A group of Oklahoma musicians are headed to Kansas City this month to showcase their talents at the 26th Annual International Folk Alliance Conference. Representatives from all aspects of the music industry will attend the event, which is one of the five largest music conferences in North America. It’s a great opportunity for these artists to shine in front of an audience that includes booking agents, management, talent buyers, publicists and labels. Equally important are the friendships renewed and new ones created during late night jams.
Brian Horton of Horton Records, Scott Aycock and Richard Higgs of Folk Salad Radio Show, and Larry White of Larry White Management are leading this musical expedition up north. Tulsa’s George Kaiser Family Foundation is providing some financial support. Over 20 musicians will perform in “The Oklahoma Room” at the Westin Hotel in downtown KC.
“It seemed like something we should be doing, not just for Tulsa, but for Oklahoma,” Brian Horton said of the collaboration. “Showcasing what all we had to offer…all the different kinds of really cool things happening with folk and roots-based music in Oklahoma.”
To help defray expenses, there will be a fundraising event this Sunday Jan. 26 at the Woody Guthrie Center, featuring musicians Dustin Pittsley (Photo at left), Beau Roberson, KC Clifford, Tom Skinner, Carter Sampson and Scott Aycock. There will also be a fundraising concert Feb. 8 at Fassler Hall. “We don’t want this to cost any of the artists anything…at a minimum, they should break even and all of their costs should be covered,” Horton commented. “Donations can be tax deductible. This is a fully nonprofit effort through Horton Records. It’s a 501(c)(3), so charitable donations are welcome.”
Horton is excited about the opportunity a dedicated Oklahoma room at the Folk Alliance Conference represents for the musicians, as well as for the state. “There are so many connections that are made. For folk and roots music, it’s like the South by Southwest…You’re going to have all of the different pieces of the industry for that style of music at this event…It’s full on industry from the top of the heap all the way to the people starting out, just trying to be heard.”
– With thanks to Currentland
