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The NERFA Nominating Committee is pleased to announce that a total of seven candidates will appear on this year’s ballot to run for NERFA’s board of directors. These include the four candidates (Sarah Craig, Bernie Drury, Kemp Harris, Aaron Tornberg) that were put forward by the nominating committee, as part of the recommended slate — as well as three additional candidates (Jake Bush, Amy J. Putnam, Jayne Toohey), who submitted petitions, each with ten validated letters of support. All candidates with their brief bios are listed below.  The nominating committee would like to send their best wishes to all of the candidates, and appreciate their commitment toward moving NERFA forward.  The voting period will begin toward the end of October as managed by Folk Alliance International. Details to follow. Please note that as per the new FAI rules approved by the FAI board, a member can only vote in FAI and regional elections if they have their membership active and in good standing 14 days prior to ballots issued. Members who purchase or renew their membership after this time period will not be eligible to vote in this election. And for this election, members must have designated NERFA as their regional affiliation.   FAI is also expecting only people to take out voting membership if they are actively working in folk music.  Please confirm that you are presently active, directly and substantially, in the fields of folk music, dance and the related performing arts. If you do not fit this requirement, please consider joining as a Community Member.    FAI’s membership application also states: This [community] non-voting membership is reserved for non-industry professionals, non-artist members – mostly active fans, students, volunteers, or enthusiasts. Non-voting memberships are for those who don’t participate in the music industry but still support the goals of Folk Alliance International.   If you have questions about membership, please visit the Folk Alliance website or contact them directly.     BIOS OF THE CANDIDATES (in alphabetical order by last name):   JAKE BUSH – Jake has been a member of the Northeast and NERFA music communities for over 15 years as a musician and event producer.  He co-founded the band Pesky J. Nixon, plays in the Baker Thomas Band (14 years), co-founded the music organization Tribal Mischief, and booked/stage-managed The Lounge Stage at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival for 10 years.  His ability to listen and respond effectively is respected both on stage and off, as he has played sideman to countless artists, served on NERFA’s panel committee (and several panels), and helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for various charities.    SARAH CRAIG  – Since 1995, Sarah has served as Executive Director of Caffe Lena, the historic nonprofit folk music venue in Saratoga Springs, New York. With a background in arts administration and a deep love for live music, Sarah has revitalized the venue’s programming and community outreach. Her commitment to preserving the rich legacy of folk music while embracing innovative performances has earned her acclaim in the arts community. Before taking the reins at Caffe Lena, she earned a BA in Psychology and Women’s Studies from the University of Vermont, where she developed organizing skills as an activist on campus and in Burlington.   KEMP HARRIS  – Kemp is a dynamic American singer-songwriter, acclaimed for his soulful blend of folk, blues, and R&B. He’s also an actor, activist, author, and storyteller, and an award-winning educator who has taught young public school students for more than 40 years. Known for his powerful voice and compelling lyrics, Harris has captivated audiences across the country with his evocative storytelling and engaging performances. His career spans decades, during which he has released several well-received albums and shared stages with prominent artists. Kemp also serves on the board for Passim in Cambridge, Massachusetts.   BERNIE DRURY  – Bernie is an esteemed music professional and current President of the Skyland Songwriters Guild. With a profound dedication to fostering songwriting talent, Bernie is actively engaged with the music community that supports and inspires artists. His background in business and songwriting, coupled with a passion for education enables him to contribute to an environment where emerging and established songwriters can collaborate and flourish. Before retiring in 2020, Bernie spent 22 years as the VP of Sales and Marketing serving the Aviation Industry.   