The annual convergence of folk musicians, promoters, and enthusiasts that is The International Folk Alliance Music Conference took place February 16-20th at the Memphis Marriot Conference Center in Memphis, TN and The Steel Wheels took part for the second year in a row. It is impossible to fully paint the picture, but I’ll try. The conference includes great workshops and an amazing exhibit hall, but its most remarkable and inspiring for the floors and floors of talented musicians telling their stories and singing their songs in large ballroom “offical” showcases or in one of the many “guerilla” showcases in small hotel rooms. Hosts from all over the globe take great pains to transform their rooms into venues with tasteful decor and lighting. But the music is what makes the caffeine and 4AM nights worthwhile. Here are a few of my most magical musical moments this year in no particular order: