November 12–15, 2026 | The Desmond Hotel Crowne Plaza Albany
The Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) will bring musicians, songwriters, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts together November 12–15, 2026, in Albany, New York, for its annual music conference. Held at The Desmond Hotel Crowne Plaza Albany, the four-day event celebrates folk and roots music while providing opportunities for artists to connect, collaborate, and advance their careers.
As a regional affiliate of Folk Alliance International, NERFA plays an important role in supporting and promoting the folk music community. The annual conference attracts performers, booking agents, festival organizers, venue representatives, radio professionals, and others who share a passion for live music.
This year's conference, themed "Stronger Together," will feature live performances, artist showcases, educational workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to discover emerging talent, reconnect with established performers, and explore the ever-changing music industry.
One of the conference's biggest attractions is its artist showcases. This year's featured performers include acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Dave Gunning, folk artist Hayley Reardon, roots and blues musician Ray Bonneville, and the celebrated trio The Refugees, featuring Cidny Bullens, Deborah Holland, and Wendy Waldman. Additional showcase artists include Carolyn Shapiro, Kirsten Maxwell, Deni Bonet & Chris Flynn, Rev. Robert B. Jones, and many others.
The conference will also welcome respected singer-songwriters Beth Nielsen Chapman and Seth Glier as keynote speakers, while Dar Williams is scheduled to lead a workshop focused on building collaborative local music communities.
New for 2026 is Performance Alley, featuring additional intimate, unplugged artist showcases. The conference will also offer late-night private showcases, informal jam sessions, and opportunities for spontaneous musical collaborations.
Beyond the performances, NERFA provides valuable educational opportunities through workshops covering songwriting, artist development, music business strategies, and booking opportunities. These sessions offer both emerging and established musicians insight into navigating today's music industry.
First3Media will be attending NERFA 2026, providing photographic coverage of performing artists and conference activities. Our coverage will highlight the musicians, performances, and unique experiences that make this annual gathering an important part of the folk music community.
For additional information, conference schedules, and registration details, visit:
Official Conference Website: https://nerfaconference.org/
NERFA Website: https://nerfa.org/