News & Updates
Submit your Workshop/Panel Proposal
Are you an expert on a specific topic that you feel is relevant to the FARM community? Is there a topic you'd like to see covered that we've neglected? Was there a particular workshop you attended last year that you'd like to see again? Is there a particular speaker...
FARM Announces 2020 Keynote Speaker!
FARM is so thrilled to announce our Keynote Address for 2020 will be given by the one and only master instrumentalist, storyteller, singer-songwriter, activist and author - JOHN McCUTCHEON John McCutcheon folk music's renaissance man — master instrumentalist, powerful...
Basking in the Glow
Basking in the Glow! Well, we’ve come to the end of another joyful, inspiring, successful FARM gathering and before we get back to our own individual realities, I wanted to send a quick message expressing my deepest gratitude to ALL those who helped make it happen;...
Last chance to…
… pre-order breakfast at reduced rate
Pre-Order Your 2019 T Shirts
Our 2019 FARM T-Shirts are now available for Pre-Order! Reserve yours now to assure we have your preferred size and style in stock at the conference. Pre-orders will be delivered at the conference or shipped immediately following the conference. Don't miss out cause...
Special Pre-FARM Concert and Open Mic
Pre-FARM Showcase Concert and Open Mic Wednesday, Oct 23 Open Mic Sign up at 6:00pm* Doors and Open Mic begins at 6:30p Main Concert starts at 8:00p Listening Room at Studio Park 123 Ionia Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 * Open Mic Performers are chosen by lottery...
Spotlight on the AV Crew 2019
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...
DJ Showcase Artists 2019
We are super happy to announce this year's DJs and their artist selections for this popular showcase that takes place on Thursday Night, Oct 24 8pm. Thanks so much to Rich Warren for organizing the showcase again! Schedule TBA. Folkapotamus presented by Wanda Fischer,...
2019 Award Recipients Announced!
We are so pleased to present to you our 2019 Award Recipients! Susan Bertram - Lifetime Achievement Award and Joan Hellmann - Lantern Bearer Award! As you know, we wanted to honor two women this year and the number of nominations we received was record breaking! The...
First Workshops Announced!
We're really excited about the workshops we've got planned this year. A few presenters will be returning by popular demand and we've got a few new faces bringing some fresh perspectives to the line-up. We've got more to announce in the coming weeks but for now you can...
Now See Hear
Painting by Jan Krist | Inspired by "A Grateful Life" by David BarrettFolk Alliance Region Midwest, (FARM), is seeking artists to develop and create original, innovative new works of visual art (painting, ceramic, sculpture, or graphic art) inspired by songs written...
Official Showcase Artists Announced!
Please join us in congratulating our2019 FARM Official Showcase Artists ! Rod Abernethy (South Carolina)Asaran Earth Trio (New York/Belgium)T Buckley (Calgary, Alberta)Katie Dahl (Wisconsin)Gaines & Wagoner (Wisconsin)Joel...
Could you (or someone you know) be a FARM Board Member?
Attention FARM members! Do you, or someone you know, want to be more involved in leading and setting the strategic direction of Folk Alliance Region Midwest? Your FARM Board of Directors is asking YOU to suggest people that might want to run for election to the FARM...
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...
Official Showcase Submissions are open!!
Split between Friday and Saturday evenings, FARM 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...
Your 2019 FARM Registrar
We are happy to announce that singer/songwriter/raconteur and long-time FARM community member, Sue Fink has kindly agreed to take on this important role for 2019. She is no stranger to the job (and yet still she said "Yes!" when we asked!). Having served as Registrar...
Wisdom of the Daves
We were honored this year to have 4 pillars of the music industry present at FARM and they all happened to be named "Dave". This conversation hosted by Matt Watroba with the 4 Daves was a highlight of the conference. You can relive it or...
We are so full of gratitude!
(thanks to Joe Rollin Porter for letting us use his song "Bye Bye Baby Blues" and so much thanks to Charlie Steen for this video) From the bottom of our hearts, all of us at FARM want to thank all of you for helping us exceed all of our expectations for a magnificent...
Champ
Smitty gave me permission to share this Facebook post. "My best friend, my constant happy companion, my wing man Champ Smith died earlier today. After almost 12 years spreading happiness to so many people, his end was unexpected, sudden, and quick. I think his big...
(Almost) Everything You Need to Know about FARM 2018
Here you will find answers to most of your questions plus some really important info that every attendee should read. Yes, some of this is listed in the program but we’ve added even more info here and this will be updated periodically as more important info becomes available. Thanks for taking the time to read through it all. You’ll be glad you did.