Memphis, TN. (Folk Alliance) - Hit Songwriters, Top Performers, Movie and TV Stars, Knowledgeable Business Leaders - 1,800 attendees, registered for the 20th International Folk Alliance Conference, are set to showcase and educate this week, February 20 - 24, in Memphis, Tennessee. From Catalonia, Spain to the
Memphis delta, Canadian dancers to contemporary songwriters, this year's conference brings everyone together for a business convention promising networking-rich opportunities for all walks and genres of the folk performing arts. Please go to www.folk.org for details.
Special Events and Feature shows:
XM Satellite Radio live broadcast of Folk Alliance Awards Show and the
Lifetime Achievement Awards honoring Mavis Staples, Tommy Jarrell and Rounder Records
Janet Reno Song Of America
Leadbelly Foundation Display and Presentation
ASCAP/Larry LeBlanc interviews Canadian legend Ian Tyson
Michael Nesmith's Video Ranch screening featuring The Duhks Live
FolkAlley.com live broadcasts from the conference
John Lilly interviews music pioneer Hazel Dickens
Eliza Jane Schneider's one-woman show: Freedom of Speech
In-The-Round w/ Tom Russell, Jimmy LaFave, Dave Crossland, & Jeff Black
Hit Songwriters: Bruce Robinson, Peter Case, Tommy Ramone, Keith Sykes, Wendy Waldman, John Vezner, Gretchen Peters, Casey Kelly, Ian Tyson
Top Performers: Kathy Mattea, Chad and Jeremy, Julie Christenson (Leonard Cohen), Eliza Gilkyson, Kenny Edwards (Gtr. w/Linda Ronstadt), Adam Levy (Nora Jones), Jon Caroll (Starland Vocal Band)
Up and Rising Artists: Justin Townes Earl, Anthony da Costa, Emily Elbers, Kendal Carson, Sierra Noble
TV & Movie Talents: Ronny Cox (Deliverance & Robocop); Mare Winningham (Brat Pak & Grey's Anatomy); Eliza Jane Schneider (South Park & Nickelodeon)
Knowledgeable Business Leaders: Dan Navarro, President - FA Board of Directors; Jon Hornyak, Senior Director The Recording Academy (Memphis Chapter); Dan Storper, Putumayo Records; Pete Anderson, producer/guitar player (Dwight Yoakam, Meat Puppets, Blue Rodeo); Bil VornDick (Alison Krauss, Ralph Stanley, Bela Fleck); Jim Steinblatt, Brendan Okrent and Seth Saltzman, ASCAP; Bob Merlis, Public Relations Executive; Richard Flohil, PR Expert; Jody Williams, BMI VP; Thomas Cain, Sr. Director BMI
Event Sponsors: Oasis CD Manufacturing, Sonicbids, Gibson Guitars, Market Monkeys, Grassy Hill Entertainment, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Memphis Music Commission, XM Satellite Radio
Media Sponsors: Dirty Linen, No Depression, Singer & Musician, Performing Songwriter, Musician's Atlas, Penguin Eggs, Acoustic Guitar, Folk Roots, Americana Rhythm, Nightflying, The Downtowner, ArtsMemphis Magazine, New on the Charts, Music and Film in Motion, LivefromMemphis
The 20th International Folk Alliance Conference joins many facets of the folk industry into to a cohesive business event from Keynote Speakers, Janet Reno and Eliza Gilkyson, to the showcasing of hundreds of artists from all genres of folk music.
"I thought that music would be a great way to engage listeners, especially young listeners, and spark their interest so they could gain a greater understanding and appreciation for our history." - Janet Reno on the Song of America
The annual conference which starts Wednesday is estimated to bring over 2 million dollars into the Memphis economy as well as music from all over the world.