AMY J. PUTNAM – I am Amy J. Putnam, a New Hampshire based visual artist, folk/acoustic music fan, photographer, writer, and webmaster with social media experience. For the past couple of decades, I’ve been attending, volunteering, and merching at concerts and conferences, allowing me to cultivate relationships within all corners of our community. I look forward to a chance to further serve this great region by helping to facilitate communication and growth in whatever ways are needed. Also, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and with a hearing disability, I bring numerous perspectives useful for enhancing the resource potential of NERFA.    JAYNE TOOHEY – Jayne Toohey is a nationally known freelance photographer who for more than four decades has specialized in capturing folk music performers and events. She has a BFA in Photography from the School of Visual Arts. In 2018 Jayne was the photo editor of “Smiling Banjo”, about the Philadelphia Folk Festival. She has been active for many years in Folk Alliance and NERFA conferences and events, including as editor of the NERFA conference program book. From 2005- 2009 Jayne produced the “Naked Folk Calendar” as an effort to promote health insurance for folk musicians. Jayne resides in Media, Pennsylvania. AARON TORNBERG  – Aaron is the founder and director of the non-profit arts organization, One Broadway Collaborative, which he founded in 2021 as a communal arts space in the heart of Lawrence, Massachusetts. They hold collaborative music and arts events, concerts, theater performances, poetry and prose readings, and display local art on its walls. Aaron has over 30 years of experience as a performer and songwriter. He is also working on cross-genre collaborations with non-profit organizations and a young, diverse group of musicians and artists to create a multicultural music and

Congratulations to our Round two winners! Their songs will be shared with radio stations as part of an annual CD compilation, and they will also receive a $100 gift card to Elderly Instruments. Thank you to our judges, Melissa Ferrick and Cindy Howes, who thoughtfully listened to over 150 submissions to find these remarkable songs.    All registrants for NERFA 2024 (both in-person and virtual) can submit once every quarter! The next chance starts October 1. The Commuter – Jenna Nicholls I’m hooked the moment the emotional piano begins and the New York cinematic vocals from Jenna unfold this sweet and timeless story. Cindy Howes On-Air Host & Producer NPR MUSIC & FOLKALLEY.COM Her ability melodically to leave me wanting the next part of the story is mesmerizing. Jenna points out universal moments in our lives and even though they’re personal to her, I don’t feel left out. The level of descriptive writing in her lyrics is astonishing. Melissa Ferrick Songwriter Rad Juli – Zoe Guigueno This conjured the smartness and delivery of early Suzanne Vega with the structure and musicality of Elvis Costello. Actually, if those two had had a baby, it would be Zoe. Melissa Ferrick Songwriter This very unique song immediately draws you in with its clever lyrics and interesting rhythm. Cindy Howes On-Air Host & Producer NPR MUSIC & FOLKALLEY.COM Recovering Optimist – Abigayle Kompst The melody of this song sucks you and gently sways along. Cindy Howes On-Air Host & Producer NPR MUSIC & FOLKALLEY.COM It reminded me of Auld Lang Syne, where it has this kind of sadness because it’s the end of something, but a sense of finding camaraderie in the fact that you’re not alone. Melissa Ferrick Songwriter Thank you to Elderly instruments for sponsoring this year’s Songwriting Competition!

Moira Smiley’s four-hour masterclass will not only prepare us for NERFA’s community/group sing(s), but also offer fresh, embodied tools for creating and sharing music. These tools come from Moira’s work with wildly diverse artists like Tune-Yards, Solas, the Lomax & Folklife Projects, a lifelong study of traditional folksongs, countless university residencies, and choral music commissions. Her original songwriting and arranging are informed by percussive movement, expansive vocal techniques, and balancing personal, solo creation with communal, improvisation, embodied creation with others. This Wednesday (November 20th from 2:00PM to 6:00PM) class is an opportunity to deepen your musical expression, embody your stories, and build confidence to take on leadership with authenticity. Using traditional forms while fostering new, musical discoveries, you will learn new techniques that will open your mind and voice to a vast array of expressions. Moira’s endless curiosity and grounded energy has led her to be described as a “musician’s musician.” Beloved and wildly talented, this masterclass offers a rare opportunity to spend time with a singular artist who will help broaden your technique through a transformative and joy-filled, musical experience.  Register Now

