News & Updates
2026 Gathering + Presenter Summit
We are so excited about this year's FARM Gathering, taking place October 22-25, 2025 at the The Royal Sonesta, Minneapolis, MN! We are looking forward to another program-packed, music-filled weekend of performances, workshops, networking, one-on-one mentoring sessions...
FARMette in Kansas – March 1, 2026
FARMette Kansas is coming March 1, 2026! Registration is now open for a one-day mini-FARM where workshops, panels, showcases, and networking are condensed into one day of folk magic for the state-wide Kansas community. FARMette is a mini-FARM conference, and FARMette...
FARMette – Indiana – June 6, 2026
This year's FARMette will thrive in the beautiful setting of IU South Bend! This campus is rich with walking paths and spaces for harmony to happen. With a Keynote by Tim Easton, Showcases, Mentor Lunches and more. This affordable introduction to your FARM community...
Folk+ Online Conference June 5-6
FARM is excited to be teaming up with Folk Alliance International and the other regional conferences to present the Folk+ Online Music Conference. Taking place June 5-6, this free event will include workshops, networking opportunities,...
Honoring Juel Ulven
FARM lost another beloved member of our community when, Juel Ulven passed away, August 19, 2022. Many aren't aware that Juel is one of FARM's founding members. He was one of the initial instigators in creating a Midwest Folk Alliance, there at the very first...
Seeking Volunteers
All hands on deck! Got time on your hands? Calling all those who have a hand or two to lend. There are some perks (Attend our Virtual Connections Gathering for free to name one, and some other nifty swag). Complete this form...
In Memory of Michael Peter Smith
September 7, 1941 – August 3, 2020 There was, and never will be anyone like Michael P. Smith. Beloved by all who knew him, for the gift of his music or his gentle kind soul, he will be deeply missed by this community. We asked Mark Dvorak, long time friend and music...
FARM Virtual Connections
FARM is proud to introduce a new initiative developed in response to the pandemic and our ensuing necessary decision to post-pone our last year in Grand Rapids, MI to 2021. What started as a need to connect with members of our community via Peer group meetings for...
FARM ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL CONNECTIONS
At FARM we're always looking for ways to continue to serve our Midwest (and beyond) folk community. This time of social distancing has sparked a new era of virtual connectivity. Online classes, concerts, social gatherings, celebrations and basically anything we used...
Getting good sound on Zoom
A sound overview by Annie Capps. DISCLAIMER: I'm not an expert. Just sharing what worked for us and seems to be working for others. Results may vary and I welcome anyone offering their own experiences and insight.
New Folk Alliance Resource Page
In the midst of this tenuous and unnerving COVID-19 panemic, our parent organization, Folk Alliance International, has created an excellent resource page. We took the liberty of pasting their words below along with a link to the full page with resources. "As the world...
A Very Sad Farewell
Doug Adams December 5, 1952 – March 10, 2020 written by Stephanie Cofell That dash. That dash is a lifetime. What did Doug do with his dash? He created pure joy. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio...Husband, father, Senior Minister, Reverend, and folk singer who was greatly...
Call for Award Nominations
It's time to start thinking about nominating your candidate (or candidates) for the Lifetime Achievement Award, given each year at FARM to a note-worthy recipient who has made a significant contribution to the folk music community in the Midwest. Please consider the...
Spotlight on the AV Crew
Maurice Smeets - Sound Tech We can’t remember a FARM conference where Maurice was not at the sound board. His partners in crime have varied over the years but most recently he’s been assisted by the lovely Karen Jensen who will be joining him again this year along...
Special Events at FARM
So we've told you about the Official Showcases, Workshops & Panels, our brilliant Keynote Speaker, this year's Award Recipients, the DJ Showcase, Private Showcases, Performance Lane, Open Mics and let's see... what else? Oh yea. Visit this page...
Green Initiatives at FARM
Conference events like ours produce a ton of waste. No question about it and this is an area about which your conference organizers are passionate. It is our deepest desire to step up our efforts in reducing this waste with some very simple, mindful changes. We will...
Become a FARM Sponsor
The Annual FARM Gathering is organized 100% by volunteers. Folk music concert and festival presenters, DJs, performers, educators, as well as those who provide products and services to these folks will come together in the spirit of helping to bring...
FARM Membership approves by-law changes
The FARM Board of Directors introduced proposed by-law changes during the annual membership meeting which was held during the 2016 FARM Conference. The FARM membership must approve all by-law changes and on November 30th a referendum was emailed to them for their...
NOTICE OF REFERENDUM
To all FARM members, be watching your email on or about December 1st for the ballot on the referendum to revise FARM's bylaws.The FARM Board of Directors is seeking your approval on changes to the FARM bylaws. A summary of changes include: Addition of Canadian...