Last weekend I attended the annual conference of the Folk Alliance Region, West. I had worked sound at one several years ago, but never had a chance to experience the event as a participant. It was a life-changing experience- a paradigm shifter.
To radically distill a summary of this amazing affair, I can say that its essence is a gigantic audition orgy. Artists mingling produces a tremendous wave of creative energy, allows cross-pollination and spawns new partnerships. There is a wonderful awards brunch with speeches and fun, and there are some great-sounding workshops which I firmly intend to make it to next year, but the main upshot of this event is that artists get to meet, begin to know (or renew and deepen relationships with) the presenters, promoters, hosts and venue operators who connect them to their audiences.
I don’t believe any mortal being could possibly have experienced even a tenth of what they would like to have experienced at the Irvine FAR-Wrest conference. 1500 guerilla showcases, and I made it to ONE. 73 Premiere showcases, and it was simply not physically possible to cover more than about 30, unless one spent more time and energy jumping back and forth than listening. In such a ‘target-rich environment’ I found myself frequently on oveload and opting for whatever was closest. Got in a refreshing jam session with some kids from Washington State, met Pete Steinberger who teaches guitar at McCabe’s, and learned some really important methods of teaching and talking about chord and progression theory for string players. Got face time with some wonderful people in the Exhibit Hall, and got hugs from some of my favorite folks as we passed in the halls. As I told Bev Barnett (FAR-West Vice President) , ‘The conference was espresso to the usual folk fests’s drip.’ Now I must consider making DesertSong Productions a member of the Folk Alliance, and begin scheming on how I can manage transport, lodging, and perhaps even our own guerilla showcase series in San Jose next year. In the meantime, of course, there’s the November showcase to promote, and the Christmas show to plan…….
—WayneSL
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