Sydney hosts Australia’s first ever folk music conference next month, promising a weekend of both musical treats and business tips for those who keep the folk industry’s wheels turning.
The two day conference from Saturday 30 to Sunday 31 August at the Sydney Mechanics’ Schools of Arts in Pitt Street, will gather together the cream of the music world from icons like Judy Small and Warren Fahey to bright young stars like Kate Fagan.
Following an opening keynote address by the Hon Peter Garrett, participants will rub shoulders with everyone from enthusiastic amateurs to experienced industry professionals. But more than that, they will learn how to get ahead as a musician with sessions on publishing, recording, broadcasting, PR & promotion, touring nationally and internationally and even how to win funding grants. Other specialist presenters will cover topics such as folk music in education, insurance, royalties, music distribution, festivals and – finally - the future of folk.
An Awards Dinner will honour the folk album of the year, young performer of the year, the year’s best live act and the community’s choice - as well and presenting a concert featuring ‘karafolkie’ (karaoke with folk music to a live backing band) from The Mothers of Intention and Friends, plus Chloe and Jason Roweth
Participants who register early can even win double passes to some of Australia’s best loved folk festivals, including Woodford, Port Fairy, Cobargo and the National Folk Festival.
Conference organiser Christina Mimmochi said the conference would be a watershed in the musical life of Australia.
“The folk scene is sometimes characterised – not entirely unfairly – as ad hoc, disorganised, even chaotic,” she said. “The music world is tough in any genre. We aim to not only forge more productive ties between folk artists and enthusiasts, but to better equip them to develop their careers and secure their future.”
An example was the initiative of offering delegates individual client interviews with Australia Council Music Board Program Manager Vanessa Chalker.
Other featured presenters include music publisher Norm Lurie, Musica Viva in-schools program director Anna Yerbury, publisher and ARIA boardmember Philip Mortlock, festival director John McAuslan, community music personality Bruce Cameron and musicians Paul Jarman, Christine Wheeler, Kate Fagan and many more.
The conference is the project of the Folk Alliance Australia. Support from ABC Radio includes funding the participation of Doug Spencer, producer and presenter of “The Planet” on Radio National.
FolkBiz is also very grateful to the Sydney Mechanics School of Arts for its generous sponsorship.
FOLK BIZ
30-31 August 2008
Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts (280 Pitt St Sydney)
www.folkalliance.org.au
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