SERFA 2012 ... Is it May yet??

Okay, it's not May quite yet, but it will be soon so Christine and Betty are busying putting together yet another exciting SERFA conference. We'll be in Montreat, NC again, and I can't tell you what a beautiful setting we have in Montreat. The Assembly Inn is spacious yet comfortable, and the staff is just delightful.

Official Showcase Applications are now being accepted via Sonicbids and our online and mail-in forms will be ready by the end of the week. Registration will open by then as well.

Each year gives us the opportunity to meet new folks and reunite with old friends. Come join us, whether you're a new face or a part of the SERFA family already. It's a good time you shouldn't miss.

Recap of SERFA 2011

Whew. What a whirlwind that was, eh? Seems like SERFA 2011 was over before it began! Changing our conference dates from October to May put the conference directors in a crunch, but Christine and Betty made some fantastically tasty lemonade out of all of it!

Our attendance this year was record-setting at just over 170 people! Thanks to everyone who attended, and to those who couldn't make it, we hope to see you in 2012. Our attendees came from across the country, with a good portion of folks from right here in the SouthEast.

This year saw the introduction of a couple of new panel categories for SERFA - videography and health. Okay, not simultaneously... Our videography clinic was a first on the SERFA schedule and was well received. The health workshop covered stretching for musicians and was also well received. These are two areas I'm happy to see us cover, as video becomes a more integral part of sharing our music and of course, our health is always of the utmost importance. If we aren't healthy, ain't nobody happy.  :)

How to describe the official showcases....let me think...Outstanding. I am so proud of the artists who performed for us. Each night was filled with a variety of styles and auras. I admit we suffered some sound issues, but we made corrections where we could and have learned from the experience. 2012 promises to be just as outstanding!

David Holt, our keynote speaker, knocked it out of the park with his presentation. He is 100% captivating, regardless of your age, background, folk-style... He shared a musical history that many of us may have missed. A charming and entertaining storyteller, David enthralled us all with his tales of visiting with some known and some unknown fathers and mothers of folk music in the SouthEast.

SERFA wouldn't be possible without Christine Stay and Betty Friedrichsen or the volunteers. Thank you all so much for everything you do.

2012 - here we come!!

SERFA on the radio? Why, yes. WNCW rocks.

Here we are one month away from SERFA. That buzz is the air isn't just spring, I can tell you that.

WNCW's Pam Bunch interviewed me about SERFA coming to Montreat. The piece aired on the local NPR Morning Edition recently. Thanks to Pam and WNCW! Listen here.

Couple of reminders...

**Book your sleeping room at Montreat. Go to our Accomodations page and click the reservations link.

**Deadline to reserve ad space is April 25th.

**If you haven't already, join the SERFAfolk Google Group. If it gives you any guff, email me and I'll set it straight.

**Betty and Christine are the shiznit. (As if you needed to be reminded...)

Folk Alliance and SERFA

I want to say "Thank you" to everyone who came to the SERFA regional meeting at FAI in Memphis. It was early Friday and I know, trust me I know, how hard it was to roll out of bed and downstairs at 9am after a 4am night of music. 

Our turnout this year is encouraging for a couple of reasons. First, it tells me that we have a strong community of people who are involved and interested in the future of SERFA. Secondly, because many of you were veteran SERFA-ers, it tells me that we are doing something right and you are coming back for more. And that, my friends, warms my heart endlessly. It was also great to get to answer your questions face to face and to hear your thoughts and ideas in person. Thank you for sharing.

And kudos to your co-conference director, Betty Friedrichsen, who gave a great overview of Montreat and the beauty that awaits us in North Carolina. She and co-conference director Christine Stay are working tirelessly to create an amazing conference for us all. Thank you, ladies.

As for Folk Alliance, it was a great year in Memphis. I was excited to see so many familiar faces. Making new friends is always a bonus, and there were plenty to be made. How cool to see so many SERFA artists and friends showcasing and hosting beautiful rooms upstairs!

I can't tell you how proud I was to have people come up and ask about SERFA and how they can be involved. Bottom line is this...SERFA is your community. And it is strong. What Kari and her team built is growing still and I am proud to be leading us into 2011. 

Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to May. We'll be posting more information as it becomes available. And as always, if I or Betty or Christine can help in any way, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

-kim

Deadline for Showcase Apps is here!

You heard me correctly. Today (Feb 28th) is the deadline for showcase applications. So, there is no more time to delay! If you are thinking about coming to SERFA in May and want the chance at an official showcase, jump online and send in your submission today. 

You still have time to submit via Sonicbids, or if you have links to your music online you can submit via our website form here. Either way, the fee is $25 and no, one way is no better or more effective than the other. We have options for you, not for us.

There you have it. From the time of writing, you have about 9 hours left to apply. The countdown is on!