'Independent Music Fest' To Offer One-On-One Sessions With Professionals

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 2012) -- More than 150 performing artists and songwriters from around the world will visit Nashville's Music Row from Oct. 5-7 (Friday-Sunday) for the "Independent Music Fest".

            Performers and songwriters will take the stage along Demonbreun and Division streets from noon-midnight Friday-Sunday at entertainment venues such as Red Rooster, Blue Bar & Lucy's Country Cafe, Otters, and the Music Row Best Western Lounge.  

            The Best Western also will host music industry information tables, networking areas, and training sessions from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday.  Attendees can receive hands-on advice, critiques and training on topics such as stage presence, the craft of songwriting, recording techniques, publishing, song plugging, contracts, product development, audio podcast development, video production, management, and publicity.  

            For the first time, members of the general public can register separately to attend one-on-one brainstorming sessions with top music industry professionals. Artist mentors for this year's festival will include Fred Vail, Lisa Aschmann, Regina Carter-Boy, Ron Eckerman, Stephen Foster, Amanda Andrews, Jo Crowe, David Lowry, Pam Gunn, Kim Copeland, Janelle Angel, David Wray, Phil Brown, and Vinny Ribas.  

            The annual "Indie Music Masquerade Gala" will feature costumed dancing from 7 p.m.-midnight on   Oct. 6 (Saturday) in the Music Row Best Western Lounge.  Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

            Songwriters can introduce their new songs by performing at a special "open mic" stage located between Demonbreun and Division streets.

            "The 'Independent Music Fest' is a wonderful career-building opportunity for artists and songwriters at all levels," said Cornelius "Popcorn" Robertson, founder and coordinator of the festival. "More than 60 community volunteers will donate their time and resources to make this possible.  Shows are open to the public."

            Musical performers will include Rose Angelica, Billy Arr, Lisa Aschmann, Phil Brown, Jerry Foster, Stephen Foster, Bobby Keel, Bobby Pizzaz, Kevin Renick, Denny Sroakin, and Tony Stampley.

            Music industry exhibitors and sponsors include Kim Copeland Productions, Crowe Entertainment, producer Ron Eckerman (author of the new book "Turn It Up"), Indie Connect, Mind Coup, Musik and Film, Nashville Music Guide, National Media Group, Out of the Box Records, music industry attorney David Ray, SAE Institute, Tennessee Songwriters Association, Top Notch Entertainment, Treasure Isle Recording, Tri Star Entertainment, and Whiting Publicity & Promotions.

            Festival registration, which includes all activities, is $150 for three days, $110 for two days, and $60 for one day. Members of the general public can enjoy three days of live music with a $20 armband. They also can attend one-on-one mentoring sessions with top music industry professionals for $25 per day.  To register or for more information about the "Independent Music Fest", visit http://www.independentmusicfest.org, send an email inquiry to popcorn@IndependentMusicFest.org, or call (615) 424-1491.