25th Annual Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference 2024
Folk Alliance International is a 501c3 registered US charity with 5 regional affiliate organizations, which includes SWRFA, that also presents conferences and other programming in support of its membership.
FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL (FAI) MISSION STATEMENT
To nurture, engage and empower the international folk music community - traditional and contemporary, amateur and professionalthrough education, advocacy and performance.
GOALS OF THE FOLK ALLIANCE
FAI has six areas of concentration to achieve the above mission. It seeks to strengthen and advance organizational and individual initiatives in folk music and dance through education, networking, advocacy, professional and field development, and consumer development.
1. Education - To increase understanding of the rich variety, artistic value, cultural and historical significance, and continuing relevance of folk music and dance among educators, media, and the general public.
2. Networking - To provide a bridge to and from folk music and dance organizations and needed resources, and to help those organizations link with their constituencies.
3. Advocacy - To influence decision makers and resource providers on the national, state, provincial, and local levels, insuring the growth of folk music and dance.
4. Field Development - To support and encourage the development of new and existing grassroots folk music and dance organizations.
5. Professional Development - To strengthen the effectiveness of folk music and dance organizations by providing professional development opportunities.
6. Consumer Development - To build a stronger consumer base by identifying and involving current and potential folk music consumers and players through programs, marketing, and outreach.
Welcome to SWRFA 2024
We are so glad that you chose to join us this year! This is a brief overview to remind us all of how this works. Very similar to last year’s reminders as the goals remain much the same, just some of the names, faces and topics change each year.
Some of us have been to many Folk Alliance International and other Regional Conferences since the organization began and have a pretty good idea of what to expect from this weekend. Other people are here for the first time. EVERYONE can benefit from the 1st Timers Advice panel offered on Friday morning at 9AM. Plus it is just fun with Hilary and Paul!
Regional Conferences do differ from the International Conference as they have the ability to offer more personal attention and more focus on regional issues. Also, although we are here to primarily do business, the schedule for the conference is intentionally lighter than the big conferences. And certainly, one of the most important things you bring home from a gathering of this sort are all the contacts and new friends you make; at a scheduled function, a jam session, or sitting by the pool. The person you sit next to at lunch might be the very one you had been hoping to meet. All this takes some of the ‘pitching’ aspect out of the connecting. It is a good idea to get out there and network, but the relationships you build may carry you further than you could ever have planned.
SEMINARS, MENTORING & PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Our programming committee has attempted to formulate a program with something for everyone. Please get to the seminars ON TIME! Our facilitators have very full programs to offer, and they will have no choice but to start and end exactly as scheduled.
OPEN EXHIBIT HALL
Here at SWRFA, we have embraced an open concept for the exhibit space. Everyone can participate by putting your schedules on the tables provided, listing gigs for the foreseeable future or just for the SWRFA Conference; touring schedules for artists or schedules for shows at venues. This area is for artists, venues, CD manufacturers, magazines that feature the music biz, all are welcome that have stepped up to be a part of the conference.
Please don’t take a CD unless you are a venue interested in that artist’s music. If you want to trade CD’s with another artist, please ask them directly. The items on the tables are to present and promote each and every one that leaves them there. This area is to provide a space to meet and talk about what you do and who you are, and what you are looking to accomplish at this conference and beyond. And to offer your products to the other attendees. Obviously, the schedules and stickers and smaller promo items are for everyone, and you are encouraged to take them. But please, be very aware of the value of artist CD’s.
Absolutely use this area and the time allowed to gather there, to do business. Mostly though, take home a feeling of the greatness in connecting.
We share meals for lunches, dinners and Sunday Brunch. This is a great way to meet new folks and care for your health and well-being without missing any of the conference.
Thanks for being a part of the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference (SWRFA)! -
SWRFA ACTIVITIES
Wednesday Sept. 25 - Kick Off Party & Open Mic Night
NeWorlDeli, 6:30pm
Join us for music, food & fun! Each registered artist may put their name in the ‘hat’ to do a song.
Thursday Sept. 26 - Dinner by the Pool
Hotel Pool, 5pm
Food - A buffet of great food sponsored by Berkalin Records. SO eat, drink and be merry because Brian and Pam love us!
Thursday Sept. 29 - Open Mic by the Pool
Hotel Pool, 6-10pm
Hosted by John Whipple and Parke Hedges. Registered artists can put their name in the jar at the Registration Table.
Friday Sept. 27 - First Timers Advice
Elm Room, 9am
A panel for first time attendees with Paul Barker and Hilary Adamson. Second and third timers welcome!
Friday Sept. 27 - SW RFA Welcoming Party
Elm Room Bar, 5pm
DJ reception for you to meet radio personalities face to face and use the FREE drink ticket that you got at registration!
Saturday Sept. 28 - Open Mic
Hotel Pool, 3:30-5:30pm
Sunday Sept. 29 - Brunch & Song Assignment Performances
Dining Hall, 11:30am-3pm
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
***Note all events are subject to change***
WEDNESDAY September 25
6:30-10PM: Meet and greet at NeWorlDeli for our conference kickoff meetup and open mic. Registered artists can drop their name in the jar to play, or just listen. NeWorlDeli is located at 4101 Guadalupe St. Austin, TX.
