Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, anyone wishing to play a Private Showcase (and their support team) must pay to attend the conference.

We have a limited number of upright basses for artists to borrow. Upright bass check-out is done by making a reservation on the day of your showcase (Official or Private) in the Instrument Check room. You cannot reserve a bass before the day of your showcase. All basses are first-come, first-served. Basses must be returned immediately after your showcase is complete.

Yes! In addition to your Official Showcase, artists are encouraged to perform Private Showcases on any of the four nights of the conference.

Yes, all Official Showcase artists and their support team must pay to attend the conference. Applicants are guaranteed a discounted conference registration rate regardless of Official Showcase award status. View the Official Showcase Applicant price matrix here.

No, Official Showcase application fees are non-refundable.

Yes, your entire band must register at the same time to receive the discounted $200/person rate.

To receive the $200/person rate, three or more people must be registered at the same time. A single registration done later is added at the individual rate at the time of registration. Refunds can be processed until 12/15/19 (minus a $50 fee).

Each Official Showcase is 30 minutes in length on a stage with full production. There is a 15-minute changeover between each artist.

Due to the large number of artists performing in such a compact time frame, we are unable to offer sound checks.

Backline includes guitar and bass amps, a limited number of upright basses (check-out only) (checking to see if this is correct), drum kits* (just bring sticks/brushes), and keyboards*. Please make sure your application clearly states what you need for your showcase.

* Not all stages have drum kits and keyboards.

We have a limited number of upright basses for artists to borrow. Upright bass check-out is done by making a reservation on the day of your showcase in the Instrument Check room. You cannot reserve a bass before the day of your showcase. All basses are first-come, first-served. Basses must be returned immediately after your showcase is complete.

Contact our production team at production@folk.org. Not all stage plot changes can be approved based on limitations of backline and systems.

No. We are not able to change your showcase time or room due to the complexity of scheduling 180 artists.

FAI produces a compilation CD of Official Showcase artists each year, curated by the Executive Director, to provide a dynamic and balanced view of the showcases. The cost to place a track on the CD is $300-$400 (depending on track duration) due at time of submission. Tracks not selected are immediately reimbursed the full amount. Official Showcase artists are sent a track submission email with details after they are accepted and have confirmed a showcase.

Yes! In addition to your Official Showcase, artists are encouraged to perform Private Showcases on any of the 4 nights of the conference. Click here for information on Private Showcases.

Yes, but only on Tuesday and/or Sunday, or during the daytime hours of the conference. There is a Radius Clause that prohibits public concert participation by Official Showcase artists between the hours of 4pm-3am from January 22-26, 2019.

No, item sales are not allowed. FAI is a business networking conference – bring your latest CDs and share them freely with those you meet.