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TMF2026 Performer Application

Tumbleweed Music Festival Generic Logo created by Thesa Grate for the 10th Anniversary of Tumbleweed.

Tumbleweed Music Festival
September 4 - 6, 2026

Three Rivers Folklife Society
P.O. Box 1098, Richland, WA 99352

www.3rfs.org/tmf.htm www.tumbleweedfest.com
Email: tumbleweedmusicfestival@3rfs.net

Application Deadline:  April 20, 2026

Festival Performer Policies

General policy: It is the intent of the Tumbleweed Music Festival to present high-quality, diverse music, dance, and instruction.  Acommittee of volunteers selects performers based on the best interest of the festival from artistic, philosophic, programmatic andtechnical viewpoints.  Our festival welcomes all applicants, but traditionally we have featured mostly acoustic acts.  Some selection preference is given to local performers, culturally and ethnically diverse performers, and children's music.

Deadline for application this year:  Applications must be received either via surface mail or land carrier, or electronically (to tumbleweedsubmissions@gmail.com) by April 20, 2026.

Set Length:  Time slots for live sets are 45 minutes (includes 5 minutes setup and 5 minutes teardown time).

Technical Requirements:  All performers will complete and return a Tech Sheet, so that we may be prepared to present you in thebest way possible on stage. The Tech Sheet follows this Performer Application, below.

Saturday Evening Concert:  Headline performers for the evening concert are selected by the Tumbleweed Planning Committee.

Audition recordings:  Musicians must provide audio recordings of three to five songs typical of your festival performance (Electronic Submissions: high-quality .mp3s, .wav., or .aac files; US mail / land carrier:  audio CD or thumb drive with those files). Living room productions are fine, or you may send a studio CD identifying typical tracks.   Basically, we’re interested in what you sound like in person, as opposed to heavily-produced and augmented.  Audition recordings are not required for dance groups or storytellers.  Applying for the festival indicates that we may use audio clips from your audition recordings for promotion and publicity.  Physical audition recordings (i.e., CDs or thumb drives) are returned to performers after the festival opens.

Reimbursement:  PLEASE NOTE - Except for the three acts chosen as headliners for the Saturday night Tumbleweed Benefit Concert, and the Contra Dance Band and Caller, performers at the festival are not paid beyond a maximum $150.00 travel stipend.  Compensation is limited to a travel stipend for out-of-town performers, based on distance traveled, and will not exceed $150 per group.

Contract:  All performers will enter into a written Performer Agreement with the Three Rivers Folklife Society, the sponsoring organization.  This form will be sent to you on acceptance into the festival, and you will sign and return it to us via either email (preferred) or physically, to the address at the top of this form.

Photo/Video Release: If accepted for performance, you agree to allow video, audio, and photographs of your performance for the festival to be used by 3RFS for publicity or grant application purposes, including traditional radio, television, and print media, as well as clips from your public social medial postings.

I agree to the Tumbleweed Music Festival Performer Policies as listed on this page.

Note - This is separate from the full bio requested above

TMF2026 Performer Application

If not US
(Facebook, ReverbNation, Instagram, Threads, etc.) – we’d like to promote your performance.)
(e.g., “Traditional Bluegrass Band”; 32 characters max)
I/we want to perform:
NOTE: if "Live," please complete a Tech Sheet.
I/we are available to perform:
Hours available to perform on Saturday
Hours available to perform on Sunday
(This will help our MCs make sure to announce you correctly.)
Is the address above the appropriate one to send your Performer Agreement to for signature?
Physical address OR email
Tech Sheet Confirmation
The Tech Sheet is at the bottom of this online form. If you are filling this form out online, please send a Stage plot (.jpg or .pdf) using the "File Upload" button to send it to us. Thanks!

Type of Performance

Music and Spoken Word (check predominant type)
Dance Performances and Workshops (check one)
Dance Bands and Callers (check one)
Would you like to present a workshop or panel?
Items being physically sent (check if yes):
NOTE - Physical media are not returnable.

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

TMF2026 Jane Titland Memorial Songwriting Contest Entry Form
Tumbleweed Music Festival Generic Logo created by Thesa Grate for the 10th Anniversary of Tumbleweed.Tumbleweed Music Festival, September 4 - 6, 2026

Three Rivers Folklife Society
P.O. Box 1098, Richland, WA 99352

www.3rfs.org/tmf.htm
Email: tumbleweedmusicfestival@3rfs.net

November 2025

The Three Rivers Folklife Society is again hosting the Jane Titland Memorial Songwriting Contest in conjunction with the 30th annual Tumbleweed Music Festival. This year's festival will begin on Friday, September 4, 2026 in Richland, Washington’s Howard Amon park, and will also have a virtual component for those performers who cannot travel to Richland.

Each year's contest features a new song topic based on the theme of the festival for that year. The festival theme for this year is Tumbleweed - Thirty Years by the River. Applications MUST be received by email, online form (below), or US mail or landcarrier by April 20, 2026.  Songwriting Contest entrants need not be Tumbleweed Music Festival participants, however we strongly urge you to apply!

