com·mu·ni·ty
[kəˈmyo͞onədē]
NOUN
1. a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common: “the FAR-West community”
2. a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals: “the sense of community that FAR-West provides in the communal conference & year-round activities that can be shared by everyone”
3. an opportunity to learn, embrace, and contribute through contributions: “pass on and mentor those who follow and carry it forward”
Join FAR-West at the 20th annual music conference!
The 20th annual music conference of FAR-West (Folk Alliance Region–West) is a gathering of the folk music industry and community to promote traditional, contemporary and multicultural folk music, dance, storytelling and related performing arts in the West. We are building a stronger folk community for everyone and we encourage you to join us as we share our performances, educational and professional growth opportunities and more!
It is sure to engage you in all things to make your heart beat, your mind expand, and build meaningful relationships.
During this three and a half day in-person gathering, October 12-15, 2023 there will be endless opportunities to meet tons of people in the world of independent music making, promoting, and listening. We’ll explore together the intersections of individual excellence and collective strength to understand what must be dismantled and what must be built. Our focus will be on deepening engagement, the sustainability of the folk genre, careers, businesses in the music industry, and the environment that supports us.
Featuring
- Venue’s Choice Concert
- Official & Private Showcases
- Best of The West and a Special Humanitarian Honoree
- Educational Panels & Workshops
- Networking & Peer Sessions
- Affinity Groups
- Jams & Open Mics
- Mentor Sessions
- Sponsorship
- Awards
- And so much more…
As we finalize programs, all registrants will receive alerts, and we encourage you to check back often for regular updates. This year we’re using the Whova event app. Use this app to see the agenda, build your itinerary, see where all the sessions are located, and connect with other attendees. An impactful and intentional program has been curated with you in mind. Whether you are an artist, industry professional, venue/presenter, DJ, educator, hobbyist, or fan, there is something for all!
Note: The app and Website will be available on July 15.
Official Showcases – Split between Friday (Oct 13) and Saturday (Oct 14) evenings, FAR-West features 14 Official Showcase Artists. There is only one Official Showcase happening at a time, and there are no other conference events during the Official Showcase time. In other words, all eyes will be on YOU when you perform!
More to come on the application process….
Private Showcases (PS) – formerly known as PGS are always buzzing with music and activity. This year we will have a limited number of private showcases that will be hosted in conference rooms from 10:30 PM – 2:00 AM, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
More to come….
To register, click the button below. You will be prompted to choose your ticket type, your lunch option (hotel restaurant is not open for lunch), pick any other add-ons, enter your personal info, complete the questionnaire, and pay.
Is the cost of conference registration problematic for you this year? If so, then you may be a candidate for a scholarship award through the Roz & Howard Larman Memorial Scholarship. Please watch this short video about the Larman Fund by Susie Glaze, former Larman Committee Chairperson, for more information and history.
- Learn more about how to qualify and apply at Roz & Howard Larman Memorial Scholarship – FAR-West Official Website.
Interested in supporting FAR-West? SPONSOR FAR-West
Why Join Folk Alliance International (FAI)? About FAI Membership – Folk Alliance International
Looking forward to seeing you at the conference,
Nancy Berk
FAR-West 2023 Conference Director