NERFA

As part of this year’s festivities, NERFA is proud to present a special screening of “You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine”!

The film is a star-studded tribute concert film, captured in October 2022 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, honoring the legendary songwriter’s enduring legacy. Featuring heartfelt performances and behind-the-scenes stories, the event brought together family, friends, and acclaimed artists like Bonnie Raitt, Steve Earle, Brandi Carlile, Tyler Childers, Lucinda Williams, Dwight Yoakam, the War and Treaty, Valerie June, Ramblin Jack Elliott-and-Bob Weir, and more, all to celebrate Prine’s life and music on the iconic stage.

This special screening is only for NERFA attendees, it is not open the public. We will be screening the film two weeks prior to its national theatrical release.

We are tentatively planning a question and answer with some of the films producers following the screening and will announce details when their plans are confirmed.

Join us at NERFA for this special screening on Friday November 7th at 2pm in the King Street Ballroom. This special screening is in advance of its theatrical release and is open to all registered attendees of this year’s nerfa conference.

If you haven’t already registered, visit our website at www.nerfaconfence.org . NERFA 2025, taking place at the Desmond Crowne Plaza in Albany New York, November 6th through the 9th. Hope to see you there!

Check out the film’s trailer below: https://youtu.be/wVQQc-8lcXs?si=_VTdjwaZ6sfoVfVt

NERFA would like to thank Erik Balkey of Hudson Harding Music for creating, releasing and promoting this CD to the folk radio community!

RELEASE: NERFA Songwriters, Vol. 1

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These songs were selected by Catie Curtis, Cindy Howes, Ellis Paul, Helen Leicht, Marilyn Rea Beyer, Melissa Ferrick, Robby Hecht and Sarah Craig to represent excellence in songwriting from members of the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance community. The community is grateful to this esteemed panel and the leadership and direction of Natalia Zukerman, Ethan Baird and Ron Olesko.
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Here is the track list...
- Ash & Eric - “Cherish the Light”
- Sean Kiely - “Reckoning”
- Kate McDonnell - “Trapeze”
- Jenna Nicholls - “The Commuter”
- Abigayle Oakley - “Recovering Optimist”
- Zoe Guigueno - “Rad Juli”
- Rebekah Hawker - “Twenty-Nine”
- Maggie’s Wake - “Bridget O’Brien”
- Julian Taylor - “Weighing Down”
- Mt. Juliet - “Mirror”
- Eli Lev - “They Say”
- Kemp Harris - “Goodnight America”

The hallway is where your next season of shows takes shape. NERFA isn’t just about stages—it’s about those impromptu chats that turn into bookings, brilliant ideas, or brand-new friendships. Bring your stories, bring your business cards, bring your curiosity and songs. See you in Albany this November!

Register Now: https://nerfaconference.org/

NERFA 2025 is open for YOU. Whether you run a venue, book a festival, host shows in your living room–or you’re the one carrying a guitar case–this is your conference. Register now for showcases, panels, consulting sessions, and the networking that fuels a whole year of folk. Prices go up as the big weekend gets closer!

Register Now: https://nerfaconference.org/

Because this is where music moves forward. At NERFA, artists bring the songs, presenters bring the stages, and together we build the folk world of tomorrow. Albany, NY, November 6 - 9: be in the room where new tours, new collaborations, and new communities begin. Don’t just hear about it later—be part of it. November 6 - 9, Albany, NY.

Register Now: https://nerfaconference.org/

The real NERFA? It happens in conversations. Musicians sharing songs. Presenters swapping strategies. Festivals, venues, and house concerts discovering their next season’s talent. It’s the hallway hugs, the panels that spill over into dinner, the late night jams that turn into partnerships. Join us for the mix of artistry and professional connection that makes NERFA unique. November 6 - 9, Albany, NY.

Register Now: https://nerfaconference.org/

REGISTRATION IS OPEN - SEE PRICING! Artists, presenters, music industry folks—NERFA is your crossroads. Musicians come ready to play, and presenters come ready to listen, learn, and book shows. From showcases to best-practice panels to hallway conversations that turn into seasons of programming, this is where the business and the magic happens. Lock in your badge today! November 6 - 9, Albany, NY.

Register Now: https://nerfaconference.org/

We’re honored to welcome Janis Ian to this year’s conference as our Saturday Keynote Speaker!

Her career began in 1967 and spans decades of powerful songwriting, bold activism, and creative brilliance. With timeless songs like “At Seventeen” and “Society’s Child”, two Grammy wins, and a deep commitment to philanthropy and advocacy, Janis Ian’s influence is profound. In addition to delivering the keynote, she’ll also join our Wisdom of the Elders panel...don’t miss it!

If you want to learn more about Janis’ story, the documentary Janis Ian: Breaking the Silence is streaming now.

Other Announcements:
‼️Formal Showcase submissions close TODAY at 11:59pm!
📝Early bird registration ends June 30 at 11:59pm

Reminder! On Tuesday, June 17, and Wednesday, June 18, FAI and the regions are offering a two day online conference called FOLK+. It’s free for members, though donations are welcome (and will be split up/distributed to all of the regions). NERFA’s offerings are:

Tuesday at 2:15 PM Eastern
Strong, Seen, and Singing: Navigating the Current Political Landscape
Join Kemp Harris, Reggie Harris, and Jillian Matundan for this discussion.
(1 hour)

Wednesday at 2:30 PM Eastern
Meet the Region: NERFA
Come and join some members of the NERFA board for an open chat to better get to know each other.
(1 hour)

All details, the full schedule, and registration details are online at https://www.folk.org/folkplus/2025

The Board of Directors is beyond pleased to announce our Friday Keynote speaker for the 2025 Conference:

Flamy Grant!

From her 2022 debut album, Bible Belt Baby, to her Formal Showcase appearance at NERFA in 2023 and far beyond, Grant continues to bring her unabashed truth to her music and presence. Appearing at NERFA 2025 will be a moment not to be missed.

Don’t forget:

📆 Community Meeting – Tuesday, June 10 @ 7:30 PM ET on Zoom

📝 Formal Showcase apps due – June 23 @ 11:59 PM ET

🎟️ Register now at nerfaconference.org

PLUS:

🎤 Catch us at FOLK+ (June 17–18) with FAI & regional partners. Free & online!

You are cordially invited to the next NERFA Community Zoom meeting which will take place on Tuesday June 10th at 7:30pm Eastern Time. Here is the link -

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87269079325

Meeting ID: 872 6907 9325

We will be focusing on this year’s NERFA Conference and answering questions you may have and also introducing our new conference director, Katie Riggs. In addition to sharing information about some of the guests and events we are planning, we will also discuss a few changes for the Private Showcases (formerly known as Guerrilla Showcases), meal options, registration deadlines, and whatever questions you may have.

Please note - seating in this Zoom meeting will be limited to 100, so get there early. We will be recording and make it available for those that can’t attend, and if you have a question and can’t attend, please send an e-mail to [email protected]

Deadline Jun 23. Link in bio.