THURSDAY September 26
2-6PM: Registration Open - Lobby
When you check in, be sure to drop your name in the jar to be drawn for a spot at the Open Mic and draw your Song Assignment out for a spot at the Sunday Brunch. Also put your name in the drawings for all of the great RAFFLE ITEMS! Only $1 per ticket for some great opportunities like Folk Alliance conference registrations.
2-10PM: General Exhibit Area open. This is free space for all registrants to display schedules, CD’s, stickers/promo and visit with other attendees.
2:30-4:30PM: Concurrent Afternoon Seminars and Educational Panels
5PM: Dinner by the pool - A buffet of great food sponsored by Berkalin Records. Eat, drink and be merry because Brian and Pam Kalinec love us!
6-10PM: Open Mic by the Pool - Hosted by John Whipple and Parke Hedges. Be sure to put your name in the jar at the Registration Table to be included in the Open Mic.
10:30PM-12AM: Alternate Official Showcase - Elm Room. Sound: John Whipple and Parke Hedges. Emcee: Brian Kalinec.
FRIDAY September 27
9AM-11PM: Registration - Lobby / OPEN EXHIBIT AREA - If you have materials to put out on the information tables in the registration area now is the time to do it. This is an ‘open exhibit’ area available to all registrants, artists and venues, to display your schedules for the year or just at SWRFA, display your CD’s for venues to take with them and to visit in person with the folks you wanted to meet while you are here. Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to draw your Song Assignment for a spot at the Sunday Brunch.
9AM: First-Timers Orientation - Elm Room. Learn how to get the most out of your Conference experience, not just for First Timers really...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Presented by Paul Barker of Barker House Concerts and Hilary Adamson from the Flyin’ A’s.
10-11:30AM: Concurrent Morning Seminars and Educational Panels
11:45AM-12:45PM: Lunch - Hill Country Ballroom A-B
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
12:45-1:15 PM: Free Time - Nap, work on your song assignments, visit the information tables by registration or schedule an early One-On-One with industry professionals via the list at the Registration Table or by personal appointment.
1:30-3PM: Concurrent Afternoon Seminars and Educational Panels
1:30-3PM: First-Timers Showcases - 9th Floor. Here’s your chance to check out all registered artists who are at SWRFA for the 1st time. See the In–Room schedule pages for the lineup.
3:15-5PM: Sponsored Showcases - Hosted by Attendees on Floors 7-8-9
4-6PM: Folk DJ Reception - Elm Room
5-6PM: Welcoming Party - Red Pepper Bar & Elm Room (redeem SWRFA free Drink ticket here)
6-7:15PM: Dinner - Hill Country Ballroom A-B
7:30-10PM: Official Showcase Concert - Hill Country Ballroom C-D
10:30PM: In-Room Showcases - Hosted by Attendees on Floors 7-8-9
SATURDAY September 28
9AM-11PM: Registration Table and Open Exhibit Area. If you have not already put materials out on the information tables in the Registration area, now is the time to do it.
10-11:30AM: Concurrent Morning Seminars
11:45AM-12:45PM: Lunch - Hill Country Ballroom A-B
12:45-1:15PM: Free Time - Nap, work on your song assignments, visit the information tables by registration or schedule an early One-On-One with industry professionals via the list at the Registration Table or by personal appointment.
1:30-3PM: Concurrent Afternoon Seminars
3:30 – 5:30PM: Pool Party & Open Mic - Hosted by John Whipple and Parke Hedges. (Names will be drawn from registered performing artists that signed up at the main registration table.)
6-7:15PM: Dinner - Hill Country Ballroom A-B. The drawings for raffle prizes will happen at this meal.
7:30-10PM: Official Showcase Concert - Hill Country Ballroom C-D
10:30PM: In-Room Showcases - Hosted by Attendees on Floors 7-8-9
SUNDAY September 29
11AM: Brunch - Hill Country Ballroom A-B
11:30AM: Song Assignment Performances. All registered artists will be given a song topic to write during the weekend. Those who have taken part in this assignment may present their songs at Sunday Brunch. A conference highlight!
THURSDAY PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Thursday September 26
2:30 – 4:30PM Songwriting Workshop: Intro to Co-Writing (Oak Room)
This two hour workshop will focus on co-writing. We’ll demystify the process, discuss best practices, and even write a couple new songs during the session. Co-writing is a great way to collaborate with other artists, expand your reach as a songwriter, and deepen your musical vocabulary. It’s also the perfect way to break out of old habits, generate new ideas, and dismantle writer’s block.
Approaching guitar from a deeper perspective. Questions are welcome throughout and there will be the ability for each student to be given helpful feedback on how to maximize their playing.
1. On Tone:
How to achieve the best tone possible on your acoustic instrument. How to approach the instrument intentionally when we play it. IE Tonal production. Learn to eliminate tension in our playing. Lightening our touch to play louder. Our right hand (or left is everything)
2. On Creativity: playing with grooves, watching where and how notes land in a space, playing with Dynamics, alternate tunings, alternative techniques.