Congratulations to our Round 1 winners! Their songs will be shared with radio stations as part of an annual CD compilation, and they will also receive a $100 gift card to Elderly Instruments. Thank you to our judges, Ellis Paul and Marilyn Rea Beyer, who thoughtfully listened to songs from nearly A THIRD of our current conference registrants.  All registrants for NERFA 2024 (both in-person and virtual) can submit once every quarter! The next chance starts July 1.https://youtu.be/PsyihOQyfic Chasing the Light – Ash & Eric Emotional truth is expressed with deft economy in an extended metaphor borne by a tender, airy melody in “Chasing the Light” by Ash & Eric. Marilyn Rea Beyer Host of the Midnight Special WFMT 98.7FM …solid lyric and song, beautiful arrangement…. Believability is the thing that consistently pulls me in. I want to know the singer is embedded in the song, and you have that in spades. Ellis Paul Songwriter Reckoning – Sean Kiely “Reckoning” by Sean Kiely balances poetry and lifeblood like a warm hand in yours on a cool night or iced lavender lemonade on a devil-hot day.  Marilyn Rea Beyer Host of the Midnight Special WFMT 98.7FM You truly stuck out from the crowd for me— beautiful melody, chord colorings that were fresh sounding, a well written lyric. And it felt like I was listening to someone rooted in folk music who was doing something with forward thinking. Ellis Paul Songwriter Trapeze – Kate McDonnell Kate McDonnell wallops you with a vivid image that puts an essential life lesson on the Jumbotron in “Trapeze.”  Marilyn Rea Beyer Host of the Midnight Special WFMT 98.7FM Congrats Kate on a great song with beautiful delivery. You have a way with melody and lyric. Hope to see you sing again in person soon! Ellis Paul Songwriter Thank you to Elderly instruments for sponsoring this year’s Songwriting Competition!

Get ready, because Melissa Ferrick is coming to NERFA! Known for being one of the most prolific, generous, and hardworking artists in the business, Ferrick  is nothing short of legendary. After opening for Morrissey in both the U.S. and UK, Ferrick landed a deal with Atlantic Records at just 21 years old, dropping her debut and sophomore albums under their banner. From 1996 to 1999, she cranked out three more albums with the indie label W.A.R. Records. Then, in 2000, Ferrick launched her own independent label, Right On Records, taking the reins of her musical destiny. Fast forward to the 2010s,  when she published two more critically acclaimed records with NY-based MPress Records. Over the past twenty-five years, she’s unleashed a whopping seventeen albums, earning a ton of awards for her songwriting, production, and electrifying performances. She’s shared the stage with legends like Morrissey, Joan Armatrading, Weezer, Tegan and Sara, Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco, k.d. lang, and many more. But Melissa’s talents don’t stop there. As a Professor of the Practice at Northeastern University, she teaches the next generation of music business pros about everything from songwriting and demo production to the psychology of creativity. Before that, she spent six years shaping minds at Berklee College of Music. Oh, and did we mention she’s got an Ed.M from Harvard? Yeah, she’s that impressive. Melissa also runs the Drive Music Agency (DMA), a booking agency and consulting company that’s all about empowering indie artists. DMA helps musicians with everything from publishing and royalties to touring and creative development, connecting like-minded creators with industry experts. NERFA is beyond excited to have Melissa Ferrick sharing her wealth of knowledge and passion. Her keynote address promises to be nothing short of inspiring. Don’t miss out on hearing from one of contemporary music’s most influential figures! Register Now

Want to hear about “every stupid, inexplicable and bizarre thing that could happen to a pair of young idiots … naive enough to think they could play folk music for a living?” As a kid, Canadian folk musician Garnet Rogers spent many hours in front of the old floor model radio listening to Grand Ol’ Opry broadcasts and harmonizing with his brother, Stan. By 18, he was a full-time road musician, part of one of the most influential duos in the history of North American folk music from 1973-1983. A producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist, Garnet Rogers has since established himself as a formidable solo artist. Hailed by the Boston Globe as “one of the major talents of our time,” his vocal and instrumental talents are complimented by an undeniably powerful physical presence – close to six and a half feet tall – with lungs to match. With his “smooth, dark baritone” (Washington Post), his incredible range, and his thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, his music (like the man himself) is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. As memorable as his songs, his over-the-top humor and lightning-quick wit should make him a keynote for the books. We’re talking cop chases, pot dealing, biker bar brawls with “beer and blood everywhere,” living in a hippie school bus with a wood stove inside it. Breeding thoroughbreds. Witnessing an all-out brawl with guys “ripping each other’s beards off” at a Bob Dylan concert level interesting. We cannot wait to hear what he’ll have to say as one of our three keynote speakers this year!” Register Now

