive array of private showcase rooms, offering an incredible platform for artists and attendees alike. These carefully curated showcases, hosted by talented musicians and music enthusiasts, provide over 500 performance opportunities, enriching the experience for all participants at the NERFA conference. Folk Music Notebook (Room 218) : Please Join us at Folk Music Notebook’s private showcase at NERFA, where we weave a musical tapestry blending cherished classics with the vibrant energy of fresh talents. This showcase will be both in-person and streamed to the virtual community watching from afar! Folk Music Notebook pays homage to timeless folk traditions through familiar melodies and heartfelt lyrics, while also introducing you to the next generation of folk artists. On Deck Sound Studio (Room 219): We are showcasing artists that have recorded at On Deck Sound Studio and friends of the studio. We are open to hosting new friends and artists soon to be friends as well, so please join us. One Broadway Collaborative Showcase (Room 220): Featuring numerous performers from the One Broadway Collaboration, this showcase brings together diverse talents for captivating performances. Covering Your Friends (Room 228): An interactive showcase where artists cover songs by their close songwriter friends, sharing not only music but also personal stories, creating a unique and intimate atmosphere. Philly Philly (Room 228): Showcasing the vibrant singer-songwriter scene from the City of Brotherly Love. Folk Vibes (Room 229): An enchanting showcase featuring artists who create immersive musical experiences, connecting with the audience through their unique sound and perspective. ALL MUSIC STARTS LOCAL (Room 231): In-the-round sets presenting artists committed to building artist communities locally and beyond, fostering connections and support. The Folk Project Showcase (Room 232): A showcase offering artists opportunities to connect and perform. Featuring 3 artists per half-hour in a round format on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, this showcase provides a platform for musicians to be heard and appreciated. RISA Rhode Trip (Room 423): Members of the Rhode Island Songwriters Association showcasing their talents, proving that exceptional music knows no borders. Skylands Songwriters Guild “Flamingo Room” (Room 424): An exclusive showcase for SSG members, focusing on original music and fostering creativity within the guild. Pat and Brenda’s Marvelous Showcase (Room425): Singer-songwriters from the Garden State take the stage in this delightful showcase. Crossroads of Tradition (Room 426): Presenting artists who blend old folk music traditions with fresh, innovative ideas, making folk music relevant and exciting for modern audiences. Live at the Hen House (Room 427): Highlighting talented women singer-songwriters, this showcase promises soul-stirring performances. Folk ‘N Great Music (Room 427): Featuring national singer-songwriters who have graced the stage of the Folk ‘N Great Music house concert series since 2003, this showcase celebrates musical excellence. Femmepire Records (Room 427): Gender Justice Showcase for Ladies and Theydies Canadiana Content (Room 428): Showcasing Canadian artists and their original music, this room brings together diverse talents from Montreal and Toronto, offering a taste of Canada’s rich folk music heritage. Anything But Guitars (Room 430): A celebration of musical variety, this showcase invites artists to showcase their talents on a wide range of instruments, excluding guitars, in 30-minute slots. Songs At The Heart Of Our Times (Room 430): A showcase dedicated to songs that address the challenges and hopes of our contemporary world, inviting artists to share their perspectives on the issues that matter most. NERFA Room (Bang Bang 1): A space dedicated to showcasing the outstanding talent within the NERFA community, highlighting the conference’s diverse musical offerings. Musical Chairs (Bang Bang 2): Hosted by Brad Yoder, this showcase invites solo and duo songwriters to participate in spontaneous collaborations in-the-round, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Healing the Climate (The Bridal Suite 216-217): A showcase welcoming songs on climate change and social change, encouraging artists to use their music as a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring positive change. NERFA extends heartfelt thanks to all the hosts, who, through their dedication and passion, have crafted an exceptional lineup of private showcases. These showcases promise to elevate the NERFA conference experience, fostering creativity, collaboration, and a sense of community among attendees. For more information about NERFA and the upcoming conference, please visit https://nerfaconference.org.R 424

Dear NERFA Community, Excitement fills the air as we proudly announce the official Formal Showcase order for this year’s NERFA conference! Get ready for two evenings brimming with musical brilliance, heartfelt performances, and unforgettable moments. The stage is set, and the talent is nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s a glimpse into the musical journey awaiting you on Friday & Saturday nights: Friday Night: 6:00-6:10 Welcome and Award Presentation 6:15-6:30 Acoustic Nomads 6:35-6:50 Rebecca Loebe 6:55-7:10 Youth in a Roman Field 7:15-7:30 Shauit 7:35-7:50 The Pairs 7:55-8:10 Intermission 8:15-8:30 Keynote Address by Livingston Taylor 8:35-8:50 Ellis Paul with Radoslav Lorkovic 8:55-9:10 Geneviève Racette 9:15-9:30 Jillian Matundan 9:35-9:50 Flamy Grant 9:55-10:10 Scott Wolfson and Other Heroes Saturday Night: 6:00-6:10 Welcome   6:15-6:30 Tim Ball & Upstate Crossroads 6:35-6:50 Sam Robbins 6:55-7:10 Suzie Vinnick 7:15-7:30 Katie Martucci 7:35-7:50 Introduction of the Board 7:55-8:10 Intermission 8:15-8:30 Keynote Address by Crys Matthews 8:35-8:50 Big Sky Quartet 8:55-9:10 Madeleine Roger 9:15-9:30 Cricket Blue 9:35-9:50 Sarah Peacock 9:55-10:10 Alice Howe & Freebo Prepare to be enthralled by exceptional music and to experience the spirit of camaraderie that defines the NERFA community. These two evenings are destined to be etched in our memories as we come together to celebrate the power of folk music and the artists who bring it to life. We eagerly await your presence at the conference, where passion, talent, and the love for music will converge to create an atmosphere of pure magic. See you there!