MCAU Artist Newsletter - Feb. 25, 2013

Feb. 25, 2013

Providing resource information and exposure for artists of all kinds

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We proudly support Americana Music Association, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Country Music Association (CMA), The Recording Academy, SongU, Indie Connect, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, Film Nashville, Nashville Composers Association, Artists in Nashville, Arts Council of Williamson County, Positive Music Association, Nashville Artists Guild, TJBS, Nashville Songwriters Festival, Nashville Musicians Association, Nashville Screenwriters Conference, AFM Local 257 and other organizations who do so much for emerging and professional artists.

Do you have news about career-changing opportunities for artists? Send it to us at info@MusicCityArtsUpdate.com .

Read about breaking arts news and receive artist resource tips with photos at at our new blog: http://www.MusicCityArtsUpdate.com .

(MCAU Copyright 2013 - All Rights Reserved)


Opportunities and Achievements:

***JOIN US AT THE 'IC VIRTUAL MUSIC CONFERENCE AND EXPO' -- Are you signed up to attend the first "IC Virtual Music Conference and EXPO" (Feb. 26-28).  If not, it's not too late. In fact, we still have a few free passes to give away. To obtain your free pass to the conference, please visit http://www.indieconnect.com/comp-icvmc-pass/ . Then write "Music City Arts Update" in the "Referred By" field. The conference will begin at 10 a.m. (CST) Feb. 26 (Tuesday) and end at 10 p.m. (CST) Feb. 28 (Thursday). Chuck Whiting will be available at various times via "Chat" to answer questions about PR. Please request an appointment at the Whiting Publicity booth. Learn more about the conference: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2013/02/speakers-added-for-ic-virtual-music.html

'TUNESMITHING' TO RETURN IN APRIL...  "Tunesmithing", our monthly songwriters showcase, will return to a new venue in April 2013. Learn more about "Tunesmithing" at http://www.Tunesmithing.com . Would you like to perform at one of our shows? Write us at Tunesmithing@earthlink.net .

CONGRATULATIONS TO... The WannaBeatles, who recently celebrated Betty White's birthday with a special show at 3rd and Lindsley. The popular Nashville band has released the new song and video, "Oh Betty! (The Betty White Song)". Learn more: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-wannabeatles-release-oh-betty-song.html

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETTY! The WannaBeatles and crew celebrate during the "Betty White

91st Birthday Bash" at 3rd and Lindsley in downtown Nashville. (Photo by Lucy Hart)

EARTH MAMA RELEASES 'BLESSINGS OF THE UNIVERSE'... Earth Mama (Joyce Rouse) has released the new CD "Blessings of the Universe". The project features 13 inspirational songs "for the foreground and background of your days." Joyce recently celebrated with a special benefit performances in Abingdon and Independence, Va. Learn more: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2013/01/celebrating-arts-in-southwest-virginia.html

AMY ALLEN RECORDS VIDEO... Country/pop/adult contemporary singer-songwriter Amy Allen recently shot footage for her new EPK video. Sites included W.O. Smith School and the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, with participation from The WannaBeatles and Denny Martin. Amy's second album will be released during the spring. Stay tuned for more details.

MARY BETH CROSS SHOWCASES AT FOLK ALLIANCE... Mary Beth Cross celebrated the release of her fourth CD, "Beyond Good and Evil", by performing several times at the Folk Alliance in Toronto. Learn more about the artist's new CD at http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2013/01/mary-beth-cross-releases-beyond-good.html

GAIL MCDANIEL TO LEAD WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASSES -- Artist/instructor gail McDaniel will teach a series of watercolor painting classes in Middle Tennessee this spring for artists at all levels. Learn more: http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2013/02/gail-mcdaniel-to-teach-watercolor.html

ARTIST QUOTE OF THE WEEK... "Painting is just another way of keeping a diary" - Pablo Picasso


Arts...

Sundays -- Scarritt-Bennett Center hosts "Vespers & All That Jazz" in Wightman Chapel every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. The free event allows individuals to encounter the sacred in a new and unique way through this music-shaped, experiential worship service. Inspired by jazz as a process of making music and using the music to help individuals experience the interruptive spirit of God, the event encourages compassion, peace, justice and wonder.  Info:  http://www.ScarrittBennett.org . (SB)


Congratulations to...

