FEST: 79th National Folk Festival

The National Council for Traditional Artists (NCTA) is seeking traditional musicians and dancers to perform at the National Folk Festival, happening Sept. 6-8, 2019.

Selected artists are paid an honorarium.

First held in 1934, the National Folk Festival is the nation's longest-running multicultural festival of traditional arts. It's 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 event lasts 3 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 79th National Folk Festival is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) in partnership with the City of Salisbury, MD, the Salisbury Arts & Entertainment District & other local partners.

Past Performers Include: Mavis Staples, Liz Carroll, Sun Ra Arkestra, Balsam Range, Treme Brass Band, BeauSoleil, Super Chikan, 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