How to Get Noticed for Booking at the Kerrville Folk Festival
While it’s rare to be booked solely through direct requests, you’re welcome to send professional inquiries and EPK materials to booking@kerrvillefolkfestival.org. However, due to the high volume of requests, we regret that we cannot respond to every email.
If you’re truly interested in performing at the Kerrville Folk Festival or other KFF Foundation events, we encourage you to explore the opportunities below.
1. Compete in the Grassy Hill New Folk Competition
One of the best ways to stand out at Kerrville is to become a Finalist in the annual New Folk Competition. Held from mid-January to mid-March, this prestigious competition invites 24 emerging songwriters to perform at the 18-day festival, where six winners are selected. Many artists who have played our stages got their start through New Folk!
Learn more about the New Folk Competition
2. Get Involved with Folk Alliance International (FAI)
Another great way to connect with the Kerrville booking community is through Folk Alliance International (FAI) and its regional affiliates. FAI is a global nonprofit dedicated to supporting folk musicians and industry professionals. Their annual conference is a prime networking opportunity, bringing together artists, talent buyers, and music appreciators from around the world.
In North America, FAI has five regional affiliates, each hosting its own annual conference:
- Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (SWRFA) – Typically held in late September in Austin, TX
- Southeast Regional Folk Alliance (SERFA)
- Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA)
- Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM)
- Folk Alliance Region West (FAR-West)
Kerrville’s booking team and community often attend these events, making them excellent opportunities to get noticed.
3. Immerse Yourself in the Kerrville Community
The best way to get on stage? Be part of the festival! Many musicians booked for KFF Foundation events first gained recognition by engaging with our community. Opportunities to play include:
- Campfire jams
- Open mics
- Ballad Tree Song Sharing
- Volunteer Staff Concert
- Kerrtry Courtyard performances
Kerrville is built on relationships, and artists who become part of the community often find themselves invited onto our stages. Come play with us and share your music!