Visual artist Meredith Green, who recently exhibited her painting, "Java Day", in the Jasmine and Joe National Juried Exhibition. (MG)

Country radio Hall of Famer Ed Salamon, whose book, "WHN: When New York City Went Country", will be published by Archer Books. (BSE)

Singer-songwriter Aaron Carmona, whose group The Carmonas will perform from 9-10 p.m. Feb. 26 (Tuesday) at the Rutledge, 410 Fourth Ave. S. (AC)

Screenwriter/songwriter Dan Wunsch, who is now pursuing his dreams in LA. (DW)

Blues artist Mark Robinson, who will celebrate his new CD, "Have Axe - Will Groove", at 7 p.m. March 2 (Saturday) at The Building, 1008 Woodland St. (MR)

Visual artist Camille Engel, whose "Alice in Wonderland" painting was chosen for the "Art Feast" fundraiser in Santa Fe. (CE)

Music industry professional Sheree' Spoltore', who has launched the Global Songwriters Connection. (SS).


Education (Hone Your Skills):

Watercolor Painting Classes -- Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolor artist/instructor who has served as an associate member of the Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network of London, England, will teach a series of watercolor painting classes in Middle Tennessee this spring for artists at all levels. * Two separate watercolor painting classes will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Tuesdays beginning March 5 at the Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road.  The classes will meet from 9 a.m.-noon and 6-9 p.m. on March 5, 12, 19 and 26; and April 2, 9, 16 and 23. Tuition is $150 for eight, three-hour sessions. * A watercolor painting class will be offered to intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesdays at Plaza Artist Materials, 633 Middleton St., in downtown Nashville beginning March 6. The class will meet from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 6, 13, 20 and 27; and April 3, 10, 17 and 24. Tuition is $165 for eight, three-and-a-half-hour sessions. Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required.  Both check and credit card payments are accepted.  For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (615) 599-5115 or send an inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.gailmcdanielart.com. (Whiting Publicity)

"I Create Music EXPO" -- ASCAP's "I Create Music EXPO" will occur from April 18-20, 2013 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles.  Learn more: http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/events/expo/ . (ASCAP)

JOIN NSAI! -- NSAI is the must-join organization for every emerging songwriter.  Receive a free gift and tour coupon at the next "Tunesmithing Off Music Row".  Breaking news! You can try out some of NSAI's services for free.  To learn more, visit http://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/nsai-offers-free-membership-benefits.html or http://www.NashvilleSongwriters.com.  If you join, please say you heard about it from MCAU.  (MCAU)

BMI Showcase Info -- BMI hosts songwriter showcases in Nashville, New York, LA and other cities.  Info:  http://www.bmi.com/events .  (BMI)

SongU -- There are always opportunities to hone your songwriting chops and learn from the pros at http://www.SongU.com . (DA)

PR Career Building -- Artists and entrepreneurs of all kinds can learn the nuts and bolts of the public relations process (and receive career-changing advice) by attending "Publicizing Your Dream" brainstorming sessions in Nashville. The sessions are specially designed for artists with specific needs. Attendees can learn all aspects of publicity... or they can receive insights on how to develop "can't miss" newsworthy events. The sessions are led by Chuck Whiting, founder of Whiting Publicity and an adjunct professor of journalism at MTSU and Motlow College.  To learn more: Arts@WhitingPublicity.com, or visit http://www.WhitingPublicity.com. (Whiting Publicity)


Film...

Learn About the Latest Nashville film news and opportunities at http://www.FilmNashville.org .


Food and Drink...

March 14 (Thursday) -- Sample the latest creations from food and drink artisans at "Tennessee Flavors", an event benefiting the Nashville State Community College School of Culinary Arts. Learn more: http://bit.ly/13KT6Oe (NSCC)


Get Well Soon...

Singer-songwriter Ron Young, who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.  You can write Ron at 205 Brooks Ave., Shertz, TX 78154.

Here's a special note from Ron: Well hello there, my name is Ronny Cash-less. Once again I need your help to raise funds to pay my medical bills. I have a new CD out titled, "Forever Young: The Songs of Ron Young, volume 1." It's available through me via snail mail for $15, which includes shipping or you can visit any one of the internet stores, including itunes.com, Grace Note, Amazon.com, Spotify, and 11 other Internet locations for only $5.99. If you're a member of Facebook, you can listen on my FB page at Ronald Lee Young. All proceeds go to help me keep the wolf at bay. Thanks, your pal, Ron


In Memoriam...