3. On Plugging In and Playing live: as a folk/ acoustic musician out instrument is our second voice. We have to learn to translate it in a space so that it is musical and welcoming, ideas and tips for plugging in / concepts, how does a guitar sit in a room, learning to play the guitar as a plugged in instrument, it’s not about gear!
Panelist: Ryan Biter
2:30 – 4:30PM “Multiple Capos, Altered Tunings and the Simplified Songs Project” (Pecan Room)
“I have also started a new curriculum called ‘Simplified Songs Project’, where some folks have sent me songs they are having problems playing (for whatever reason, health, injury, etc), and I’ve worked up an easier way to play the songs using 3 string capos and sometimes altered tunings to make 3 and 4 finger chords magically turn to 1 and 2 finger chords, enabling them to work around their issues, and still play the songs!”
This workshop is about expanding musical possibilities on the guitar and will introduce you to the magical world of multiple 3 string capos with altered tunings! The focus of the workshop is to begin to open up your musical thought processes to experimentation. There will be a packet of charts available of preferred places to put the 3 string capo in all altered tunings for students who attend.
Panelist: Bill Nash
FRIDAY MORNING PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Friday September 27
10 - 11:30AM MENTORING: One on One or in a group (Elm Room)
This year is a do it yourself model. It can begin now and continue throughout the weekend. Rather than signing up for a specific time/person you are encouraged to ask other attendees to have a conversation for 15 or 20 minutes to ask questions and gather information or just to compare notes. It might turn into a co-writing session, it might turn out that they say exactly what you needed to hear or know. It can be about anything you think you wanted to know or even something better! Make it yours...
10 - 11:30AM
FOUNDATIONS (Oak
Room)
Blue Rock Fdn, Rockport Association and Howlin’ Dog Group helping artists. A look at the amazing opportunities they are providing. Continuing the conversation begun at the FOLK + online conference these 3 venues/studios/foundations are here to share their missions and opportunities to support and acknowledge artists to move along on their journey of music.
Billy & Dodee Crockett Blue Rock Studios and Foundation
John Macy and Craig Griffin Rockport Songwriters Festival and Association
Don Richmond and Teri McCartney Howlin’ Dog Records Group
10 - 11:30AM Sync Licensing (Sycamore Room)
- What are the first steps I should take if I want to get licensing deals for my songs?
- What are music supervisors looking for when it comes to sync? What should I avoid?
- How often to send emails to supes? What subject lines are useful?
- What do I need to have together to send to sync - metadata? Copyright? Social media presence?
- How do I know if my songs are recorded at high enough quality to be used for sync?
- How does the process differ for Instrumental vs non instrumental music?
- If I only have an album (or two) of music, am I still a candidate for sync licensing?
- Pet peeves of supervisors - Successes and fails of artists
Panelists: Shauna Sweeney, Teresa Suydam, Joanna Starling, Graham Wilkinson, Mike Beck Shauna Sweeney Shauna Sweeney is a musician and songwriter who has released 4 albums and EPs and performed over 2500 gigs in the U.S. and internationally. She currently heads up the Concert Dept at Swallow Hill Music, working with a fantastic team to produce hundreds of shows per year including artists such as Emmylou Harris, Andy Grammer and Esperanza Spalding. She has been featured by USAToday and NPR, performed alongside Dave Matthews Band, Train, Gin Blossoms and 10,000 Maniacs. Her songs are currently rep’d by Audiosocket, a music licensing company with thousands of TV and movie placements.
In a world where melodies weave the very fabric of our identities, Teresa Suydam emerges as a beacon of inspiration & creativity. With Indigenous and Filipino heritage as a compass, Teresa navigates the vast ocean of music, seamlessly blending the roles of songwriter, artist, and producer. Teresa’s musical achievements shine bright, with their work resonating on TV networks like CBS and shows including The Young and the Restless, capturing hearts in the pages of Native Max Magazine, and echoing through the airwaves across the globe.
Joanna Starling is a Texas born, NYC based music supervisor and producer with 8+ years of ad agency life (Ogilvy and Publicis) and 4 years of freelance film music supervision experience. Her specialties include music searches and research, crafting original music briefs, music clearance, negotiation and licensing, as well as artist/brand partnerships and social media marketing integrations
Graham Wilkinson has placed songs on 4 episodes of Walker, had screen time playing in a bar and placed a song over the end credits for the move The Accidental Texan last year.
Mike Beck has recently been doing some presentations with music supervisor Steph Rushton (at Nordic Folk Alliance in Denmark, Tallinn Music Week in Estonia and ÉCU Film Festival in Paris, France) and she’s turned him on to some very interesting new developments in the sync world.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON ONE-ON-ONES & PANELS
Friday September 27
1:30 – 3PM Video Basics for Musicians (Sycamore Room)
Steef and Chris Sealy live in two creative worlds – video production and music. As longtime owners of a video production company in Denver, AND as singer/songwriters themselves, they know a thing or two about the simplest ways for musicians to make their own music videos. They’ll share their knowledge in a workshop designed just for musicians, complete with tips about techniques and equipment to capture and share our favorite songs.
