Southeast Regional of Folk Alliance (SERFA) Announces Its Keynote Speaker

Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Rees Shad

At The Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum – Woodward Theatre

Owensboro, KY – May 17, 2025 

“Choosing Rees Shad was an easy decision as he stands for what Folk music is all about, expressing, demanding, and questioning all the facets of the human spirit” – Jill Kettles, 2025 SERFA President

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CONGRATS TO THE FOLLOWING:
2025 SOUTHEAST REGION OF FOLK ALLIANCE (SERFA)
OFFICIAL SHOWCASE ARTISTS
LIVE AT THE BLUEGRASS HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
OWENSBORO, KY
May 16 & 17, 2025
DOWNBEAT: 7:20 PM

2025 SERFA CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 

Hello SERFA Friends,
We are so excited to announce conference and hotel registration for our 2025 SERFA Conference in Owensboro, KY, May 15-18!

With your registration, you will have access to all the workshops, panels, and song circles, as well as two nights of Official Showcases, after-hours private showcases, and our open mic night. Registration also includes free admission to the Bluegrass Museum & Hall of Fame. They have a fantastic display of the genre's history and a new Jerry Garcia exhibit, along with a display of those inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Our registration page includes access to the many ways you can participate in the conference:

• Register for the Conference

• Register for Lodging

• Apply to Perform in an Official Showcase

• Request to Perform in a Private Showcase

• Request to Host a Private Showcase

• Suggest a Workshop or Panel

• Be a Sponsor

• Advertise in the Program

• Reserve an Exhibit Hall Table

• Be a Volunteer

As you will see, we have added an optional meal plan for you to purchase. At our Wisdom of the Elders session, a complimentary lunch will be provided by Visit Owensboro, the city’s official tourism office. We encourage you to buy the meal plan as it continues our tradition of eating together as a community.

We are also happy to announce that The Hampton Inn, located next door to the Convention Center and Bluegrass Museum, will be our hosting hotel. This is all on level ground as you walk back and forth, so those with mobility challenges can move about safely. It’s about a 3-minute walk from door to door with the Convention Center.

We will have full access to the Convention Center, which is fabulous – A/V in every room, seating, and tables, if need be, along with digital signage for much-needed ease in finding rooms. Their facility has elevators, stairs, and escalators to help people get around the building. You can check out their layout if you want: Floor Plans & Capacities – Owensboro Convention Center

Thank you so much for being patient with us as we iron out details and bring you the most up-to-date information. Owensboro is really reaching out to us with open arms to help us have a great time.

Again, if you have any questions about the conference, please email us at conference@serfa.org

Thank you,
2025 SERFA BOARD 
Jill Kettles, President
Matthew Sabatella, Vice-President 
Adrian Krygowski, Secretary
Alice Hasen, Treasurer
Joe Pszonek
Lucy Isabel
Bruce Swan
Nicholas Edward Williams
Lee Zimmerman