FARM 2009 just a week away!

[Chicago Sandy]

FARM Gathering 2009 is coming up next Thurs. through Sun., Oct. 8-11 at the Holiday Inn of Bolingbrook, IL. (just off the intersection of IL-53 and I-55). We've already broken registration records--and the facilities will be the comfiest, newest, biggest and most convenient we've ever had. Even a pool and hot tub this time! Showcases each night (Thurs. will feature a welcome reception and a Concerts In Your Home showcase), and Performing Lane open stages before and after Fri. & Sat. nights' juried showcases. Two full days of workshops--more hands-on than ever (including a vocal workshop with Claudia Schmidt and several guitar panels and workshops). Free exhibit area for all those registered. And hotel rooms and meals are totally optional--sleep and eat where and when you want (but we heartily recommend the hotel!). Special "Taste of Farm:" $10 per night gets you admission to watch all performances and then stick around and jam till you drop. Ample free parking--no having to park on the lawn or walk several blocks. All conference activities under one roof. Discount shuttle service from Midway (airport and CTA train) and O'Hare, as well as taxis available from Metra and Amtrak in Joliet. Restaurants and shopping galore within walking distance (or a free hotel shuttle ride). Music store a mile north on Boughton Rd. if you break a string, too!

Register at www. farmfolk.org--click the hotel's link if you want to stay on-site (overflow hotels immediately adjacent). Or you can register at the door.
(Register for at least a full day and get a spiffy free canvas tote bag--supplies are limited).

[Chicago Sandy]

UPDATE:

We need the help of everyone within spitting distance of the SW suburbs of Chicago (or from outside the city who are planning to attend). To put it bluntly--we need "elves." Volunteers are the lifeblood of any conference, much more so for a nonprofit music conference. It's even more important this year, as attendance promises to be the largest in our history. We need folks to put together name badges and check people in at our registration desk, stamp hands for the evening "Taste of FARM" attendees, work in the instrument checkroom, run the smaller PA systems (yes, we have decided to use them) in the Performing Lane rooms, etc. (We already have a professional sound system and techs for the ballroom). There is less work involved, and for a shorter time, than at the international Folk Alliance conference in Memphis. Please PM me if you can help!!! There are (completely lawful :D) things we can do to reciprocate.

If you can help out in any "elfin" way, let me know!!