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Music City Mentors
Open to aspiring music professionals ages 15 and older!
Make plans to join WSM for our inaugural Music City Mentors event on Saturday, March 23 at The Factory at Franklin in Tennessee (just south of Nashville).
EVENT INFO:
Pairing top entertainment professionals with individuals who dream of a career in the music industry, Music City Mentors will provide instructional panel discussions and professional development opportunities to aspiring music professionals ages 15 and over. No matter your area of interest in the music industry, we’re sure to have something for everyone!
SVP Artist Relations and Grand Ole Opry GM, Sally Williams, will give the keynote address. Just recently, we announced that prolific Nashville hitmaker Jerrod Niemann will take part in a special Music City Mentors afternoon session entitled My Story where he will share stories, memories, and advice from his career path.
The event will feature 45-minute panel-led sessions focusing on tips for landing a record deal, songwriting, publishing, artist management, tour life, working behind-the-scenes, marketing, money management, music distribution, performance, publicity, and everything in between. During the lunch break, our partners at Durango Boots and Tribe Kelley will present a one-of-a-kind fashion show for all attendees.
Attendees will conclude the day of unique professional development with “speed networking” opportunities from best-in-the-business professionals.
TICKET | REGISTRATION INFO:
General Admission tickets for the event are on-sale now for $40. Special STUDENT tickets are available for only $30 (must show student ID upon arrival).
Lunch tickets will be available for purchase when registering for your sessions.
Note: You may register for more than one session throughout the day. However, please register for only one session per time period listed.
MISCELLANEOUS INFO:
Attendees should plan to dress in business casual attire.
Parking is provided at The Factory at Franklin, but we suggest arriving early, as close parking will be limited.
Event open to ages 15 years and older.
Onsite check-in will begin at 8:00 AM|CT.
SCHEDULE:
7:30am – 8:15am: Check In & Networking
8:30am – 9am: Keynote Presentation – Sally Williams
12:15pm – 12:30pm: Lunch Time Fashion Show
12:30pm – 1pm: Lunch Time Artist Performance
Panel Times, Titles, and Descriptions:
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SPONSOR INFO:
Special thanks to our event sponsors: Durango Boots, Zaxby’s, Beacon Capital Management, Les Paul Foundation, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, Lyft, Silent Events, Songwriting University, Green Iris/Still Working Music, Advance Financial, Tribe Kelly, ASCAP, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, Dark Horse Institute, Amigos Guitar Show, and Sir Speedy of Berry Hill![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text c_id=”.vc_1454023309423″][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”REGISTER HERE!” color=”danger” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fmusic-city-mentors-tickets-55672945278||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
MEET OUR MUSIC CITY MENTORS
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75895″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]President/CEO of Adkins Publicity, a full-service PR firm representing artists and brands across entertainment fields. Adkins has worked with entertainment titans, including Dolly Parton, Katy Perry, Kid Rock, and Kenny Rogers.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Scott Adkins
Panelist – Being a Manager, Agent, Publicist, Social Media Manager, or Graphic Designer
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76297″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Erin is the Founder and CEO of Olivia Management. As a manager, she led the Secret Sisters to a Grammy nom in 2018. She also teaches at Belmont University and recently launched Educate by Olivia Management.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Erin Anderson
Panelist – Making Music a Business and the Value of Earning a Degree
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75892″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Kari serves as Regions Bank an Entertainment Relationship Manager/Industry Specialist. She is involved in industry organizations SOURCE, Copyright Society of the South, the Troubadour Society, and Grammy Next.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Kari Barnhart
Panelist – Growing a Brand
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75980″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Beth serves as ASCAP’s Associate Creative Director where she maintains relationships with high-profile songwriters and artists, while continuing to develop new talent. Beth also coordinate ASCAP’s involvement in Pilgrimage, CMA Fest, and more.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Beth Brinker
Panelist – Songwriting, Performing and Booking a Show
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75986″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]After development deals with Dreamworks and RCA records, Sam teamed up with Ruby Amanfu to form the duo “Sam & Ruby”. He used the momentum and success of “Sam & Ruby” to launch a music publishing company called Artist Revolution.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Sam Brooker
Panelist – Making Music a Business and the Value of Earning a Degree
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76239″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]John served as head of Christian music at Spotify where he oversaw the programming of the genre worldwide. He previously served as VP of Promotion for Curb Records for 16 years. He began his career in NY in promotion and marketing at labels.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
John Butler
Panelist – Evolution of Radio to Digital with Tips from the Record Labels
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76411″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]After working in country radio for over 10 years at the Jersey Shore, Lexi moved to Nashville to enjoy all of the things that this great city has to offer and join the WSM team. You can hear Lexi on WSM weekday afternoons from 3-6pm/ct.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Lexi Carter
Moderator – My Story
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76417″ primary_title=”” primary_align=”left” hover_title=”” hover_align=”left” shape=”square” align=”left”]Bill’s voice has been heard over the air waves for 45 years. Bill is a member of the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame and in his 25th year as morning show host of WSM’s “Coffee, Country & Cody” and is a Grand Ole Opry announcer/host.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Bill Cody
Moderator – Evolution of Radio to Digital with Tips from the Record Labels
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75984″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Alongside styling for album covers, red carpets, live performances, and creating custom pieces for her clients, Payton is also the best selling author of the book “Hang Up Your Hang Ups: A Radical Guide to Healing Yourself Through Personal Style.”[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Payton Dale
Panelist – Behind the Scenes of Tour Life
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76416″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Jaida Dreyer wrote nine acclaimed tunes for the hit television series ‘Nashville’. Jaida celebrated a multi-week number one writing Luke Bryan’s, “Home Alone Tonight” featuring Little Big Town’s, Karen Fairchild. [/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Jaida Dreyer
Panelist – Songwriting, Performing and Booking a Show
