[FM] No more private showcases at Folk Alliance?

[Tom Neff]

--Radio Bob wrote:
> I'm not sure which list this should go to, but I'm starting here. I just
> got the mailer for the Montreal Folk Alliance; from what I can tell,
> there aren't going to be private showcases allowed--or at least not
> supported (no music suite, no music floors). Instead, they talk about
> concert/shwcases around Montreal, and additional showcase situations
> within the hotel sponsored by FA. But the only one that will have an
> advance schedule, from what I an understand, is chosen by lottery and
> performers can only perform at it once during the convention. Then they
> have two sign up the same day situations.
> If this is what I think it is, it means I will never be attending FA
> again. The various private showcases are the ONLY reason we go.
> Anyone know more?

Bob and all,

For insurance and legal reasons Folk Alliance cannot sponsor or sanction 
showcases or other events that we don't staff and run in our own space. 
This isn't a matter of aesthetic preference, it's outright financial 
survival.

But Folk Alliance also can't forbid or "do away with" private showcasing 
either.  Guerrillas weren't started by Folk Alliance, they were started by 
private attendees without FA's permission or help.

If someone wants to step up to the plate and make that happen again, FA has 
nothing to say about it one way or the other.

Since I am a member of the Board, I cannot take part in planning such 
things or do any more than mention in passing that such things are 
possible.  I know that if I were not on the Board, my mind would be 
overflowing with possibilities for independent performer showcasing.  But I 
am, so it isn't. :)

I should add that for many groups and performers, the new Performance Alley 
and signup rooms may actually be more productive than potentially 
low-attendance in-room showcases.  We will also do everything humanly 
possible to make sure that attendees have access to information about who 
is in those rooms.  You should give them a chance, you might be pleasantly 
surprised!