Look out for buskers - the 24th annual Folk Alliance Conference is taking over downtown this week.

The conference is an industry event designed to hook bands up with record labels, promoters and each other over the next five days. And while you'll need a conference badge to attend the juried showcases, there are a few events that anyone can attend.

More than 30 bands will play during Public Night on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the downtown Mariott. Tickets are $10, and the show is all-ages.

If you're hesitating because you're not into traditional folk music (think dulcimers), don't. One of the things that the Folk Alliance has done very well is expand their definition of folk music to include performers all genres. During public night, you can listen to Latino music, a salute to Memphis legend Jim Dickinson, a showcase of bands from Austin, Texas and a songwriter's open mic.

There's a second public showcase at Otherlands on Friday night featuring Memphians Grace Askew and Chris Milam.

Go there:

24th Annual Folk Alliance Conference

Cook Convention Center and Downtown Marriott Hotel

Public Night,  Wednesday, Feb. 22

7 p.m., $10, all ages