Kansas City hosts folk alliance conference this week

folk-allianceYou’re likely to see people with instrument cases wandering the streets this week.

For the first time, the city is host to the International Folk Alliance Conference.

Folk artists and producers will mingle, educate and generally network at the Westin Crown Center Hotel. But there is also a music showcase that allows people to buy tickets to hear performers.

The general public can buy tickets for concerts only for $25 a day or $85 for a four-day wristband.

All money raised from that is donated to the Folk Alliance Scholarship Fund, Midwest Music Foundation and the Casey Bill Weldon Headstone Fund.

Hundreds of artists in 11 venues will perform  from Wednesday through Saturday. A full schedule is at the folk alliance website.

“This year’s showcase highlights the history of folk music and will feature undeniable legends and tomorrow’s superstars performing over four nights,” said Folk Alliance Executive Director Louis Meyers.

Graham Nash delivers this year’s keynote address at 11 a.m. on Thursday.

Among the many performers are Tom Rush, Sarah Jarosz, Grisly Hand, Howard Iceberg and the Titanics, the Elders, Danny Cox, Betse Ellis, Sam Baker, Brewer & Shipley, Josh White Jr., and Christine Lavin.

Last summer, the Folk Alliance International moved its headquarters from Memphis, Tenn., to Kansas City.

Mayor Sly James and arts officials have said that change and the festival show how Kansas City can use the arts to enhance the city and fuel its economy.

You can get tickets at Eventbrite.com and at the Folk Store, 509 Delaware St. Some will also be available at days of the shows at the Westin Crown Center, unless they are sold out.

One Comment

  1. rose says:

    I’m volunteering!

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