From February 10-13, I made the trek to Austin for the annual Folk Alliance conference. It was amazing time indeed - artists from all over the world come to the event. My own official playing duties were light. I played with Cady Finlayson, an Irish fiddle player from New York for an unofficial showcase. I also played with Jon Vezner in another small showcase which was a lot of fun. However, the most fun playing was the after, after party, playing with the fiddle players of Blazing Fiddles and other musicians from Scotland. I think this was the highlight for me!
The Folk Alliance is an amazing organization that brings together people from all over the globe to share and experience each others music. I am moved by the magnitude and diversity as well as the quality of music that I hear at their events. The definition of folk is wide and inclusive and they try hard to represent the best of what is happening today.
The conference was also a new first for me. I had a booth for Kalimba Studio. I presented a power point presentation of the studio and various sessions and folks.
It was really a good way to meet new people and I'm delighted that I was able to do it. I also included 2000 Kalimba Studio postcards in every Folk Alliance Packet. Guerilla marketing at its best.
A few jewels - Madrigaia (http://www.madrigaia.com/) was certainly the discovery of the conference for me. I consider them the Canadian "Sweet Honey and the Rock". They are seven women that all grew up together. They sing songs from all over the world from Hebrew to French/Canadian, Brazilian to Cuban, Gospel and many others. There voices are certainly in the angelic category and they are accompanied by one, sometimes two percussionists. They also play sticks and various instruments as well as move in their show.
Also, I enjoyed Blazing Fiddles from Scotland, with my friend, Andy Thornburg on the keys. He surprised me by calling out of the blue Saturday morning to tell me he was in the states. Other favorites where the Duhks, the FA band of the year, Tiller's Folly and Le Vent Du Nord among many.
You can visit them on my space at http://www.myspace.com/thefolkalliance. Don't miss it next year in Memphis.