1:30 – 3PM Takin’ Care of Business! Setting Up For Success in the Music Business (Oak Room)
Question: Do you know the secret of how to end up with a million dollars in the music industry?
Answer: Start with 2 million dollars!
Unless we already have a couple million in the bank, independent artists and songwriters need to make sure we are on top of the business aspects of our recording, songwriting and performing activities. This workshop will take participants through a check-list and review of critical business infrastructure for every performance / recording / songwriting career, including the setup, structure and form of your business, an inventory of intellectual property assets (copyrights and trademarks), and possible regulatory requirements. It will also include a discussion of important considerations for various common music industry contracts, music publishing matters, songwriter splitsheets, setting yourself up for successful licensing of your music to film / tv / videogames / advertising, how to get your royalties from performance rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, SoundExchange, the MLC and more.
Panelists: Chicago Mike Beck Access Film Music LLC, Mark Monroe Gibson Songwriter/Attorney, Stephen Bond Garvan Garvan Media, Management & Marketing
Song Assignments
Pick a topic when you arrive
The jar is at Conference Check-in
Write a song while at SWRFA, then share it at the Sunday Brunch! This is a favorite event at SWRFA!
SATURDAY MORNING PANELS
Sa turday September 28
9 – 10AM Focus on Venues (Open Forum style) (Pecan Room)
A time for Venues including House Concerts, Coffeehouses, Theaters and Festivals to meet one another face to face to visit, discuss, ask questions and share ideas. Please bring yours!
10 – 11:30AM TEDx by David LaMotte (Elm Room)
You Are Changing the World Whether You Like It Or Not.
It’s a hopeful message, reminding us that we don’t have to be extraordinary to make change, we just have to work together. David’s 2024 TEDx Talk was chosen by TED International as an “Editor’s Pick.” And has had over 45,000 views!
This workshop will focus on developing curriculum to teach better classes and lessons. We’ll discuss different venues for teaching from private lessons, to workshops, to full courses. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of in-person teaching and online teaching formats, and supply ideas for using online resources to bolster your lessons and classes. Teaching is a great way to build an audience, supply an extra income stream when touring slows down, become a better musician, and make a difference in people’s lives.
Panelists: Martin Gilmore and Jackson Emmer
10 – 11:30AM Artist Management and Marketing and Todays Music Industry Climate (Sycamore Room)
An in depth discussion with music industry professionals about strategies that can work for artist career management and promotion.
John Porter - Mood Indigo Entertainment
Stephen Bond Garvan - Garvan Media, Management & Marketing INC
Amy Speace - Performing Artist/Songwriter/Coach
KT Gardner - Rootstock Artists
SATURDAY PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Sa turday September 28
1:30 – 3PM Wisdom of the Elders (with a focus on the wisdom rather than the elder) (Elm Room) With so many new voices on the scene, countless changes in technology and communication, and the passing of friends and folk legends each year, it’s worth pausing every now and then to celebrate our history. Many of these community leaders and folk music pioneers have been interviewed individually over the years, but in 2010 Sonny Ochs entertained the idea of presenting legends and luminaries of the folk community in small group settings where they could interact and share stories and perspectives about their experiences over a lifetime in folk music. The first Wisdom of the Elders panel was held at NERFA (the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance) in 2010 and featured Oscar Brand, Theodore Bikel and David Amram
Moderator Rich Warren - DJ and retired host of WFMT’s “The Midnight Special,” and host/producer of “Folkstage” an in-studio concert series. Recipient of Folk Alliance International’s “DJ of the Year” award in 2008. And our SWRFA emcee Extraordinaire!
Joe Ables
Established the famed Saxon Pub in June 1990. BD: 7/30/53 Married 40 years next week. Three daughters. Three grandchildren. Semi-retired. Daughter Jodie runs the Saxon Pub. Sold Austin home last year and residing at our home in Rockport. Lots of traveling. Chair the board of directors of the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association. Been with TxHSA since inception in 2006. Producer of the annual Hall of Fame show at ACL Moody. Currently on the Advisory Board of the Rockport Songwriters Association. Loving life.
Harry Tuft
Harry Tuft says: I grew up in Philadelphia in a family that enjoyed music. I owe my first interest in folk music to the recordings of Pete Seeger and Big Bill Broonzy, and to Roger Abrahams and Bob Coltman, early influencers. I credit the Gilded Cage coffee house also as a great incubator in the late fifties in Philadelphia. I started a folk music store in Denver in 1962, the Denver Folklore Center, which I ran until I sold it to friends in 2016.I also brought people together to start the Swallow Hill Music Association in 1959, an organization which has grown into the second largest folk music organization in the country. Selling the Folklore Center has allowed me to concentrate on making music, a primary goal when I came to Colorado in 1960. (It’s only taken me sixty years to pursue my real love, making music for folks). I have also been a member of the group Grubstake, which has had a run for over forty years. It was dormant for a few years, but has once again surfaced for occasional performances.
