FESTIVAL: National Folk Festival 2018 (Sept)

The National Council for Traditional Artists (NCTA) is seeking traditional musicians and dancers to perform at the National Folk Festival 2018, happening Sept. 7-9, 2018. 

Selected artists are paid an honorarium.

First held in 1934, the National Folk Festival is the longest-running multicultural festival of traditional arts in the nation. It is a traveling festival produced in partnership with communities around the country. A three-year stay in each host city lays the groundwork for sustainable, locally-produced festivals that continue after the National moves on. The free-to-the-public event lasts three days and has hosted audiences of 175,000. With music, dance, food, crafts, and more, the National features up to 30 performing groups on 7 outdoor stages. The 78th National Folk Festival is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) in partnership with the City of Salisbury, MD, and other local partners.

Past Performers Include: Mavis Staples, Solas, Sun Ra Arkestra, Balsam Range, Henry Butler, BeauSoleil, Shemekia Copeland, Pedrito Martinez Group, DJ Grandmaster Flash, Clinton Fearon, Quebe Sisters

• Music submitted must adhere to the definition of Folk & Traditional Arts provided by the National Endowment for the Arts (see T&Cs)
• Additional genres accepted are Appalachian, African Diaspora, Cowboy, Eastern European, Novelty/Variety, Storytelling
• Artists applying to this festival need not apply to the Lowell and Richmond Folk Festivals which are also produced by the NCTA

Details:

• Set lengths range from 45-90 minutes
• Professional sound and lighting provided
• Sound engineer provided
• Outdoor stages
• Backline provided (including guitar/bass amps, keyboards, drums, percussion)

• Artists provided honorarium negotiated at the time of booking
• Travel, hotel and meals provided
• Artists keep 85% of merchandise sales