Considering the history, a quote from Jana Holland
Folk Alliance is almost here, and I’m excited to make my first trip to the February international conference.
This month, I’ve been writing blogs about how to stand out, how to approach radio DJs, how to network. Today, I’ve been thinking about all of the hard work that goes into putting an event of this size, and also the history of Folk Alliance organization, how all of us have a story about how we found out about the conference.
I found out about FAI from a house concert host in 2009, Craig Carrick.
“Have you heard about Folk Alliance? I bet you’d love it,” Craig said. Folk what? “It’s cool. Hotel rooms become showcase and jam rooms. It’s a music conference, but not what you think…”
I didn’t attend a regional conference until 2013, and I really enjoyed the experience at SERFA. I wish I had considered Jana Holland’s (from the Hollands!) thoughts on being a first-timer:
First, it’s important to understand FA has a long history and there are kinfolk who have been faithfully going to these events for years and years. Each regional conference has its cultural norms and own long-timers, so, if you go to a conference we’d suggest a posture of humility and respect. – Jana Holland
Once we step into the Westin in Kansas City, we must remember we are being stewards of musical traditions. We should “go ready to listen, encourage and share our gifts freely without expectation,” Jana emphasizes.
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