Harry Tuft | Colorado Music Hall of Fame (cmhof.org)
SATURDAY PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Sa turday September 28
1:30 – 3PM Wisdom of the Elders - continued (Elm Room)
Kimmie Rhodes
The Austin Chronicle calls Kimmie “a prolific fixture in Texas music.” She enchants crowds with tales and songs related to her songwriting and performance, her collaborations with A-listers including Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, and Tom Petty, to name a few, along with stories of 30+ years on the road. The acclaimed singer-songwriter has released 19 solo albums; written and produced three musical plays; published a novella/cookbook and a memoir; and written many multi-platinum songs, recorded by such stellar artists as Willie Nelson, Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Joe Ely, Waylon Jennings, Peter Frampton, Mark Knopfler, Emmylou Harris, and others.
Radio Dreams
The Story of the Outlaw DJ and the Cosmic Cowgirl, a “duet memoir” that weaves her own poetic prose with wry and witty posthumous musings from her late husband, iconic radio personality Joe Gracey. Released in the Spring of 2018, Radio Dreams invites readers into their private world, returning Joe to the conversation to help tell the fascinating story of their lives.
1:30 – 3 PM Performance (Sycamore Room)
This is a comprehensive Performance workshop to shake what you already do well up a bit and challenge you to go deeper, connect more authentically. It’s a very simple method of questioning the performance in the moment to bring the performer to a new level of commitment. I’ve been teaching this class for over 20 years at The Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Song School, Kerrville Festival Song School, as Master Classes at Berklee College of Music and Northeastern University and privately to many coaching clients. I will work with as many as I can in the time given. Come with a song you know by heart and your guitar tuned. Not everyone will work. (I will also have copies of my new book To The Performer: A Singer-Songwriter’s Handbook for sale at this workshop) Panelist: Amy Speace
CONFERENCE MENUS
Meals are in the ballroom on the 1st Floor - buffet style. The line gets long, so come early. Prizes and announcements are given at dinner.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27
LUNCH
Healthy Buffet Soups: -Roasted Poblano and Corn Chowder -Chicken Tortilla Soup Salads: -Fresh Field Green Salad w/ assorted Salad Bar Toppings, and Dressings -Fresh Seasonal Fruit Salad Served with Warm Rolls and Butter Double Chocolate Fudge Brownies All Buffets include Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Freshly Brewed Iced Tea with Lemon
DINNER
Little Italy Buffet. Home Baked Meat Lasagna. Vegetarian Lasagna - Lasagna Noodles Stacked with Garden Vegetables, and Topped with a Zesty Tomato Sauce. Served with: Fresh Italian Green Salad w/ 2 dressings Romaine Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, Red Bell Peppers, Cucumbers and Carrots. Sprinkled with Parmesan Cheese. Ratatouille, Warm Garlic Bread Sticks. Dessert - Tiramisu. All Buffets include Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Freshly Brewed Iced Tea with Lemon Wedges
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28
LUNCH
Build Your Own Sandwich Buffet Selection of Assorted Thin Sliced Deli Meats (Roast Beef, Smoked Turkey Breast, and Sugar Cured Ham) Sliced Deli Cheeses, Tomatoes, Leaf Lettuce, Red Onions, Pickle Spears and Assorted Condiments Served with a Fresh Field Green Salad, Southern Potato and Pasta Salad, and Texas Potato Chips Assorted Bakery Breads and Rolls and Assorted Freshly Baked ‘’Texas Size’’ Cookies All Buffets include Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Freshly Brewed Iced Tea with Lemon Wedges Vegetarian Option - Grilled Mixed Vegetable Plate
DINNER
Fresh Field Green Salad, Vegetable Medley, Mashed Potatoes (vegetarian), Meatloaf. Served with: Warm Rolls, Chefs Choice of Dessert. All Buffets include Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee and Freshly Brewed Iced Tea with Lemon Wedges. Vegetarian Option - Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry. Set on Separate Buffet tables
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29
BRUNCH
Omelet Station with assorted condiments, Scrambled Eggs also on the line for those not interested in Omelets Fresh Seasonal Sliced Fruit and Berries Biscuits and Gravy Crisp Bacon Cottage Fried Breakfast Potatoes Assorted Rolls, Croissants, Muffins and Danishes Butter and Preserves Freshly Squeezed Orange & Grapefruit Juice Coffee, Decaf and Specialty Teas
VEGETARIAN AND GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL MEALS. NOTE: ALL MENUS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
ALTERNATES SHOWCASES - Thursday September 26
The Alternates Showcase is Thursday night after the Pool Party beginning at 10:30PM in the Elm Room.
Emcee Brian Kalinec. Sound by John Whipple and Parke Hedges.
AJAYE
Stacy Antonel
Jeff Black
Dana Wylie
Sarah Golden
Hudson Mueller
Thank you to our
BERKALIN RECORDS
Brian and Pam Kalinec
Kim & Mary McDowell
BIG BEAR PRODUCTIONS
Scott Twiford
Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (SWRFA) Board Members
Andrew Delaney, PRESIDENT
Natalie Price, VICE-PRESIDENT
Rachel Laven, SECRETARY
Dalis Allen, TREASURER
Steve Ray Jim Jones
Brad Raley
David Broyles
Jackson Emmer
Dalis Allen, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The newly elected board members for 2025 will be seated during this Conference at the Annual General Meeting on Saturday. EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION
DON’T FORGET
SWRFA 2025 ONLY $175*
Stop by the registration table and sign up for 2025. *$175 Early Bird Special! LIMITED TIME OFFER.
