Every year musicians showcase their unique talents at the OCFF’s annual conference. In 2011 there were 24 Official Showcases, 2 Family Showcases and a Youth Showcase featuring participants in the Youth Program. The conference schedule was rounded out by numerous Sponsored Showcases and Private Showcases - all part of the official activities of the annual conference.

Artists submit applications to showcase in the categories of Official, Family, or Youth. In addition, anyone can apply to present a Private Showcase.

Official and Family Showcase Applications
Twenty-four slots are available for official showcases each year. Artists selected by the showcase jury perform for artistic directors and presenters from across Canada and around the world as well as conference delegates in a 20-25 minute set.

For the family showcase, two applicants are chosen by jury to perform 20-25 minute sets to an audience of suitably-aged children, parents and presenters. The showcase is hosted by a family performer.

To better understand this process, please read the OCFF Official Showcase Goals and Jury Guidelines.

Official Showcase applications will be accepted until May 31, 2012. Click here to apply online or download an application form here:

Youth Showcase Applications
Five youth performers (15 to 21 years of age) are chosen and matched with established artists from the community for one-on-one mentorship. The OCFF Youth Program also offers workshops, master classes, an enhanced orientation to the OCFF event and community, a youth ‘hub’, opportunities for collaboration, and, of course, a special showcase set. For more information, visit the Youth Program page.

The OCFF received 296 official showcase applications in 2011, and as always, the choices were difficult due to the very high calibre of material being considered.

2011 Official Showcase Artists:

2011 Alternate Showcase Artists (in alphabetical order by first name)
In the event that an artist/group from the above list could not attend or perform, alternates could be asked to officially showcase.

• Beyond the Pale, ON
• Bill Bourne, ON
• Cara Luft, MB
• Dennis Stroughmatt et l'Esprit Creole, IL
• Dwayne Côté and Duane Andrews, NS (unable to attend)
• Ellis Paul, MA (unable to attend)
• Jay Aymar, ON
• Kim Stockwood, ON
• Les Surveillantes, MB
• Lindy, ON
• Tannis Slimmon, ON
• The Boxcar Boys, ON
• The F-Holes, MB
• The Kerplunks, BC (Family S/C)

Everyone invited to perform in a sponsored showcase was required to be a registered delegate of the conference. At least one member of each band appearing in a sponsored showcase had to be registered for the full conference.

A special Private/Sponsored Showcase rate was offered to sponsored showcase artists who were members of the OCFF.

Other band members were allowed to register at a reduced "Side Player" rate. Side players paying this rate had access to showcases only.

The following sponsored showcases took place on Thursday evening, Friday afternoon and Friday and Saturday evening of the conference:

A Private Showcase is a performance or series of performances in a hotel room on the music floors of the host hotel. It is part of the official activities of the OCFF conference. In 2011, ALL private showcases were ACOUSTIC.

Everyone who presented and/or appeared in a private showcase was required to be a registered delegate of the conference. A special Private/Sponsored Showcase rate was offered to private showcase presenters who were members of the OCFF.

The Private/Sponsored Showcase rate was also offered to private showcase artists who were members of the OCFF.

Other band members were allowed to register at a reduced "Side Player" rate. Side players paying this rate had access to showcases only.

The following private showcases occurred between 11:00pm and 3:00am on Friday and Saturday evenings of the conference:

2011 Youth Showcase Artists

• Megan Landry – Ottawa
• Chris Thompson – Orillia
• Ryan Van Belleghem – Kenora
• Binaeshee Couchie – Pic River
• Japhy Sullivan – Maberly