I had the pleasure of attending the One-Day NERFA (North East Regional Folk Alliance) at the  University of Rhode Island campus in Kingston.  RISA (Rhode Island Songwriters Association) coordinated the event with the help of NERFA.  In addition to several panels about marketing, radio, recording and mastering, we were privileged to hear the ten showcasers who won the juried spots.

First up was Heather Styka, freshly transplanted to Portland, Maine from Chicago. She began the showcase with a real sense of class and was a delight to listen to.

Next up was a Rhode Island favorite and a RISA member, Joanne Lurgio.

Playing some bluesy resonator guitar was Robin O’Herin.

 

Chris LaVancher acquainted us with his songwriting skills.

Carrie Rowan and Adrienne Fawkes, better known as Stefilia’s Stone,  showed off their original tunes and lovely harmonies.

From Western Massachusetts, the Boxcar Lilies, made some great harmonies as well.

Sarah Blacker, newly named Female Performer of the Year, by the New England Music Awards showed us why she won that particular award. Wow!

Josh Joffen, hailing all the way from Long Island, NY, was a crowd pleaser for sure!

Heather Pierson from New Hampshire and winner of the 2012 New England songwriting Contest, played songs on guitar and piano.

Last but certainly not least, Digging Roots who drove fourteen hours from Toronto, Ontario, for this showcase.  Their music has been described as global blues and capped off the day with an energizing set.

More information about NERFA can be found at their website.