The Short and Sweet version...
- Send a CD by mail, OR submit an EPK or MP3s to SVFF by email, OR use Sonicbids.
- Deadline for submissions is January 31.
- All acts are previewed live before booking (in Ontario or at Folk Alliance).
- Selections are conducted in February. Contracts issued in March. Lineup announced in April.
- Only hired acts are contacted. Thanks in advance.
The Detailed version for submitting an application to perform at SVFF...
We begin accepting performer packages for the following year's festival
in October.
Most booking is done by the end of February.
Please note that we hire primarily solo songwriters, and a few select duo, trio, and band acts.
Performers are welcome to submit a CD and one-page bio (with full contact info - address/ phone/ email/ web) for consideration in advance of the Festival to:
The Shelter Valley Folk Festival
c/o Performer Selection
Box 29, Grafton, Ontario
K0K 2G0, Canada
Shelter Valley also accepts online submissions of Electronic Press Kits, MP3's accompanied by a one page bio, or submissions through Sonicbids.
The deadline to submit a package is January 31st, however the sooner you submit the sooner you will be considered.
In addition to submitted packages or EPKs, most performers are booked based on a preview of live performance in local venues, at other festivals or clubs, or through industry showcases at events such as the International Folk Alliance and the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (www.ocff.ca).
Once you have submitted a package feel free to let us know if you are performing in the Northumberland county area or showcasing at one of the above conferences. If you are applying for Canada Council or other Arts Council travel or appearance support please indicate that in your package.
Submitted material is kept on file by the SVFF and will be reviewed for additional year-round performance opportunities.
We are a small organization with one part time employee and many dedicated volunteers. We receive an enormous amount of material so while we hope to respond personally to all submissions we thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. At this time we cannot guarantee a response to all submissions.
Please note...
Anything other than a CD and 1 page bio is recycled. (Your 1 page bio may be double sided if needed.)
Please do not send folders, photos, and expensive press kits...it is the music we care about, the rest gets recycled. If we like the music we’ll check you out live in concert, then we’ll ask for the support material in a digital format.
Please remove the shrink-wrap from your CD :) Thanks....we receive hundreds of CDs and this is one little step that makes our lives easier.
Please ensure there is contact info on every piece of material you send and include direct performer e-mail.
Once selected performers will be required to provide a high resolution digital photo, 50 word bio, and stage tech sheet.
LOCAL MUSICIANS
An audition is held each summer for local songwriters (primarily residents of Northumberland County and reaching out as far as Belleville (east), Peterborough (north), Bowmanville (west).
To apply for the audition (date to be announced) please send by May 31st, 2010 a tape, CD, or MP3 of two original songs WITH PRINTED LYRICS to festival@sheltervalley.com or to:
The Shelter Valley Folk Festival
c/o Audition Committee
Box 29, Grafton, Ontario
K0K 2G0
Local songwriters can also submit to the Songwriters Showcase through Sonicbids.





















