WHAT ARE ACOUSTIC SHOWCASES?

Acoustic Showcases take place on Saturday, October 17, after 10:30pm... right after the Official Showcases have concluded. These are acoustic performances that take place in hotel rooms on two exclusively reserved guest room floors. Hotel rooms become spellbinding stages, and unforgettable moments of music, connection, and discovery, are waiting behind every door. During this unique folk-conference experience, Folk Canada Conference Delegates wander room to room into hundreds of unforgettable concerts, impromptu jam sessions, and spontaneous collaborations that keep the magic going into the wee hours.

 

HOW DO THEY WORK?

These intimate, acoustic performances happen on hotel floors exclusively reserved by Folk Canada. Each showcase takes place in a guest room that’s been transformed into a cozy listening space, hosted and programmed by artists, agents, music organizations, regions, and fans. 

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Acoustic Showcases are typically 15 minutes in length. Anyone can apply to host an Acoustic Showcase, and slots are open to anyone who’d like to perform! Both hosts and performers must be registered for the Folk Canada Conference.

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As space is limited on the hotel room floors, registrants of the Folk Canada Conference are the only ones allowed to attend these performances. 
 

HOW ACOUSTIC IS ACOUSTIC?

With every hotel room being directly next to each other keeping volume under control is paramount to an enjoyable experience for everyone. To maintain adequate volume levels no amplification is permitted. This means no microphones and no PAs. 

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Exceptions to this rule will be made for instruments that cannot be heard without amplification. (e.g electric bass, keyboard, electric fiddle). Amplification for these instruments must not exceed 10 watts. No exceptions will be made for vocals.These are acoustic performances and if amplification for a particular instrument is absolutely required it should be no louder than the unamplified human voice. Think living room jam or camp fire sing-a-long. 

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Due to the travelling nature of bass frequencies. Drum kits and kick drums are not permitted at any time in any acoustic showcase room. Percussion, including hand drums may be used judiciously and must not disturb any adjacent rooms. 

 

I’D LIKE TO PLAY! HOW CAN I GET IN TOUCH WITH ROOM HOSTS?

Room hosts are ultimately responsible for curating their stages, and may already have their lineups determined. If you’d like to be considered, please visit the Acoustic Showcase ARTIST Application form to put your name in for consideration. All members of your performance must be registered for the conference. 

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Artists are limited to two (2) Acoustic Showcase spots total. Should the Folk Canada team see that an artist is playing more than the maximum number of spots, we will reach out and request that they change the schedule to ensure other artists get an opportunity to perform.
 

HOW CAN I HOST MY OWN ROOM?

Artist collectives, agents, labels, artist managers, organizations, DJ’s, folk music enthusiasts, and groups of artists are welcome to host their rooms and curate their line-up.

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There are limited spaces available, and a lot of interest! Fill out the Acoustic Showcase HOST Application Form as soon as you can. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and our team will be making the selections to ensure a great, diverse lineup of presenters. No Acoustic Showcase Host Applications will be accepted past August 1st, 2026. If you are interested in hosting a room, please fill out the application form as soon as possible, before all of the rooms are allocated! All selected hosts will be required to attend a fire and safety orientation either online or in person prior to the conference. 

 

WHY IS THERE AN APPLICATION THIS YEAR?

There are only so many spaces available! With only one night of Acoustic Showcases being offered, spots are limited. The application process will be used to not only gauge interest, but also to allocate space as fairly as possible, while also ensuring quality and accountability. 

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When filling out your application, be sure to include as much information as possible on your plans for the room, and demonstrate the benefit for the event and artists.  
 

WHAT IS THE COST TO HOST A ROOM?

The estimated cost to host an Acoustic Showcase is the cost of the hotel room rental ($220) plus the acoustic showcase fee ($50) plus hst. There are no suites available on the showcase floors, all rooms are similar size and are available at the same rate of $220. There is no bed removal option available this year, all rooms will have two queen size beds. 

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Any hospitality, decorations, or marketing materials may be purchased by the hosts at their own initiative and expense. 

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Hosts are welcome to also use the room as accommodations, keeping in mind that there will be considerable music occurring (bring your earplugs if you’re a light sleeper!) Standard check in and check out times will apply as communicated by the hotel. 

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Hosts are not allowed to charge a fee to perform in their room. While a group of individuals may split the costs of hosting an Acoustic Showcase room, they may not charge a fee to artists to perform. Should you hear of this happening, please contact the Folk Canada team directly. 
 

WHEN WILL THE ACOUSTIC SHOWCASE HEALTH AND SAFETY PRESENTATION TAKE PLACE?

There will be one online health and safety presentation on Friday October 2nd at 6:00pm EST. There will be an additional in person health and safety presentation during the conference date and time TBD. 

All room hosts are required to attend at least one of the training sessions. 
 

If you have additional questions, please contact us directly at sofia@folkcanada.com