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75987″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Steve is a 30+ year veteran of the music business in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville. As a tour manager, Steve worked with LeAnn Rimes, Ryan Adams, Jewel and others before becoming a partner at the management firm The Fitzgerald-Hartley Co.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Steve Emley
Panelist – Being a Manager, Agent, Publicist, Social Media Manager, or Graphic Designer
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76295″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Michael Fogarty serves as a Senior Account Manager at Crowd Surf, a digital marketing, publicity and management firm, where he has developed and executed creative and innovative global marketing promotions for an extensive client roster.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Michael Fogarty
Panelist – Building A Brand
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75982″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Holly Gleason is an author and artist development consultant. She has done work with Kenny Chesney, Lee Ann Womack, Brooks & Dunn, among many. She also published Woman Walk The Line: How The Women of Country Music Changed Our Lives.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Holly Gleason
Panelist – Behind the Scenes of Tour Life
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75893″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Teea Goans is helping to preserve the Traditional Country sound that is part of our American heritage as a regular cast member on RFD-TV’s “Country’s Family Reunion”, numerous appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and “Larry’s Country Diner”.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Teea Goans
Moderator – Polishing Your Chops for Live Vocals, Recorded Vocals, and Background Vocals
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75985″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Rachel is an entertainment and music industry attorney with Stephanie Taylor Law, PLLC. She is an experienced litigator, who has represented artists, musicians, producers, record labels, managers, and entertainment entrepreneurs.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Rachel Guttmann
Panelist – Making Music a Business and the Value of Earning a Degree
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”107138″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Dave is the lead engineer at Dark Horse Recording. He has recorded dozens of bands on Sony, Capitol, Gotee, and Tooth and Nail including Ashley Judd, OneRepublic, Relient K, Matthew West, Jeremy Camp and For King and Country.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Dave Hagen
Panelist – Behind the Glass: Advice from Recording Engineers, Producers, Live Production and Lighting
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75890″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Dan Hays is the Executive Director of the Franklin Theatre. a historic venue which reopened in 2011 after an $8.5 million renovation. Dan was also the Executive Director of the International Bluegrass Music Association for 22 years.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Dan Hays
Panelist – Songwriting, Performing and Booking a Show
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”107140″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Beverly Keel is a professor and chair of MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry, a music industry consultant and an award-winning music journalist whose work has appeared in People, Parade, The Tennessean, and other publications.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Beverly Keel
Moderator – Making Music a Business and the Value of Earning a Degree
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75996″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Chris Lisle has worked in roles including Production
Designer, Lighting Designer, Production Manager, and Show Producer. Some of Chris’ clients include: Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, One Republic, Sugarland, Keith Urban and more.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Chris Lisle
Panelist – Behind-the-Scenes of the Tour Life
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75983″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Katrina serves as Director of Digital Marketing for Opry Entertainment, the media and entertainment division of Ryman Hospitality Properties which includes the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, 650 AM WSM and Ole Red brands.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Katrina Maddox
Panelist – Being a Manager, Agent, Publicist, Social Media Manager, or Graphic Designer
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76294″ primary_title=”” primary_align=”left” hover_title=”” hover_align=”left” shape=”square” align=”left”]Jacquelyn has worked alongside the AMA, Bruce Springsteen, Alan Jackson, Provident Music Group, Sony Pictures’ Provident Films and The Academy Awards. She launched Marushka Media in 2016 and currently helms the thriving agency.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Jackie Marushka
Panelist – Being a Manager, Agent, Publicist, Social Media Manager or Graphic Designer
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76298″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Autumn McEntire has been writing songs professionally for over 15 years. Country artists across the genre have recorded her music including Reba McEntire, Ashley McBryde, Danielle Peck, Warner Brother’s artist Walker County.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Autumn McEntire
Panelist – Songwriting, Performing and Booking a Show
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76296″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Raised in North Carolina, Emily is a songwriter with Green Hills Music Group. Emily has planted her roots as an entertainer including finding herself on stage opening for Lee Brice, Dustin Lynch, Cole Swindell, Maddie & Tae, Scotty McCreery and more.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Emily Minor
Fashion Show Model
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76413″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Chancie signed her first major publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing and shortly after, landed her first major cut on the “Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas” album called “Hairy Christmas” featuring Luke Bryan.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Chancie Neal
Panelist – Songwriting, Performing and Booking a Show
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”107142″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Jamie brings decades of entertainment business experience to Dark Horse Institute, having formerly served as Owner and President of Common Grounds Entertainment, and VP of Strategic Partnerships at Black Fuel Music/220 Entertainment.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Jamie Nehasil
Panelist – Behind the Glass: Advice from Recording Engineers, Producers, Live Production and Lighting
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76240″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Jerrod first burst onto the scene in 2010 with his #1 smash “Lover, Lover”. From ACM and CMA Award noms, to touring with some of Country’s hottest acts, Jerrod continues to make his mark by pushing boundaries while nodding to the legends before him.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Jerrod Niemann
Songwriter/Artist – “My Story” Panel
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76242″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Kathy launched Atticus Brand Partners after 20 years in the music industry as the first music agent to specialize in Brand Partnerships at WME. Previously, she served as Bridgestone Arena’s Director of Marketing and Sponsorships.