Nashville music industry professional Ron Hebert, who passed away recently.  Read about his life and career: http://www.nashvillemusicpros.com/profile/RonHebert . (T)


Literature...

New Book Release -- Butterfly, host of the monthly "Co-Creators' Coffeehouse", has released a laugh-a-minute book of original poetry titled "Dirty Dishes". To learn more, write Butterfly at butterfly5891@comcast.net or visit http://www.grandmabutterfly.com . (B)

Feb. 28 (Thursday) -- Scarritt-Bennett conference center will host the "Poet's Corner" from 7-8 p.m. Noted poets/writers read selections at Fondren Building @ Scarritt-Bennett (second floor), 1008 19th Ave. S.  Admission is free. This month's featured poet is David M. Harris. Details: http://www.scarrittbennett.org/programs/pc.aspx . (SB)

Dates Announced for Nashville Screenwriters Conference -- Registration is now open for the 15th annual Nashville Screenwriters Conference. The popular Nashville event will occur from May 31-June 2 at the Union Station Hotel. The Country Music Hall of Fame will host the "Music In The Movies" lunch and panel from noon-2 p.m. Register: http://bit.ly/13L1jSr (NSC)


Music...

March 1 (Friday) -- The "Co-Creator's Coffeehouse" will occur from 7-10 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike in west Nashville. Artists of all kinds will share their talents at an open circle from 7-8:45 p.m. Singer-songwriter Michael Elley will perform from 9-10 p.m.  For more information, send an e-mail to Butterfly at butterfly5891@comcast.net . (B)

Free PDF Guide -- Disc Makers is offering the free guide, "10 Effective Strategies to Get Your Music Noticed". Learn more: http://bit.ly/13KUEaP (DM)

Americana Music Fest Dates Announced -- The "Americana Music Festival & Conference" will occur in Nashville from Sept. 18-22. Learn more: http://americanamusic.org/store/conference-registration (AMA)

The Rumor Mill: There's word that the "Paste Untapped Indie Music and Beer Festival" will make a stop in Nashville in October.


Networking Events...

March 15 (Friday) -- The monthly Music City Mixer gives artists and others the opportunity to learn from a distinguished panel of communication and music professionals. The educational lunch occurs at noon at Nashville's Hard Rock Cafe (upstairs). RSVP: George@guestbooker.com . (GU)


News You Can Use...

The Vine Should Suffer, Not The Artist, By David Newhoff (Copyright Alliance) -- W. Somerset Maughm in "Of Human Bondage" writes, "Money is like a sixth sense, without which you cannot make a complete use of the other five." This is instructive as to how I believe most working artists relate to money -- as a means, not an end. Read more: http://www.copyrightalliance.org/2013/02/vine_should_suffer_not_artist#.USvR1Y4zzP0 (ASCAP)

Why Move to Nashville?: A Q&A with Randy Houser -- Mississippi native Randy Houser arrived in Nashville in 2002 and quickly planted himself on the leading edge of country’s new breed of songwriters. He garnered early attention for Trace Adkins’ hit “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” which Houser wrote with frequent collaborators Jamey Johnson and Dallas Davidson. Houser’s own performing career launched not long after, with the release of his albums Anything Goes in 2008 and They Call Me Cadillac in 2010. Read more: http://bit.ly/15KPD5V (BMI)


Songwriting...

***Returning in April 2013 -- "Tunesmithing Off Music Row", a monthly showcase spotlighting professional and emerging singer-songwriters. Admission is free. "Tunesmithing" is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Books & Music.  For more information about the event, call (615) 242-9857, write Tunesmithing@Earthlink.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com . (Whiting Publicity)

Songwriting Competition -- SongU.Com invites tunesmiths to submit songs for its "Staff Writer for a Day" competition. The winner will co-write with hit songwriter Doug Johnson. The deadline to submit songs is March 3. To learn more, visit http://www.SongU.com . (DA)

Wednesdays -- The Tennessee Songwriters Association International (TSAI) meets regularly, benefiting tunesmiths at all levels.  Wednesday gatherings typically occur from 7-9 p.m. in Room 200B or Room 413 at the Massey Business Center Building at Belmont University. Details: http://www.tnsai.com . (TSAI)

Thursdays -- Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) stages workshops every week. For more details, visit http://www.NashvilleSongwriters.com . (NSAI)


Music Publishing...

