News & Updates
The Gathering 2021 App Launched
Hopefully, by now you've seen the news that our conference event is live on the Whova app and if you're registered you can log in, start engaging, update your profile and watch the agenda bloom before your eyes! This app is going to be the best way to stay up to date...
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...
Raffle Prizes Announced
We're super excited to announce the first batch of raffle prizes! "What raffle prizes?", you may be asking. Well, everyone who donates any amount toward our BIG FUNDRAISER is entered into a monthly drawing for a chance to win valuable gifts. Like this sweet Farida...
John McCutcheon Concert
Watch the fabulous John McCutcheon in Concert! We're partnering with the wonderful concert streaming platform, Mandolin (designed, developed and delivered right here in the Midwest) and the one and only John McCutcheon (who not only delivered our Keynote for last...
Let the FUNdraiser Begin!
You've told us time and time again how much you value all the great work FARM has been doing to keep us educated, connected, and engaged this past 14 months. We are so often asked, "How can we help?" Well, FARM is officially launching a fundraising campaign with an...
FARM Gathering 2021 Cancelled
The FARM Board of Directors convened early this week to discuss our conference plans for the Fall of 2021. We regret to announce that we have made the decision to postpone our conference until 2022, when we will gather in Lisle, Illinois. Our current plan is to return...
A word (or more) from the President
Following a week of Folk Unlocked, I am feeling rejuvenated. I tip my bowler to Aengus Finnan and the entire Folk Alliance International staff and volunteers for producing an amazing event unlike anything I have ever seen. The reimagined conference accomplished most...
Folk Unlocked Virtual Conference
FARM is proud to present The Accidentals in the Folk Alliance International's Folk Unlocked "Best of the regions" showcase. There are many talented artists that would fit this description. We chose this exceptional trio not only for their musical gifts but for their...
Tuesday Tech Talk – Let’s Talk Social Media
Let's Talk Social Media Speaker: YOU? Date: February 2, 2021 "Let's Talk ... " is a new monthly event offered as part of our weekly Tuesday Tech Talk webinars. The first Tuesday of each month will feature a specific topic where we'll invite attendees to share their...
Home for Thanksgiving
A special concert with John McCutcheon presented in partnership with FARM and the Fine Arts Series at St John’s University
Message from FARM Board President, Charlie Mosbrook
It was my birthday, February 11. Dave Humphreys dropped me off at the Downers Grove Metra station to make my way back to union station and then home to Cleveland. We had spent the past 3 days planning the next conference in Grand Rapids and exploring potential future...
Virtual Connections Update
Big Plans for the week of October 19 - 24!Private Showcasing Oct 19, 20 & 21 FARM has made the last minute decision to allow a limited number of showcases, presented by a limited number of hosts in the model of our Private Showcases. These are NOT official...
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...
Now See Hear – Virtual Exhibit
In the community of FARM we have a number of talented singer-songwriters, and musicians, who are also wonderful visual artists. A number of them shared their work with us at last years’ successful "NOW, SEE, HEAR" exhibit, in Grand Rapids, during the 2019 FARM...
Open Call for Nominations!
Every year at our annual conference we elect (or re-elect) members of our community to serve on the FARM Board of Directors. The number of open slots, depends on the term limits of existing Board Members. This year, we have 3 openings on the board. Our fearless...
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 2020 POSTPONED
After much deliberation and consideration the FARM Board has made the difficult decision to postpone our 2020 annual gathering until October 27 – 31, 2021 (Note that this is one week later than our currently scheduled 2021 conference.) We’re grateful that our host...
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.
Official Showcase Submissions are Open!
It's time! Send us your best live video performances for a chance to perform in our 2020 Official Showcases. Each year, we present 14 artists who showcase on our main stage on Friday and Saturday evenings. Artists submissions are reviewed by a jury of peers, venues,...