The Two Things Everybody Needs To Know
(but, I guarantee you, every year someone will not understand)
This is an application to be a
volunteer
performer. Except for
the headliners, all performers at the Tucson Folk Festival are volunteers
(as are all the staff). If you got here because you want to be considered
as a headliner for a future festival, you or your agent should
contact us
.
The is no formal application process for headliners, but selection usually
begins during summer of the year before the festival.
The Tucson Folk Festival is an
acoustic
event, with some exceptions: Electric bass is OK, and we even provide a bass
amp at each stage. Electronic pianos are OK (played as a straight piano,
without special effects). Percussion of all kinds & small drum
kits are fine; large kits are discouraged because of stage space and limited
set-up time.
General Festival Information
The 27th Annual Tucson Folk Festival will take place
on Saturday May 5th & Sunday
May 6th, 2012.
The center of Festival activity, including the Plaza Stage, Kitchen Store
and Vendors area, is El Presidio Park in Downtown Tucson. Additional stages
are located within walking distance of the park at the historic Old Pima
County Courthouse, Old Town Artisans and the Tucson Museum of Art.
Sets are 25 minutes long on a half-hour schedule. If you bring a lot of
instruments, the set-up time will cut into your time with the audience.
We provide a complete sound system with plenty of DI's for your instruments
that have pickups and mics for those that don't, as well as for your
vocals. We also provide a bass amp at each stage so you don't have to haul
one around. If you need music stands, those are up to you.
Application Information
The deadline for Songwriter applications is
January 23, 2012. We will try to notify
applicants of their selection status
by March 1, 2012.
All applications must be submitted online using the form on our
web site. There are no paper application forms.
The Songwriter application requires a
non-refundable fee of $20.
The fee includes a one-year individual membership in TKMA.
Checks must be postmarked by January 23, 2012,
or payment may be made online.
Demo CDs must be postmarked by January 23, 2012, or
demo tracks may be uploaded to our website (the online application form will
lead you through the process). No tapes will be accepted. Demo CDs mailed to
us will not be returned.
Songwriting Competition
The Tucson Folk Festival Songwriting Competition is open to anyone with the
following exceptions:
Paid performers at the 27th Annual Tucson Folk Festival.
Artists that are under contract with a major record label.
FInals will be held Saturday, May 5th, 2012 at the 27th Annual Tucson Folk Festival.
The first place finalist will perform on the Plaza Stage on Saturday,
May 5th, 2012.
Rules for Preliminary Selection
Your demo CD must include 2 original songs that have not been previously
recorded on a major label.
If the CD contains more than 2 songs you must write
clearly on the CD which tracks to use.
Time limit is 4 minutes per song. Entrants will be penalized if either of
the 2 song submissions exceed four minutes.
All judging decisions at the preliminary round are final.
Rules For Finalists
Ten entrants will be chosen for the finals.
Notification of finalists will be sent out no later than
March 1, 2012.
Selected finalists will be required to commit to attendance by
April 1, 2012
Each finalist selected must perform the 2 original songs that were submitted
on the demo CD.
The only instruments allowed are those that the performer(s) can carry on
stage themselves.
Acoustic instruments with pickups are permitted, however, no special
electronic equipment, synthesizers, devices, electric instruments or
amplifiers are allowed.
Each contestant can have 1 accompanist. The accompanist cannot be a paid
entertainer at the 27th Annual Tucson Folk Festival.
If a selected finalist is unable to attend, a substitution may be made at
the judges discretion.
Scoring
The judges for the final round may include fellow musicians, persons
involved in the music industry, current festival headliners and / or past
contest winners.
Songs are judged on overall quality, craftsmanship and originality.
25 points: Originality and Uniqueness
25 points: Song Structure
25 points: Arrangement
25 points: Talent and Stage Presence
Prizes
1st:
Performance on the Plaza Stage, Saturday evening,
May 5th, 2012;
additional prizes to be announced.
2nd:
TBA
3rd:
TBA
Other
Performers may sell their CDs on consignment through the TKMA Kitchen Store
with TKMA keeping $1 per CD. CDs are typically priced at $15, but you can
price yours as you wish. Details on consignment will be sent after selection
notification.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Festival (in addition to
performing) please use the
“Contact Us”
page on our web site to contact the Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteer jobs
include selling T-shirts, beer, soda and raffle tickets; acting as MC, stage
manager and general roustabout.
Pre-festival volunteer opportunities include helping with fundraisers,
publicity, selling program ads, soliciting sponsorships and lining up raffle
prizes.