To enter, you must submit (electronically or with a physical copy) a completed application, along with an audio recording of a performance (by you) of your entry song, and a lyric sheet. You may submit your application, recorded performance,and lyric sheet either electronically, to tumbleweedsubmissions@gmail.com OR by completing the Online Entry form below, or a physical copy by US mail or land carrier, addressed to Songwriting Contest, C/O 3RFS, PO Box 1098, Richland, WA 99352.  If available, we ask that you please include a biography / press kit, photos of yourself or your group, and website/social media information (including tipjar links).

Preliminary entry screening will be conducted in May and June, and ten finalists and three alternates will be notified by early July. The finalists will perform their songs live on Saturday afternoon at the Festival .  Note that if a finalist is not able to perform live at the Festival, an alternate will take their place.  Please also note that finalists are requested to provide a video of them performing their song for a songwriting contest finalist compilation that will be posted to ourvirtual festival website. (Songwriting Contest Finalists will receive a copy of our video file requirements).

The top three winners will receive the following prizes:

● First place will receive $300 and the 2026 Tumbleweed Songwriting Contest trophy.  The winner will perform their winning song during the Saturday night concert at the Festival.
●  Second place will receive $150.
● Third place will receive $75.
● The “People’s Choice” (voted on by the audience at the Saturday Songwriting Finalist’s perform-ance) will receive $50.

Rules and Procedures:

● Each competing artist or collaborating group may enter one original song in the contest.
● The song must comprise the original lyrics and melody of the writer(s).
● Songs may have been previously recorded.
● The writer(s) will retain all rights to the song.
● Writers must submit a recording and lyric sheet as instructed on the attached contest entry form.
● Songs must be performed by the writer(s), though others may perform with the writer(s).
● The submitted recording should be representative of a live performance.
● All decisions of the judging panel are final.
● Finalists must submit a video recording of their performance of their song to be considered for a prize.
● Judging criteria include, first and foremost, that the song must have original melody and lyrics, and must be on topic.

Other judging criteria:

● Flow and Rhythm
● Lyric Craft
● Melody
● Imagery
● Originality
● Emotional Impact
● Vocal Skills
● Passion and Believability
● Professionalism
● Musicianship

Photo/Video Release: If accepted as a finalist, you agree to allow your photo and the video of your performance to be used by 3RFS for publicity or grant application purposes, including traditional radio, television, and print media as well as
clips from your public social media postings.

There’s no entry fee, so why not challenge yourself?

Sincerely,

Katrina Knight, Coordinator
Tumbleweed Music Festival 2026
tumbleweedmusicfestival@3rfs.net
Phone: 509.587.3060

David Carson, Applications Coordinator
Tumbleweed Music Festival 2026 tumbleweedsubmissions@gmail.com
Phone:  509.539.8090

Please enter my/our original song in the 2026 Tumbleweed Music Festival Jane Titland Songwriting Contest, with the theme of Tumbleweed - Thirty Years by the River.

I am submitting lyrics and a recording of an original song.  I am a featured artist on the recording. The recording isrepresentative of a live performance of this song.  I certify by submission that all writing and publication rights for thissong remain solely with me, and have not been sold or contractually assigned to any other entity.  I understand that alljudging decisions are final.

If not US
Have you applied to perform at the 2026 Tumbleweed Music Festival?

Please send the following items to the festival at the email or postal addresses above by April 20, 2026  OR  Complete this online form and press the "Submit" button:

  • This form
  • Lyric sheet
  • If available, a current photo and performer bio
  • A recording that is representative of live performance. (Electronic files OR CD or thumb drive - must be separate from the recording you submit with your Tumbleweed performer application). Please title or label your recording with the songwriter’s name and the name of the song.

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

TMF2026 Craft Vendor Application
If not USA
We will send receipt of application
Business license information
Description of your sale/display items
  • Application Fee ($50.00 per 10 foot frontage)
  • Richland Business License Fee ($10.00)
  • Late Fee (if after August 1) ($20.00)

Total

Attach photos of your art with the application using the "File Upload" box below. JPGs are acceptable. Returning artists need NOT send in photos.

My signature certifies that I am the artist/craft vendor who will be selling the work described. I have read and understood the rules and guidelines set forth in the artist's prospectus for the Tumbleweed Music Festival, and agree to save and hold harmless the Three Rivers Folklife Society and the City of Richland, their officers, employees and agents for damage to persons or property caused by the movement, set-up, tear-down or operation of this applicant's unit in connection with the Tumbleweed Music Festival and further agree to defend said society and the City of Richland from any claims for such damages.

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

TMF2026 Food Vendor Application / Contract
If not USA
We will send receipt of application
Business license information
Prool of Liability Insurance (POI)
If you are sending your POI digitally using the "file Upload" box below, the file type should be jpg or pdf.
I/We agree to sell only those foods approved by the festival producers.
(Note that the Tumbleweed Music Festival wishes to provide a variety of food selections and to avoid menu duplications). Please list the food items you will offer for sale below.
Type of booth:
What Electrical Power Do You Need?
All appliances have been checked for GFCI compatibility and are in proper working order

I/We have read and agree to all of the requirements.