HFA Town Hall -- The Harry Fox Agency will host a "Publisher Town Hall" webinar from 2-3 p.m. Feb. 28 (Thursday). Register: http://bit.ly/Yw5P7L (HFA)


Visual Art...

First Friday -- Bennett Galleries hosts its "First Friday" from 5-8 p.m.  The spotlight artist on March 1 will be Robert Van Vranken. Learn more: http://www.BennettGalleries.com . (BG)

Second Friday -- The Arts Council of Williamson County's "Brown Bag Lunch Bunch", occurs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the main conference room of the Williamson County Public Library, 1314 Columbia Pike in Franklin, Tenn. "The Art of Origami" by Malachi Brown: March 8.  Details:  http://www.artscouncilwc.org . (ACWC)

First Saturday -- A host of galleries participate in Nashville's monthly "Art Crawl". The next "Art Crawl" is March 2.  Times vary.

Free Art Newsletter -- Subscribe to the national PleinAir Today newsletter for free: https://app.expressemailmarketing.com/Survey.aspx?SFID=101183 (PA)

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MCAU Recommends:

Music City Arts Update provides information about career-changing opportunities for artist of all kinds. Basic mentions in the monthly newsletter are free (based on time and space availability). For-profit event postings are available on a fee basis. Feel free to pass this on to others who might be interested. See photos and longer stories at http://www.MusicCityArtsUpdate.com or http://www.NashvilleArtsUpdate.com .This newsletter is written and distributed by Chuck Whiting of Whiting Publicity & Promotions. Please note that all written materials in this newsletter are copyright 2013 (reprinted by permission only). Thank you!

Gail McDaniel to Teach Watercolor Painting Classes

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 2013) -- Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolor artist/instructor who has served as an associate member of the Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network of London, England, will teach a series of watercolor painting classes in Middle Tennessee this spring for artists at all levels.

            * Two separate watercolor painting classes will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Tuesdays beginning March 5 at the Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road.  The classes will meet from 9 a.m.-noon and 6-9 p.m. on March 5, 12, 19 and 26; and April 2, 9, 16 and 23. Tuition is $150 for eight, three-hour sessions.

            * A watercolor painting class will be offered to intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesdays at Plaza Artist Materials, 633 Middleton St., in downtown Nashville beginning March 6. The class will meet from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 6, 13, 20 and 27; and April 3, 10, 17 and 24. Tuition is $165 for eight, three-and-a-half-hour sessions.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required.  Both check and credit card payments are accepted.  For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (615) 599-5115 or send an inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.gailmcdanielart.com.

            McDaniel has taught watercolor workshops on three continents and in Central America.  More than 1,100 different artists from 36 different states (including Alaska and Hawaii), the District of Columbia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and South Korea have studied with the artist.  She has taught 11 workshops at historic Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a landmark where the late Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted.

            Also a highly successful visual artist, McDaniel is the featured artist for a solo exhibition at the Franklin office of the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce.  Her paintings can be viewed through April 2013.

            "My classes provide opportunities for watercolor artists to develop their skills and find success," said McDaniel, a traditional watercolor artist who is best known for her vibrant use of colors when depicting images from nature and real life. "I'll be demonstrating the techniques, shortcuts and concepts that I have developed or learned by doing, reading or studying with others. I show my students everything I know, holding nothing back. My goal is to inspire them without making them feel overwhelmed."

            McDaniel has helped raise almost $90,000 for the arts in area public schools through the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards".  The fund-raising effort earned McDaniel and her husband, Ken, a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award.  She was invited to be the featured artist for the "Martin's Master Show" in Brentwood, Tenn., in November 2009.  She recently received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame.  The PENCIL Foundation in Nashville named her 2012 "Volunteer of the Year". An eighth-generation Kentuckian, she has been named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels as one of "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            In 2005, McDaniel was commissioned to paint the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music", a PENCIL Foundation fund-raiser starring LeAnn Rimes.  A local newspaper spotlighted the artist after she created a poster commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.

            McDaniel, who lives in Williamson County, gained international notoriety in 2001 when she was named an associate member of the Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network in London, England, and invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France.

            A native of Kentucky, she has studied under 36 noted watercolor instructors. The artist’s reputation as a budding artist grew in 1984 when she was commissioned to paint a family landmark by Kentucky Governor Louie B. Nunn. She has had 52 solo exhibitions during her career. The Brentwood Public Library hosted her first Tennessee solo art exhibition in 1994.  In 1996 and 1997, she was invited to design the theme poster for the Nashville Symphony’s "Italian Street Fair".  In 1998, she was commissioned to paint 18 watercolor paintings for a permanent collection at the newly opened Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Franklin, Tenn.  A year later, she was commissioned to paint 13 pieces for the annual Nashville Scene N-Focus social calendar.