2024 OFFICIAL SHOWCASES
The Official Showcases are in the Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Midtown from 7:30PM – 10PM and are open to the public for a $15 cover each night.
Sound by rche, emcee Rich Warren
Friday September 27
Wes Collins
Lila Blue
Martin Gilmore
Tai Shan
Alicia Stockman
Jaime Michaels
Amy Speace
Lost Patterns
Saturday September 28
Youth in a Roman Field
Kenny Foster
Geneviève Racette
Ryan Biter
Lily Talmers
Nathan Evans Fox
Ryan David Green
Casii Stephan
2024 OFFICIAL SHOWCASES - FRIDAY
WES COLLINS
Wes Collins’ songs dig deep and go to uncertain, sometimes scary places. Come for a haunting melody and some intricate fingerpicking and stay for the wit and deep literary intelligence. There is always more to find in a Wes Collins song.
LILA BLUE
(all pronouns) is a twenty four year old non-binary and queer folk musician, singer-songwriter, playwright and performer based out of New York City. Their projects navigate themes of grief, joy, being queer as the day is long, and collisions with a ghost or two. Their fourth album, “Sweet Pea,” (11/10/23) was recorded in Nashville at Moxe Studios. Ann Powers of NPR Music notes, “They bring an incredible authority to songwriting and singing... enormous fearlessness and panache.” Lila is a winner of the 2024 Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation Grassy Hill New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters.
MARTIN GILMORE
a soaring troubadour of modern folk, weaves tales with strings that resonate through time. His nimble fingers find harmony in the tapestry of folk and country, skillfully blending tradition with innovation. Born on the prairies of Nebraska, he now lives in Denver, Colorado. A poet with a guitar, Martin’s lyrics dance between heartache and hope, painting vivid portraits of the human experience. In 2024 he won the Telluride Troubadour and the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriters Showcase songwriting contests. From small-town stages to packed amphitheaters, his melodies captivate audiences, inviting them on a journey of introspection and joy.
TAI SHAN
is an Americana songwriter whose music has been featured in Billboard Magazine, American Songwriter, Americana UK, and on NPR. Based out of Nashville, her songwriting focuses on positive messages. Her song, “Burn it Down” celebrates 100 years since the “right to vote” and was featured in Billboard Magazine. A magna cum laude graduate of Cornish College of the Arts, Tai Shan and her husband Austin who beatboxes and plays trumpet as the other half of the group toured the United States, Mexico, and Canada, performed for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and at the famous Bluebird Café in Nashville.
2024 OFFICIAL SHOWCASES - FRIDAY
ALICIA STOCKMAN
Among the Utah mountains she calls home, Alicia Stockman draws inspiration from the landscape’s rugged honesty and its deliberate pace. Influenced by Jewel, Susan Tedeschi, Grace Potter, and the Indigo Girls, her music weaves through folk, blues, and pop, with a dash of country, landing under the banner of Americana. Her lyrically rich compositions, intricate guitar work, and sultry-sweet vocals have earned her honors in spaces such as Songwriter Serenade, Tucson Folk Festival, and Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival. Her song “Halfway to Houston” was recognized in American Songwriter’s top 100 songs for the 2022 Song Contest.
AMY SPEACE
Heralded by Rolling Stone and Billboard Magazine, Amy Speace is one of contemporary folk and Americana music’s leading voices of the new generation. Lauded by mentors Judy Collins, Tom Paxton and Janis Ian, as well as the songwriting community in Nashville, her songs have been recorded by Judy Collins, Red Molly, Sid Selvidge among others. After 20 years of touring, she has played concerts all across the US and Europe and has graced stages from Glastonbury Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival in the UK to Rocky Mountain Folks Festival and Mountain Stage. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, Salon.com, American Songwriter, No Depression.
JAIME MICHAELS
is grateful for a life in music, which began in the Boston folk scene. That was followed by a decade of jam band rock and roll with The Truly Dangerous Swamp Band. Since returning to his first love, acoustic music, Jaime has released 12 studio albums to critical acclaim, including numerous NM Music Awards. He counts his Kerrville Main Stage performance and his Italian tours among the highlights of his career. His songs are infused with romance, humor, and above all, kindness. For Jaime it’s always been about the song. And he’s a great cook.
LOST PATTERNS
Lost Patterns is an acoustic roots duo from Austin, Texas featuring Beth Chrisman and Silas Lowe. The pair combine original songs and a deep love of traditional American music to craft a deeply personal sound.
2024 OFFICIAL SHOWCASES - SATURDAY
YOUTH IN A ROMAN FIELD
is the surrealist folk project of artist, teacher, and activist Claire Wellin. Her progressive sound (described as a combination of ‘Appalachia, cayenne pepper, and ghosts’ and ‘like Radiohead but also folk music’) is created using woven string loops, soaring violin melodies, and powerful vocals. Her band’s most recent album, Get Caught Trying, released November 2023 via Brooklyn’s Better Company Records, explores self-worth, power, loss of faith, care, and collective healing. She is working on a new record about her family history with partial support from the New York State Council on the Arts.
