Southwest Regional Folk Alliance

The Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (SWRFA) is the Southwestern chapter of Folk Alliance International and a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable organization whose mission is to build and strengthen the community around folk music and songwriting. Each year, we present a conference in Austin, TX which connects artists, presenters, radio DJs, and fans to the rich, living tradition of folk music in our region, which covers Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Mexico 

The SWRFA Conference held annually at the Holiday Inn – Midtown in Austin, Texas. Registration includes 2 lunches, 2 dinners and Sunday brunch. Keep coming back to check on updates, OR sign up for the Listserve mentioned below to be notified as changes are posted. 

When you pick up your registration information, if you are a songwriter, you will be encouraged to draw a ‘song assignment’. Then you would write a song based on that prompt during the weekend. Everyone that finishes a song shares it on Sunday morning during Brunch. It is one of my favorite things I do all year! 

You can also sign up for mentoring sessions in this area. You can buy $1 raffle tickets to take home Folk Alliance registrations to the many other Regional and the International Conferences, instruments, music business services and many more choices. If you would like to contribute an item let me know at dalis@swfolkallliance.org 

Our Exhibit Area is open and free for all registrants to display. It is also right by the Registration are and the panel/seminar break out rooms. 

Please encourage your friends, family and fans to attend the Official Showcases on Friday and Saturday nights in the hotel ballroom from 7:30- 10PM. The cost for each night to hear 8 artists is just $15. 

All registered artists may participate in the Wednesday Night early event at Threadgill’s North in Austin. Name in the jar, do one song, meet lots of folks that will be at the Conference, eat drink and have a great time. Thursday is Open mic and there is a buffet dinner provided by Berkalin Records. Because we have grown beyond every artist getting to take advantage of every opportunity (good to grow but comes with compromises always), if you have an Official Showcase please do not put your name to be drawn for the Open Mics. Of course do In-Room Showcases, but in reality no one needs more than 3 total. 

In-Room Showcase pitching happens on the SWRFA Listserve. Please sign up for the list. We do not send out emails all year long only a month or so ahead of the Conference and a week or so after. Then it is dormant. It is also the way Conference updates and information from your team is sent out. Use the heading Contact Us on this website to find the link. 

You can run an ad in the Program Book. Click Advertising heading for specs and contact. 

There is more but this is a good overview for starters. 
Can’t wait to meet you or see you again. We have so much Fun! 

SWRFA Team Leader 

Dalis 

First-Timer Downloadable Guides 

Paul Barker, of Barker House Concerts, has graciously created and shared his in-depth music conference guide. Don’t be intimidated by the length as he offers great insight into how to make the most of your time at SWRFA, Folk Alliance or any music conference. 

Download Paul Barker’s Guide