'Independent Music Fest' to Occur in Nashville from Oct. 4-6

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2013) -- More than 200 performing artists and songwriters from around the world will visit Nashville's Music Row from Oct. 4-6 (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 the Music Row Best Western Lounge. 

            The Best Western also will host music industry information tables, networking areas, and mentoring sessions from noon-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Attendees can receive hands-on advice, critiques and advice 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. 

            Members of the general public can register separately to attend one-on-one brainstorming sessions and "Speak To A Pro". Artist mentors will be available to answer questions about the business of music.

            The annual "Indie Music Masquerade" will feature costumed dancing from 7 p.m.-midnight on   Oct. 5 (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 an exciting career-building must for indie artists and songwriters at all levels," said Cornelius "Popcorn" Robertson, founder and coordinator of the festival. "More than 100 music community volunteers will donate their time and resources to make this possible.  Shows are open to the public."

            Musical performers will represent the past, present and future of independent music.

            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 for $20. They also can attend one-on-one mentoring sessions with top music industry professionals for $35 per day. To register, volunteer or trade services 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.

'Nashville Songwriters Festival' to Occur on Music Row from May 31-June 2

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 2013) -- Emerging and professional songwriters from around the world will visit Nashville from May 31-June 2 (Friday-Sunday) for the "Nashville Songwriters Festival On Music Row".

            More than 400 songwriters in all genres will take the stage along Demonbreun and Division streets from noon-midnight Friday-Sunday at venues such as Aloft, Best Western Music Row, Citizens Bank Patio, Keeli's Co-Writers Corner, Otters, Soulshine Pizza Factory, the Studio 33 Tent, and The Row Kitchen & Pub.

            The Best Western Music Row will host music industry booths and mentoring sessions from noon-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Attendees can receive hands-on advice, critiques and training on topics such as the craft of songwriting, recording techniques, publishing, song plugging, contracts, product development, audio podcast development, video production, management, and publicity.

            "The 11th annual 'Nashville Songwriters Festival' is a wonderful way for performing songwriters to share their talents with fans, peers and the Nashville music industry," said Cornelius "Popcorn" Robertson, founder and coordinator of the event. "The festival will spotlight music creators from all genres and levels of the music industry -- from novice to pro. All of the shows are open to the general public."

            Festival registration is $150 for three days, $110 for two days, and $60 for one day. The general public can enjoy three days of live music for $20. To register or for more information about attending the "Nashville Songwriters Festival on Music Row", visit www.songwritersfestival.org, send an email inquiry to popcorn@songwritersfestival.org, or call (615) 424-1491.

            Music industry trainers, exhibitors and sponsors include Blue Collar Productions, Global Radio Promotions, Radio Free Nashville 107.1 LPFM, Rayla Ray Music, Songtek Productions, Studio 33, Treasure Isle Recording, and Whiting Publicity & Promotions.

            Highlights of the "Nashville Songwriters Festival on Music Row" are

            *  Music specialty areas for training on all aspects of the music industry from noon-6 p.m. daily at the Best Western Music Row.

            *  Featured and regular performances from noon-midnight daily at noted venues along Demonbreun and Division.

            *  A "Co-Writers Corner" in a special tent on Music Row.

            *  An "After-Hours Sing Ring" on Music Row.

            *  A "Lifetime Achievement Award" presentation honoring Boomer Castleman at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Studio 33 Tent.

            * A "Blessing of the Songwriters" ceremony and presentation of the "Keys to Music Row" to 2013 Grand Master Allen Karl at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Studio 33 Tent.

            * A festival Kick-off Party with live music from 5 p.m.-midnight Thursday (May 30) at the Best Western Music Row. The event will include a special "Tunesmithing" 10th anniversary show from 7-10 p.m. featuring hit songwriter Casey Kelley ("The Cowboy Rides Away"/George Strait).

            * Kathy Louvin's "Positive Message Show" from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at a tent across from the Best Western Music Row.

            * Live streaming on the Internet by Mind Coup Productions.

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