            In 2000, she became a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art in Nashville, teaching weekly art classes.  In 2001, she traveled to Giverny, France, and painted in Monet’s Garden. The same year, she was commissioned to paint a promotional streetscape of four homes for Newmark Homes and five other paintings for the Nashville Home Builders Association/SunTrust Bank 2001 "Parade of Homes". She has judged local, regional and statewide art shows, including a statewide competition at the Tennessee State Fair in Nashville.

            Other upcoming training opportunities with Gail McDaniel include the "Resurrection Watercolor Workshop" from June 7-9 at Plaza Artist Materials in downtown Nashville.

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Speakers Added for 'IC Virtual Music Conference and Expo'

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 2013) -- Dozens of music industry professionals from around the world will be featured speakers in the first "IC Virtual Music Conference and Expo", an online music industry gathering from Feb. 26-28, 2013 (Tuesday-Thursday).

            Speakers will range from hit singer/songwriter and vocal coach Judy Rodman and film music supervisor Donna Caldwell to Music Dish founder Eric DeFontenay and social networking marketing expert Ariel Hyatt.  Seminars will cover topics such as fan and team building, booking, social media, vocal recording, writing game music, publicity, stage presence, producing, film and TV licensing, funding and touring.

(Photo: Vinny Ribas with The Delearys)

            Tagged as the first music industry event of its kind, the three-day online conference will connect independent artists, professionals and businesses around the world with 60 straight hours of professional activities, beginning at 11 a.m. (EST) Feb. 26 and continuing till 11 p.m. (EST) Feb. 28. The event will be hosted by Nashville-based Indie Connect at http://www.VirtualMusicConference.com.

            Artists, songwriters and others can log in from around the globe to view live and video artist showcases, explore a music industry trade show, see/hear in-depth presentations by noted music industry professionals, and make vital career connections.

            "This is truly a global conference," said Indie Connect CEO Vinny Ribas. "We are excited to have participants registering from many different countries. It is just as exciting to have speakers hailing from Russia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Great Britain, China, Canada and other countries."

            Featured speakers will include

            * Ariel Hyatt of Cyber PR ("Using Social Media and Online Marketing To Sell More Music Online").

            * Hessel van Oorschot of Tribe of Noise in Germany ("2013: The Triumph of DIY Musicians and Songwriters").

            * Jay Warsinske of Indie Power ("Building Your Ultimate Success Team!").

            * Andrew Apanov of Dotted Music in Russia ("The Immortal Music Promotion Channel: Leveraging Email Marketing in 2013").

            * Madalyn Sklar of GoGirls Music ("Expanding Your Presence with Social Media").

            * Top-selling artist, hit songwriter, vocal coach and producer Judy Rodman ("Singing In The Studio").

            * John Oszajca of Music Marketing Manifesto ("Direct to Fan Marketing in the New Music Business").

            * Bob Baker of The Buzz Factor ("Guerrilla Music Marketing Online Masterclass")

            * Tom Jackson of Onstage Success ("Developing Confidence Onstage").

            * Brian Thompson of Thorny Bleeder ("Stand Out From The Crowd. Tap into the Full Potential of the Social Web").

            * Donna Caldwell of Music Cue Review ("Licensing for Film and TV").

            * Ian Clifford of Make It In Music in Great Britain ("Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Your Artist Website But Were Afraid To Ask").

            * 2012 New Zealand Female Country Artist of the Year Aly Cook ("Successful Fan Funding").

            * Eric DeFontenay of Music Dish, Music Dish China and MI2N ("The Music Industry in China").

            * Bram of Indie Hit Maker ("Finding Success In Today's Music Industry: Leveraging Your Live Performance").

            * Mike Shea of Alternative Press Magazine Inc. ("What It Takes To Be A Professional Musician").

            * Jan Smith of Jan Smith Studios "Vocal Coach To The Stars" ("Good Touring Health").

            * Brian Felsen of CD Baby ("Marketing Yourself").

            * Michael Brandvold of Michael Brandvold Marketing ("Touring Secrets" Part 1).