GENEVIÈVE RACETTE
Canadian Folk Music Awards recipient Geneviève Racette released her most successful album “Satellite” on March 18, 2022, collaborating with City and Colour. She has earned praise from Rolling Stone and CBC, with over 3 million streams, as well as Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Tom Paxton. Geneviève has performed more than 100 concerts in Canada and the United States in the last few years and has collaborated with artists such as The Bros. Landreth, The Clements Brothers, Sam Robbins, Abbie Thomas and Halley Neal. Her 4th album is set to be released in October 2024.
KENNY FOSTER
A long-form man in a soundbite world, Kenny was named to Rolling Stone’s ‘Artists You Need to Watch’ list, while No Depression said of his performances: ‘powerful stuff indeed’. Given the moniker ‘Thinking Man’ s Country’ by Lyric Magazine, he’s shared the stage with Buddy Miller, Kacey Musgraves, Mary Gauthier, Brandy Clark, Jamey Johnson, Mindy Smith, and played festivals in London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Singapore. Making two full-length records with Grammy winners Mitch Dane and Vance Powell, touring 19 countries, and traveling over 250,000 miles, Kenny has found a fiercely independent way to survive without compromise.
RYAN BITER
is the aimless, eccentric, tactless kid you went to school with growing up that you always kind of wondered what happened to after high school.With equal measures of irreverence, sharp insight, and vulnerability, Biter invites audiences to be open to our profound humanness. Weird, wonderful, and flawed. Think of him like a guitar playing Mr. Rodgers for messed up adults. Biter is a nationally touring artist and a four-time featured songwriter at the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, a 2022 Kerrville New Folk Finalist, a 2022 Songwriters Serenade Finalist, a 2023 Red Lodge Songwriting Competition Finalist, and a 2023 finalist at the Wildflower Festival Al Johnson Songwriting Competition.
2024 OFFICIAL SHOWCASES - SATURDAY
LILY TALMERS
hopes her voice will lull you into Midwestern-accent-induced submission. Once called “a real artist in a sea of abc family series previews,” she hopes her songs are in fact, as the same person also said, “not a finger painting of a mood.” A metro-Detroit native who now resides in Brooklyn, New York, released her second fulllength album, “Hope is the Whore I Go To,” on July 29th, 2022. Her hope is not to be tied down by genre, but rather to engage with “folk music” as it is most loosely defined-that is, “the music of the people.”
RYAN DAVID GREEN
’s music has been called “virtuosic acoustic guitar that is remarkably accessible” with fast fingerwork that is always in service of unmistakeable melodies. One half of the award-winning folk-rock duo Ryanhood, Ryan has performed on four continents, been profiled in Acoustic Guitar Magazine, endorsed by Takamine Guitars, and twice been named “Best Guitarist” in the Tucson Music Awards (where he currently resides). His debut solo-guitar album ‘Off and Running’ features a blend of instrumental guitar pieces and delicate vocal tunes, which Acoustic Guitar Magazine calls “a relative rarity: a hummable guitar album for fans of both instrumental guitar and singer-songwriter music.”
NATHAN EVANS FOX
Born and raised in western North Carolina, Nathan Evans Fox writes songs that sound the way gas stations feel. When it comes to Nathan’s approach, Americana Highways writes, “It’s not cornpone, it’s not alt-country, country-western, or pop-country. Fox has a solid hold on a serious genre of country seldom covered by many artists. It cuts through the commerciality of country music.”
CASII STEPHAN
is a MN born, Tulsabased singer-songwriter who weaves together elements of soul, rock, and folk-pop. Casii’s “gorgeously emotive voice inspires comparisons to alt-pop artists like Florence Welch and Fiona Apple with a writing style reminiscent of Carole King” (NPR). Her songs resonate with emotional depth and fearless honesty, challenging harmful societal norms like sexism, ageism, and the expectation for women to ‘play nice. She has been featured in Billboard, SPIN, Earmilk, American Songwriter, and NPR. Casii’s highly anticipated “Relationship Status EP”, produced by Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes, St. Paul and the Broken Bones) releases Sept 2024.