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Kathy Armistead Olen
Panelist – Building a Brand
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76414″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Devon O’Day’s broadcast career includes WSM, Mix92.9 Nashville, and more. As a songwriter she has had songs recorded by Lee Ann Womack, Hank Williams, Jr, Pam Tillis, Neal McCoy, Trace Adkins, and a #1 for George Strait called “The Big One”.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Devon O’Day
Moderator – Songwriting, Performing and Booking a Show
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75889″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Corinne Pavlicko is the CEO and Founder of &ME. She combined her love of music, marketing, & tech to create a virtual meet & greet platform for artists and fans. She was previously the Marketing Director at a software development agency.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Corrinne Pavlicko
Panelist – Making Music a Business and the Value of Earning a Degree
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76243″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Jordan serves as Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy for Opry Entertainment Group which owns & operates the most famous performing venues in Country Music (the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium) and other various properties.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Jordan Pettit
Moderator – Evolution of Radio to Digital with Tips from the Record Labels
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”107144″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Dennis has created hits in Pop, Rock, Country, Gospel, Blues and Bluegrass as well as commercial music for radio, network television and movies. A small sampling of his credits include Johnny Cash, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, and Charlie Daniels.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Dennis Ritchie
Panelist – Behind the Glass: Advice from Recording Engineers, Producers, Live Production and Lighting
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76241″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Judy Rodman is an award winning vocal coach based in Nashville, Tennessee. She developed her voice-maxing/voice-protecting training method ‘Power, Path & Performance’ and created several courses in it, including ‘Singing in the Studio’.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Judy Rodman
Panelist – Polishing Your Chops for Live Vocals, Recorded Vocals, and Background Vocals
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76412″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]For the past 8 years, Ben opened for artists such as Hunter Hayes, Jerrod Niemann, Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Jon Pardi, The Band Perry, Craig Morgan, Dustin Lynch, among many others. He is also the spokesperson for Accu-Guide Guide.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Ben Rue
Panelist – Songwriting, Performing and Booking a Show
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75981″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Brian Smith owns Leadership Artists LLC, a full service artist management and consulting company. He manages the business and creative affairs of artists and to maximize their reach, talents and revenue streams.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Brian Smith
Panelist – Behind the Scenes of Tour Life
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75894″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Shane Tarleton currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Artist Development at Warner Music Nashville. Tarleton oversees marketing, brand sponsorship, digital interactive and creative services for the complete roster of artists.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Shane Tarleton
Panelist – Building A Brand
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75896″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Marcus serves as the booking manager for the 6 Puckett’s Grocery locations throughout Tennessee where he books #1 hit songwriters and local rising artists. Whybrew has also joined some of the top acts in country music today on stage.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Marcus Whybrew
Panelist – Songwriting, Performing and Booking a Show
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”76238″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Sally Williams leads a team responsible for all artist relations, programming, booking, and show production across Ryman Hospitality Properties’ portfolio of entertainment assets including the Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium, Ole Red.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Sally Williams
Keynote Speaker
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”107146″ primary_title=”” primary_align=”left” hover_title=”” hover_align=”left” shape=”square” align=”left”]Tom is President of the Dark Horse Institute. As a musician, he toured and recorded during the ‘60s and ‘70s, served as a booking agent and manager in Nashville, and worked as an A&R executive and marketing VP at major labels.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Tom Willett
Moderator – Behind the Glass: Advice from Recording Engineers, Producers, Live Production and Lighting
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_hoverbox image=”75891″ primary_title=”” hover_title=”” shape=”square”]Jules Wortman serves as President of Wortman Works Media & Marketing. Wortman is a public relations and marketing strategist who has developed many national campaigns for record labels, brands, music, special events, and more.[/vc_hoverbox][vc_column_text]
Jules Wortman
Moderator – Building a Brand
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