Do you feel ready to fill one of the 14 artist showcase slots at the 2025 NERFA Formal Showcase this coming November? If the answer is yes, submission applications for the formal showcase are now open!
NERFA’s Formal Showcase offers an opportunity for artists to perform live in front of our NERFA Conference attendees. By participating in the Formal Showcase, artists will have the chance to showcase their talents in front of industry professionals, presenters, and an appreciative audience. The Formal Showcases will take place on the evenings of Friday November 7th and Saturday November 8th.
The fee for submissions is $25 and is due upon submission for the Formal Showcase. (Follow the link to submit your application and to make payment)
Applicants are asked to provide a link to a live performance video (no audience required). The video must be the configuration (band or solo) you intend to perform with should you be chosen. (In other words – if you are selected and plan to perform solo, do not submit a video with a band.) Your performance video could be a live streamed performance or in-venue show. Videos must be a minimum of 10 minutes, a minimum of two songs, and should be less than 24 months old. An edited video submission (compiled from different live performances) is acceptable. Judges’ assessments are always subjective, but they will be looking at your performance, songwriting/arrangement, and musicality.
In addition to submitting a video link, our submission form will ask for a link or upload of a bio as well as your website information.
Your application for the Formal Showcase will also serve as an application for the
Curator’s Showcase.
The fine print:
- Artists previously selected for a NERFA Formal Showcase in the past 5 years are not eligible.
- Selected artists and all band members or backup musicians MUST be registered for the full conference. No exceptions. In the event a selected showcase artist or alternate is unable to attend the conference, or all members of the act are not registered by September 1, an alternate artist will be selected.
- By submitting and being selected for a showcase, you agree that NERFA may use your photo, video and songs in advertising for the conference.
- Your performance in the Formal Showcase will also be archived and NERFA reserves the right to use in post-conference promotion for NERFA.
- NERFA Board members are not eligible to submit applications for a Formal Showcase
- By submitting showcase entries, you indicate your understanding and agreement to the terms listed above.
IMPORTANT DATES
Formal Showcase Submissions Open Now!
June 23, 2025: Showcase Submissions Close at end of day (11:59 Eastern time)
July 14-20, 2025: Showcase artists and alternates notified and confirmed privately
July 21, 2025: Showcase artists and alternates announced publicly, after all submitting artists are notified of their final status
November 6-9, 2025: NERFA conference in Albany, New York at the Desmond Hotel