Key Information: The series is open to formal showcasing artists from the previous year. All shows have a minimum guarantee of $400 We are only looking for opportunities for Thursday or Sunday concerts. Welcome to the second year of the Coffee and Wood series, a concert initiative sponsored by NERFA, designed specifically to revive and rejuvenate touring opportunities for artists in the folk roots and Americana music scenes. After the overwhelming success of last year’s series, which presented eight vibrant concerts, we’re thrilled to bring even more to the table this year, continuing our mission to support the community and keep the music playing. The inception of the Coffee and Wood series stemmed from the unique challenges our community faced post-pandemic. As venues began to reopen, artists found it increasingly difficult to stitch together four to five-night tours, a staple for sustaining a musician’s career. The feedback was clear and pressing: our artists needed help. In response, NERFA took a proactive approach, reaching out to an array of unconventional spaces that could host performances on typically quieter days, like Thursday or Sunday afternoons. This strategy was not only about finding stages but creating new opportunities for artists to connect with audiences, ensuring the music never stops. This year, the Coffee and Wood series expands its reach with a number of new venues sprinkled throughout our vibrant Northeast music corridor. From cozy cafés to 100 year old stunning music halls that echo the rich timbre of acoustic guitars, each location has been handpicked to enhance the musical experience and foster intimate connections between performers and audiences. These spaces are not just venues; they are sanctuaries where community and culture thrive and where artists can tell their stories in the most authentic settings. Moreover, this series is not just about venues; it’s about creating a viable, sustainable model for touring that artists use as the industry continues to adjust post-pandemic. The introduction of a new series of public grants has been a game-changer in this respect. These grants are specifically designed to support artists, enabling them to plan and execute more meaningful tour schedules. As we celebrate our second annual Coffee and Wood series, we invite you to join us in this unique celebration of music and community. Each concert is more than just a performance; it’s a gathering of like-minded souls, a place to meet old friends and make new ones, and a chance to experience the raw, unfiltered heart of folk music. Whether you’re a long-time folk fan or new to the scene, these concerts promise something for everyone—a chance to relax, unwind, and be moved by the power of music. Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for updates on concert dates, featured artists, and behind-the-scenes content. Let’s keep the music playing and the spirit of our community alive as we continue to support and celebrate the artists among us. Together, we can ensure that the tradition of folk and Americana music not only survives but thrives. Join us, bring a friend, and become a part of the story that is folk music today.

Calling All Songwriters! We are excited to introduce the NERFA Songwriting Contest, a new initiative to celebrate the rich diversity of talent within our community!    This is a fantastic chance for songwriters to showcase their artistry and the passion that drives it. We’re on the lookout for songs that demonstrate exceptional songcraft – those compelling tunes that make us think, “I wish I’d written that!” We are seeking songs that are both timely and timeless, original, and can stir our emotions without the need for overproduction – songs that resonate with us and become the soundtrack to our lives.    The contest will be held quarterly, with the top three songs from each round being selected. These winners will contribute to an annual CD compilation, which will be shared with radio stations. Winners will also receive a $100 gift card to Elderly Instruments. Eligibility: To enter, you must be registered for the 2024 NERFA conference, either attending in person or participating virtually. All registered members will receive an email on April 1st with instructions for submission. Submission Deadlines: Round 1: Opens April 1 | Closes May 15 Round 2: Opens July 1 | Closes August 15 Round 3: Opens October 1 | Closes November 15 Round 4: Opens January 1 | Closes February 15 (Participants must have attended the 2024 NERFA conference) This is your moment to shine and be recognized within our dynamic songwriting community. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! You may submit one song per quarter. If your song is not chosen, you may submit it again as many times as you like. If chosen, please do not submit again!

The Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) is pleased to announce the election of Joel Elliott, Lisa Kaston, and Cheryl Prashker to its esteemed Board of Directors. With a wealth of experience and passion for folk music, Joel Elliot, Lisa Kaston, and Cheryl Prashker bring valuable insights and expertise to NERFA’s leadership team. Their dedication to the folk music community will undoubtedly contribute to the organization’s ongoing mission to support and promote folk music in the Northeast region and beyond. Additionally, NERFA would like to address the recent ballot question regarding the membership status of Justin Nordell on the Board of Directors. The result of the ballot question was No, indicating that Justin Nordell will remain a member of the NERFA Board of Directors. NERFA extends its sincere gratitude to all members who participated in the election process and looks forward to the continued success and growth of the organization under the guidance of its newly elected Board members. Meet Your 2024 – 2027 Board Members Joel Elliott Bio Joel Elliott is the Operations Manager of Folk Music Ontario (FMO), Canada’s largest provincial organization devoted to the folk, roots, and traditional music community, and organizers of the annual FMO Conference, which attracts upwards of 800 folkies from across Canada and the US each year. Previously, he spent a decade at The Conference Board of Canada, marketing and delivering upwards of 20 conferences and 100 webinars per year. Joel hails from Ottawa, Ontario where he is active in the local music scene. He is a former community radio (CKCU 93.1) and television (Rogers 22) host, and former board member of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition. He currently sits on the programming committee for the Capital Music Awards.  Ballot Statement As the current secretary of the Board of Directors, my goals are to learn more about the folk community and the people within, build stronger connections between artists and industry across borders, and work to make the NERFA conference as effective and fruitful as possible for each and every participant. Lisa Kaston Bio Lisa Kaston has been co-planning and presenting concerts, online showcases, special events and festivals for the past ten years, three of which she served as board president of Connecticut Folk. She also recently served two terms on New Haven’s literacy volunteer board. While on CT Folk’s board, Lisa’s passion and efforts were directed toward engaging a widening community through collaborative planning and grant-funded programming. The main stage of the 2023 CT Folk Festival was named in Lisa’s honor, in recognition of her work with CT Folk and the community. Her musical interests remain eclectic, having spent her earlier years exploring jazz, rock and folk music in NYC.   Ballot Statement I’d like to use my skills and experience to help widen NERFA’s reach to new venues/presenters, to strengthen outreach to a diverse group of artists/other professionals, and for broader participation on NERFA’s board and committees. I also wish to support grant-seeking/sponsorship efforts to enhance outreach, scholarships and other identified goals. Cheryl Prashker Bio Cheryl Prashker studied classical percussion at McGill University in her hometown of Montreal, where she landed her first international tour. She honed her skills as an accompanist in New York City, earning tour spots with Eric Andersen, Pat Wictor, Tracy Grammer, Jonathan Edwards, Zoe Mulford and more. She is a founding member of Celtic Roots band RUNA. As an administrator, Cheryl spent 15 years working alongside NERFA founder Dianne Tankle, eventually joining the Board of Directors and serving seven years as President. Cheryl now makes her home in Ontario, where she is Artistic Director and General Manager of the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, College, and Kids Camp.  Ballot Statement Since I first attended, NERFA opened up a whole new world for me and became my community. I am proud of the time I spent as an employee and on the Board. I hope to help move the organization forward while honoring its past so we can grow together, not apart. View our current board members here.