            * Rich Levy of Live Nation ("Sponsorships and Endorsements").

            * Chris Siciliano of EMI Music ("Touring Secrets" Part 1).

            * Tyler Palmer of StageIt.com ("Touring Secrets" Part 2).

            * Publisher/song plugger/independent A&R representative Steve Bloch ("Publishers and Song Pluggers in Nashville").

            * Producer/songwriter Gary Earl ("Get Your Music a Competitive Edge in Film & TV Market").

            * Lynn "Royce" Taylor of The Imperials, The Stamps Quartet and The Vogues ("What It Means To Be A Christian Artist Or An Artist Who Is Christian").

            Registrants can visit trade show booths day and night for professional advice and to learn about the latest music-related products and services. Artists will showcase their talents with live performances (TBA) and recorded videos. Participating artists will include classic rock acts such as Orleans ("Still The One" and "Dance With Me") and emerging country-pop acts Alayna and The Delearys.

            Sponsors include StreetJelly.com, BeAppsolute.com, IndieHitMaker.com, The Business Side of Music Podcast, Music Dish, Music Connection Magazine, Indie Hit Maker, Media Design Services, MI2N, and Whiting Publicity & Promotions.

            To learn more about attending the "IC Virtual Music Conference and Expo", visit http://www.VirtualMusicConference.com, send an email inquiry to vinny@indieconnect.com or connie@indieconnect.com, or call (615) 200-8081.

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Orleans and Judy Rodman to Participate in 'IC Virtual Music Conference and Expo'

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 2013) -- Thousands of independent artists and songwriters are expected to attend the first "IC Virtual Music Conference and Expo", an online music industry gathering from Feb. 26-28, 2013 (Tuesday-Thursday).

            Tagged as the first music industry event of its kind, the three-day online conference will connect independent artists, professionals and businesses around the world with 60 straight hours of professional activities, beginning at 11 a.m. (EST) Feb. 26 and continuing till 11 p.m. (EST) Feb. 28. The event will be hosted by Nashville-based Indie Connect at http://www.VirtualMusicConference.com.

            Artists, songwriters and others can log in from around the globe to view live and video showcases, explore a trade show with more than 100 booths, and see in-depth presentations by noted music industry professionals.

            "This event is unique because it makes career-changing opportunities possible for artists who can't make it to a land-based conference," said Indie Connect CEO Vinny Ribas. "This is going to be a truly global event. We've attracted speakers, businesses and artists from the United States, Russia, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and China, to name a few. For artists, it is the ideal way to make contacts and showcase themselves to industry executives and talent buyers worldwide. For businesses, it is an ideal way to demonstrate and sell products and services to thousands of artists."

            Seminars will cover topics such as fan and team building, booking, social media, vocal recording, writing game music, publicity, stage presence, producing, film and TV licensing, funding, touring, and international opportunities. The international roster of more than 60 speakers will include Ariel Hyatt of Cyber PR, vocal coach Jan "Mama J" Smith (coach of superstar Justin Bieber), music marketing expert Bob Baker, GoGirls Music founder Madalyn Sklar, Dotted-Music.com music executive Andrew Apanov, Indie Hit Maker executive Bram Bessoff, Music Dish writer/editor Eric DeFontenay, and Indie Connect CEO Vinny Ribas.

            Registrants can visit trade show booths day and night for professional advice and to learn about the latest music-related products and services. Participating companies and organizations will include Cyber PR, Tribe of Noise, Indie Power, Dotted Music, Indie Hit Maker, GoGirls Music, Nashville Songwriters Association International, Onstage Success, Diamonddisc Audio, The Indie Bible, Sound Central Station, and CDX.

            Artists will showcase their talents with live performances (TBA) and recorded videos. Participating artists will include classic rock acts such as Orleans ("Still The One" and "Dance With Me"), hit country singer-songwriter Judy Rodman, and emerging country-pop acts Alayna and The Delearys.

            Sponsors include StreetJelly.com, BeAppsolute.com, IndieHitMaker.com, The Business Side of Music Podcast, Music Dish, Music Connection Magazine, Indie Hit Maker, Media Design Services, MI2N, and Whiting Publicity & Promotions.

            To learn more about attending, showcasing or exhibiting at the "IC Virtual Music Conference and Expo", visit http://www.VirtualMusicConference.com, send an email inquiry to vinny@indieconnect.com or connie@indieconnect.com, or call (615) 568-4736.

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