2024 CONFERENCE REGISTRANTS
NAME AFFILIATIONS
Joe Ables Rockport Songwriters Assoc. saxonpub@yahoo.com TX
Mark Abrahams Singer/Songwriter rmarka@live.com TX
Elizabeth Abrahams Music lover vieau@live.com TX
Hilary Adamson Performing Artist theflyinas@gmail.com TX
Stuart Adamson Performing Artist theflyinas@gmail.com TX
Amira Al-Jiboori Manager amira@casiistephan.com OK
Dalis Allen SWRFA and EMPRESS dalis@dalisbooks.com TX
Ed Amash Performing Artist/Venue Host edamash@gmail.com TX
Gloria Anderson Songwriter gloriaandersonmusic@gmail.com TN
Stacy Antonel Artist stacy.antonel@gmail.com TN
Paul Barker House Concert Host pbarker78746@gmail.com TX
Victoria Beare Songwriter vicbeare@gmail.com NC
Chicago Mike Beck Artist/Festival Presenter info@accessfilmmusic.net IL
Kate Bellinger Volunteer red2tx@yahoo.com TX
Robin Bienemann Performing Artist robin@robinb.org IL
Jenny Bienemann Performing Artist jenny@jennybienemann.com IL
Ryan Biter Performing Artist bookingbiter@gmail.com AZ
Jeff Black Performing Artist jeff@jeffblack.com TN
Rita Bliss Performing Artist ritablissbanjo@gmail.com TX
Andrew Bobker Stage Manager andrewbobker@gmail.com TX
Paul Boedeker Singer/Songwriter pboetex2@gmail.com TX
Hamp Brockman Musician hampbrock@yahoo.com TX
Sherry Brokus Performing Artist sherrybrokuspatton@gmail.com TX
Victoria Brooks Fan vicyea54@gmail.com TX
Deann Brown Performing Artist info@deannrene.com TX
Susan Buescher Music Lover susanmb25@gmail.com NM
Allysha Bureyko Performing Artist team@ajayemusic.com TN
Meredith Carson Radio DJ meredith1615@icloud.com CO
Beth Chrisman Performing Artist lostpatternsmusic@gmail.com TX
Stephen Clair Performing Artist stephenclair@gmail.com NY
Lila Blue Coley Performing Artist kat@wildgrassent.com NY
Wes Collins Performing Artist wes@wescollins.com NC
Cary Cooper Performing Artist/Song Coach ccteacherchick@gmail.com NC
Roxi Copland Performing Artist roxicopland@gmail.com TX
Graham Wilkinson Performing Artist grahamwilkinsonmusic@gmail.com TX
Jimmy Willden Fest Organizer & Performer willdenbooking@gmail.com TX
Jay Williams Performing Artist JayMusic333@gmail.com TX
Ruth Wunderlich Venue RuthEllen@me.com TX
Dana Wylie Performing Artist dana@danawylie.net AB
Sue Young Performing Artist sueyoungmusic@gmail.com TX
Rockport/Fulton TX
Rockport Songwriter Association
The Rockport Songwriter Association (RSA) is a 501(c)3 non profit organization dedicated to nurturing and promoting the art of songwriting through out the Coastal Bend and the State of Texas.
Rockport Songwriter Festival
The Rockport Songwriter Festival is held the 2nd weekend of November at The Harbor Tent at Charlotte Plummer's in Fulton, TX.
Peer Nominated songwriters are brought to Rockport to spend a week in a world class recording studio with a producer/engineer/mentor to record a collection of their songs, including a full CD package at no charge.
www.rockportsongwriterassociation.com
Rockport Song Cast
2024 IN-ROOM SHOWCASES
FLOORS OF FOLK
Beginning at 10:30PM Friday and Saturday nights these floors are flooded with music. Go check it out!
7TH FLOOR
Room 704 - Texas Sugarbaby Room – Glynace Eastham
Room 709 - Tuesday Song Circle - Tracy Weinberg
Room 716 - The Alamo Room - John Whipple
Room 721 - Access Film Music – Mike Beck
8TH FLOOR
Room 804 - People’s Republic of Austin - Jan Seides
Room 816 - Handshake Management/Berkalin RecordsBrian Kalinec and Charlie Stewart
Room 821 - Sudden Creek - Marghi Allen
9TH FLOOR
Room 904 - HAAM - Tom Tranchilla
Room 909 - Song Circle Houston - Ed Amash & Ted Miller
Room 915 - Blue Rock Fdn – Billy Crockett & Chick Morgan
SWRFA RAFFLE ITEMS
FOLK ALLIANCE CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS:
FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL (FAI) February 19 – 23, 2025 (2)
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL FOLK ALLIANCE (SERFA) May 8-11, 2025
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL FOLK ALLIANCE (SWRFA) September 24 – 28, 2025 (2)
FAR-West REGIONAL FOLK ALLIANCE October 8-12, 2025
FOLK ALLIANCE REGION MIDWEST (FARM) October 23 – 26, 2025
NORTHEAST REGIONAL FOLK ALLIANCE (NERFA) November 2025
CHARLIE STEWART – ONE YEAR OF HANDSHAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
$1 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE REGISTRATION TABLE. BUY A WHOLE BUNCH! THANK YOU.
Fresh from a tour of Ireland, this pairing of musical styles should not make sense on paperbut tell that to the Irish audience!
Randy Brooks: the man who brought the world “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer," and former SESAC songwriter of the year, sings songs that have his unique - some might say bizarre - spin of life.
Frank Martin Gilligan: Texas singer songwriter, former member of Capitol recording artists Mason Dixon, Kerrville New Folk, Songwriter Serenade and Wildflower winner brings a more serious side to the table.
Time and again, audiences comment on how well the alternating styles of these two singer/songwriters combine to create a unique and entertaining show. Booking house concerts and shows for 2025 Contact: frank@frankmartingilligan.com Randybrooksmusic@sbcglobal.net