Every year, NERFA (Northeast Regional Folk Alliance) members nominate and elect board members who represent folk music industry leadership and help shape the future of our organization. The upcoming annual election  closes on February 8, with the candidates posted below, including photos, bios, and platform statements. A secure online election ballot has been distributed by email to all voting members of NERFA. There are three open seats in this election for three-year terms commencing in March 2024. Meet Your Candidate Here are the current candidates on the ballot. Candidates recommended by the NERFA Nomination Committee are marked with a (*). Joel Elliot* (INCUMBENT) Bio Joel Elliott is the Operations Manager of Folk Music Ontario (FMO), Canada’s largest provincial organization devoted to the folk, roots, and traditional music community, and organizers of the annual FMO Conference, which attracts upwards of 800 folkies from across Canada and the US each year. Previously, he spent a decade at The Conference Board of Canada, marketing and delivering upwards of 20 conferences and 100 webinars per year. Joel hails from Ottawa, Ontario where he is active in the local music scene. He is a former community radio (CKCU 93.1) and television (Rogers 22) host, and former board member of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition. He currently sits on the programming committee for the Capital Music Awards.  Ballot Statement As the current secretary of the Board of Directors, my goals are to learn more about the folk community and the people within, build stronger connections between artists and industry across borders, and work to make the NERFA conference as effective and fruitful as possible for each and every participant. Lisa Kaston* Bio Lisa Kaston has been co-planning and presenting concerts, online showcases, special events and festivals for the past ten years, three of which she served as board president of Connecticut Folk. She also recently served two terms on New Haven’s literacy volunteer board. While on CT Folk’s board, Lisa’s passion and efforts were directed toward engaging a widening community through collaborative planning and grant-funded programming. The main stage of the 2023 CT Folk Festival was named in Lisa’s honor, in recognition of her work with CT Folk and the community. Her musical interests remain eclectic, having spent her earlier years exploring jazz, rock and folk music in NYC.   Ballot Statement I’d like to use my skills and experience to help widen NERFA’s reach to new venues/presenters, to strengthen outreach to a diverse group of artists/other professionals, and for broader participation on NERFA’s board and committees. I also wish to support grant-seeking/sponsorship efforts to enhance outreach, scholarships and other identified goals. Cheryl Prashker Bio Cheryl Prashker studied classical percussion at McGill University in her hometown of Montreal, where she landed her first international tour. She honed her skills as an accompanist in New York City, earning tour spots with Eric Andersen, Pat Wictor, Tracy Grammer, Jonathan Edwards, Zoe Mulford and more. She is a founding member of Celtic Roots band RUNA. As an administrator, Cheryl spent 15 years working alongside NERFA founder Dianne Tankle, eventually joining the Board of Directors and serving seven years as President. Cheryl now makes her home in Ontario, where she is Artistic Director and General Manager of the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, College, and Kids Camp.  Ballot Statement Since I first attended, NERFA opened up a whole new world for me and became my community. I am proud of the time I spent as an employee and on the Board. I hope to help move the organization forward while honoring its past so we can grow together, not apart. Pam Robinson Bio Pam Robinson has been involved in the folk music scene for nearly 30 years, with experience ranging from serving as NERFA volunteer coordinator and infrastructure planner to producing musical events for The Folk Project. Involving herself in all aspects of production, she has been the creative force behind numerous music festivals, concerts, and workshops (both musical and technical). Pam has also organized fundraisers, including applying for and receiving grants and producing silent auctions. She has served as a volunteer at Folk Project events, the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and the Great Hudson River Revival (aka Clearwater). Ballot Statement To me, NERFA is all about community. My goal is to encourage people from within the community to get more involved with the organization and conference. I also want to work toward expanding our community to include more diversity, both in people and music. Carolann Solebello Bio Carolann Solebello is a performing songwriter born and bred in NYC. A founding member of both Red Molly and No Fuss and Feathers, Carolann first attended NERFA in 1999 and returned nearly every year until 2018. Between 2013 and 2018, she was NERFA’s first “guerrilla keeper,” connecting performers with private showcase hosts, guiding first-timers, and organizing the master showcase schedule. A proud member of AFM Local 1000 and the Jack Hardy Songwriters Exchange, Carolann has hosted open mics, run concert series, facilitated workshops, and won songwriting awards. She tours regularly and is currently working on her sixth solo album.  Ballot Statement For more than twenty years, NERFA has given me kinship, support, and frankly, a career. I have been enriched by both deep-rooted traditions and fresh ideas, and empowered by the common values that bind us together across generations. Our roots give us strength to rise. Our history powers our future. Tracy Walton* Bio Tracy Walton is a versatile music professional, known as a singer-songwriter, bassist, producer, author, and studio owner. Starting his musical journey at age ten with a guitar, he later studied jazz at the Hartford Conservatory, majoring in upright bass performance. He also holds a BA in music history and a minor in literature. In the mid-nineties, Walton formed a successful jazz trio, performing 200 shows annually. His tenure at The National Guitar Workshop saw him authoring three educational books and collaborating with David Bromberg. Balancing teaching with performing, Walton has released 17 albums in various projects, including four solo albums, with “Small Town America” in 2021 being his latest. Presently, he produces music at his On