Chicago Sandy
08-23-2007, 12:26 AM
Everyone in the Midwest (or within striking distance), we're getting close to FARM (Folk Alliance Region Midwest) Gathering 2007, held Sep. 28-30. If you've been to NAFA, NERFA, SWRFA or FARWest, you'll know we do things a little differently: we meet at a conference center, eat together, and though we have juried showcases (our third year doing them) we do NOT have "guerrilla" or hotel room private showcases. That's not what we're about: FARM is for networking, learning, socializing and jamming--and many attendees have gotten booked from just such informal opportunities. (And our attendees have consistently expressed a desire to use their sleeping rooms for sleeping). We have thirteen different panels and classes to attend, as well as two evenings of egalitarian open mics (whether you're Joe Blow or Joan Baez, you get one song, no questions asked, first come first served). It's a nice bucolic weekend away from the hassles of work and the city, with nothing but music and camaraderie.
But this year we've added some dimensions, all of them positive. First, though our grounds and atmosphere are bucolic and tranquil as ever, our retreat is within an easy drive or commuter train ride from Chicago (and a short cab ride from the Glenview Metra/Amtrak station and O'Hare) at the Techny Towers Retreat and Conference Center on Waukegan Rd. just n. of Willow Rd. at the junction of the near northwest Chicago suburbs of Northfield and Northbrook between the Edens Expressway and Tri-State Tollway. Though run by the Divine Word Ministries, the center routinely hosts retreats by other religions and totally secular corporate meetings as well. (There is an on-site chapel for those who wish to attend Mass, but by no means is it required).
Second, because of that, we've instituted a totally a la carte pricing structure for those who prefer to stay at home, with friends, or at nearby motels and avail themselves of area restaurants along Waukegan Rd. that run the gamut from fast food to upscale dining. (Of course, we still have on-site lodging and two buffets: one for omnivores and one for vegetarians). The conference center (except for single-occupancy rooms in the Maria House a block away) is entirely self-contained--lodging, dining, meetings, entertainment and jamming are all in one building, with parking right next door.
Third, we'd like to expand our demographic to those younger, older, and less affluent who nonetheless love acoustic music: so we have also instituted a special rate of $10 per night--which will get you in to see the showcases (Fri. night or Sat. aft.), Performing Lane open mics, and Sat. award ceremonies. Add $5 and you can jam or share your songs after the open mics. We're hoping you like what you hear, see and sing and will join us for the whole shebang in the future. There are further discounts for NAFA members, the young and seniors,
Our proximity to Chicago (first time in more than a decade) means attendance by many more area DJs, venue and festival operators, media, and bookers as well. And our proximity to O'Hare and Amtrak is attracting visitors and presenters from other regions. We are hoping to line up some local clubs to let us give some "taste of FARM" shows featuring showcase artists, staff and panelists.
So come on over to www.farmfolk.org, see what we're about, download and print an application and send it and applicable fees to our Registrar Joan Hellmann. But we're coming up on the 9/1 early bird discount deadline, so time's a-wastin'. (And if you are looking for a female roomie, let me know--so am I )!
But this year we've added some dimensions, all of them positive. First, though our grounds and atmosphere are bucolic and tranquil as ever, our retreat is within an easy drive or commuter train ride from Chicago (and a short cab ride from the Glenview Metra/Amtrak station and O'Hare) at the Techny Towers Retreat and Conference Center on Waukegan Rd. just n. of Willow Rd. at the junction of the near northwest Chicago suburbs of Northfield and Northbrook between the Edens Expressway and Tri-State Tollway. Though run by the Divine Word Ministries, the center routinely hosts retreats by other religions and totally secular corporate meetings as well. (There is an on-site chapel for those who wish to attend Mass, but by no means is it required).
Second, because of that, we've instituted a totally a la carte pricing structure for those who prefer to stay at home, with friends, or at nearby motels and avail themselves of area restaurants along Waukegan Rd. that run the gamut from fast food to upscale dining. (Of course, we still have on-site lodging and two buffets: one for omnivores and one for vegetarians). The conference center (except for single-occupancy rooms in the Maria House a block away) is entirely self-contained--lodging, dining, meetings, entertainment and jamming are all in one building, with parking right next door.
Third, we'd like to expand our demographic to those younger, older, and less affluent who nonetheless love acoustic music: so we have also instituted a special rate of $10 per night--which will get you in to see the showcases (Fri. night or Sat. aft.), Performing Lane open mics, and Sat. award ceremonies. Add $5 and you can jam or share your songs after the open mics. We're hoping you like what you hear, see and sing and will join us for the whole shebang in the future. There are further discounts for NAFA members, the young and seniors,
Our proximity to Chicago (first time in more than a decade) means attendance by many more area DJs, venue and festival operators, media, and bookers as well. And our proximity to O'Hare and Amtrak is attracting visitors and presenters from other regions. We are hoping to line up some local clubs to let us give some "taste of FARM" shows featuring showcase artists, staff and panelists.
So come on over to www.farmfolk.org, see what we're about, download and print an application and send it and applicable fees to our Registrar Joan Hellmann. But we're coming up on the 9/1 early bird discount deadline, so time's a-wastin'. (And if you are looking for a female roomie, let me know--so am I )!