The first annual Motor City Music Conference (MC2) will take place in downtown Detroit on April 20-24, 2005. Uniting music industry professionals, music fans and musicians, MC2 will feature three days of music industry panels, a music and lifestyle tradeshow at Cobo Expo Center, and over 400 bands from all over the world performing in 40 plus Detroit venues. “Detroit has such a rich musical history. With the massive success of Eminem, The White Stripes and Kid Rock focusing the international music industry and media on the Detroit music scene, it’s a perfect time for the Motor City Music Conference,” explains Erica Koltonow, one of the conference co-directors.
"Detroit has re-emerged on the international stage as a giant in the music industry and it's an aspect of our region's personality that we need to promote to the world," adds Larry Alexander, president of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We are so pleased the Motor City Music Conference has created this event to further put the spotlight on our musical talent and venues."
MC2 will provide stellar opportunities for music industry professionals to network, music fans to take in the hottest upcoming bands, and for musicians to perform in front of international and national music industry professionals and media. Additionally, over 100 companies from music product manufacturers, indie record labels, professional organizations, fashion and lifestyle brands will promote their wares as part of MC2’s tradeshow located inside the Cobo Expo Center.
Early confirmed music industry panelists include A&R representative David Boxenbaum and Andrew Suggs from Octone Records, the label that launched the platinum selling pop band Maroon 5. Daniel Shulman, Director of A&R from Island Def Jam, celebrity manager Jackie Kallen (“Against The Ropes,” and “The Contender”), Doug Podell (Operations Manager at WRIF), rock journalist Gary Graff, Patrick Grueber (Midwest Regional Promotions for Aezra Records), and Roger Jansen (KMA Management/MOBfest) are also confirmed. Entertainment attorney Howard Hertz (Eminem, Jack White), Michael Rand (senior partner of Paradise Artists) and renowned rock poster artist Mark Arminski will lead panels as well. Additionally, musicians Brian Vanderark (The Verve Pipe, “Rock Star”), and Teddy Richards (Skip Records) will be conducting songwriting workshops. Confirmed venues include the Hard Rock Café, Alvin’s, 313Jac, St. Andrew’s Hall, The Shelter, Fifth Avenue Billiards, Hockeytown, Small’s and The Belmont. Additional venues and panelists will be announced in the next few weeks.
Registration for the conference will begin online on October 15, 2004. Early bird discounts will be available through December 1, 2004. Bands applying to showcase will be able to do so online beginning October 5 as well on www.Sonicbids.com. A downloadable application will also be available on MC2’s web site www.motorcitymusic.com in late October. The deadline to submit band showcase applications is January 15, 2005.
Skidmore Design, an award winning Royal Oak based design firm has signed on to create all of MC2’s branding. In addition, commercial rock radio heavyweight WRIF is on board as a media sponsor.
For more information on the Motor City Music Conference, including sponsorship packages and vending/tradeshow information, please email info@motorcitymusic.com or call 248-797-2348.
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www.motorcitymusic.com