Note: applications are due July 10, 2011, and are available here in PDF.

Be sure to visit the Performers section to see who is playing this year.

1) BCMFest IS a party. And there is an actual party afterwards.
2) We're looking for artists who live in, and/or who have continuing ties to, the Greater Boston area Celtic music and dance scene.
3) New collaborations are encouraged, especially those that are imaginative, creative, outside that metaphorical box.
4) Everyone gets paid the same.


The following are the performer categories for BCMFest:

1. Tradition-Bearer
   Boston is fortunate to have a number of seasoned musicians, people who have helped to shape the strong traditional music scene we enjoy here today. Every year, BCMFest will invite representatives of the Tradition-Bearer category. If you are a leader in the community and know you will be around for the festival, please be in touch.
2. Performing Professional
   Our community is home to many top class musicians; many of whom are often hired to perform throughout the country, as well as in the Boston area and New England. If you are a Performing Professional and would like to apply for the festival, we would love to consider your touring act OR a new collaboration--if there's something you've always wanted to try out, BCMFest is the place to try it out.
   Simply:
   * Fill out an application
   * You do NOT need to send a sound sample, unless you have NEVER BEFORE performed for BCMFest.
3. Sessioneers
   Session players are the lifeblood of the Boston Music Community. BCMFest has proudly presented some of our city's finest session musicians--as some of the newer session players. If you are an active session musician and would like to perform, please apply--and do let us know what other musicians you would prefer to accompany you.
   Simply:
   * Fill out an application
   * You do NOT need to send a sound sample, unless you have NEVER BEFORE performed for BCMFest
4. New Bands on the Block
   Got an act you've started rehearsing and want a great local gig? BCMFest can provide a high-profile outlet for your music! Every year performing slots are available for new acts.
   Simply:
   * Fill out an application
   * Send in a sound sample if you have NEVER BEFORE performed for the fest.
5. Next Generation
   BCMFest is committed to the idea that young traditional musicians are, quite simply, the traditional musicians of the future. Every year performing slots are available for young performers and new collaborations, and we welcome applications from newer groups.
   Simply:
   * Fill out an application
   * Send in a CURRENT sound sample
6. Artie Flynn Open Stage
   Are you interested in performing at BCMFest but don't think you can make the application deadline? Or are you new to performing and would like to get a little stage experience? You can sign up to play at the BCMFest Artie Flynn Open Stage. Details for registering will be announced. PLEASE NOTE: Open Stage performers do not get free admission to the festival.
7. Dance Groups
   Each year, BCMFest features dance groups performing traditions such as Irish step-dance, Highland, Cape Breton, morris and rapper sword. If your group would like to appear, please apply; groups get in free for the day on which they perform.

Finally, for both new and experienced BCMFest performers, here are a few FAQs you may find helpful:

Q: Why do I have people apply to play at the festival? If BCMFest is interested in having someone perform, why don't you just ask them?

A: BCMFest is a community-oriented, grassroots festival. We want everyone to be given equal consideration for playing at BCMFest -- so no matter how well-known or accomplished you might be, take the time to fill out the application telling us you're interested. BCMFest is a labor of love. No one's going to get rich playing here, and we're very dependent on volunteers. Any money BCMFest makes goes right back into creating the next festival. We'd love to have you participate -- and your application is the best way to show us you want to get involved in BCMFest. Also, don't take it for granted that we know all about you and what you're up to. Maybe you've been working on some brand new material? Or playing with a new band, accompanist, melody player? If you fill out an application and tell us what kind of stuff you'd like to do at BCMFest (and include a sound sample) it will help us plan out the festival.

Q: I played one year at BCMFest, but when I applied the next year I didn't get selected. Why should I bother applying again?

A: Since the number of performer applications BCMFest receives is more than the number of available slots, we have to consider quite a few variables in choosing acts for the festival: giving a shot to bands or individuals who haven't appeared at BCMFest yet; making sure there's a representation of as many different kinds of Celtic music and dance (Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, etc.) as possible; offering a variety of talents and styles, e.g., singers and dancers as well as instrumentalists; and presenting special, one-of-a-kind collaborations. Given all that, inevitably we have to make some hard choices and decline applications from people who have played at the festival. But please don't feel unwanted or unloved -- next year, the scenario may be very different, and BCMFest will be delighted to have you back on the stage. But again, we have to know you're interested in performing, and the only way we can is if you apply.