In consideration of the acceptance of this application, the applicant agrees to save and hold harmless the Three Rivers Folklife Society and the City of Richland, their officers, employees and agents from any loss or damage to persons or property caused by the movement, set-up, tear-down or operation of this applicant's unit in connection with the Tumbleweed Music Festival and further agrees to defend said society and the City of Richland from any claims for such damages.

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

TMF2026 Homestay Request Form

Dear Performers,

The Three Rivers Folklife Society is usually able to offer performers a home-stay while in the Tri-Cities. Please return this form postmarked or submitted electronically by July 15, 2026, no matter what your arrangements are going to be but especially if you need a homestay.  We need information about where our performers will be staying, because we have a grant funded by the City of Richland Hotel and Motel tax funds, and that requires this information.

Will you be traveling with other festival participants?

If you would like home hospitality in the home or backyard of festival volunteers, please indicate shared sleeping accommodations and note any allergies, food preferences or other special needs.

Individual performer(s) and companions, family members, etc.
Name
Name
First
Last
Questions for each person above:
plus1 Add minus1 Remove

Special lodging requests: (Former hosts, special needs, etc)

Will you be traveling with other festival participants?
Would you want to camp in a backyard or driveway?

If you are making your own reservations for accommodations while in the area please let us know the appropriate information for grant purposes: (We aren’t just being nosey!)

Will you be camping at a local campground or RV Park??
Will you be making your own hotel reservations?
Will you or did you ask for a discount for Tumbleweed?
Will you be staying with friends in the area?

TMF2025 Volunteer Form

TMF2026 Volunteer Application

Please choose your interests below.

Pre-festival help:
Host performers at your home (Fri/Sat/Sun nights) (Please fill out a Homestay Host Form at https://tumbleweedfest.com/support-tmf/homestay-hosting/)

Volunteering During the Festival

Pick up / return box truck (Friday afternoon/Monday)
Truck driver for box truck
Load equipment into truck (Friday afternoon)
Unload truck and put equipment in storage unit (Monday, time TBA)
Friday setup crew (4:00 - 7:00 pm)
Morning set-up (info booth materials, posters, haul water to stages)
Tear-down crew (load truck Sat and Sun evenings)
Kitchen Crew (help prepare meals in Community Center)
Hospitality Crew (serve food, maintain hospitality area)
Provide baked goods or other food
Main Information Booth (sell CDs, T-shirts)
Main Information Booth (check in performers)
Auxiliary Info Booth (inside Community Center)
Workshop monitor (help set up, count attendance, etc)
Instrument check (check in/out and guard instruments)
Silent Auction (set-up, monitor, take-down)
Sound crew (set up sound, assist performers and sound engineer)
Emcee/stage manager (introduce performers, keep stage on schedule)
Asst Emcee (gofer, distribute/collect surveys, etc)
Community Center Dance stage support (emcee, run simple sound set-ups)
Sunday Contra Dance crew (set-up, clean-up, hospitality)
Button/raffle ticket seller
Take tickets/collect donations for evening events

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

If you have downloaded the physical form, please use this upload section to send this form.

TMF2025 Homestay Hosting Form

TMF2026 Homestay Host Form

I am offering:

RV space in my:
Do you have cats/dogs?
Do you allow smoking?

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

If you download a physical copy of the form, you can fill it out, Scan it, and return it here by uploading the form to us.

TMF2025 Non-Vendor Community Group Application

TMF2026 Community Organization Application
We will send you verification of receipt of your application
Type of Booth
(Passing out info, activities for attendees, demonstrations, etc).
Do you plan to sell anything?

I/We have read and agree to all of the requirements.

In consideration of the acceptance of this application, the applicant agrees to save and hold harmless the Three Rivers Folklife Society and the City of Richland, their officers, employees and agents from any loss or damage to persons or property caused by the movement, set-up, tear-down or operation of this applicant's unit in connection with the Tumbleweed Music Festival and further agrees to defend said society and the City of Richland from any claims for such damages.

TMF2026 Homestay Request Form

Dear Performers,

The Three Rivers Folklife Society is usually able to offer performers a home-stay while in the Tri-Cities. Please return this form postmarked or submitted electronically by July 15, 2026, no matter what your arrangements are going to be but especially if you need a homestay.  We need information about where our performers will be staying, because we have a grant funded by the City of Richland Hotel and Motel tax funds, and that requires this information.

Will you be traveling with other festival participants?

If you would like home hospitality in the home or backyard of festival volunteers, please indicate shared sleeping accommodations and note any allergies, food preferences or other special needs.

Individual performer(s) and companions, family members, etc.
Name
Name
First
Last
Questions for each person above:
plus1 Add minus1 Remove

Special lodging requests: (Former hosts, special needs, etc)

Will you be traveling with other festival participants?
Would you want to camp in a backyard or driveway?

If you are making your own reservations for accommodations while in the area please let us know the appropriate information for grant purposes: (We aren’t just being nosey!)

Will you be camping at a local campground or RV Park??
Will you be making your own hotel reservations?
Will you or did you ask for a discount for Tumbleweed?
Will you be staying with friends in the area?