GMA Music Week Programming for Black Gospel/Urban Music Professionals

1. “Blurring Genre Lines: Reaching Beyond Your Market.” A panel of top artists with diverse fan bases share their opportunities and challenges of reaching other markets. Participants include Jeff Moseley, President/Founder, INO Records. Kirk Franklin, Zomba Label Group recording artist; Carla Williams, VP/GM, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and Jim Chaffee, President, Chaffee Management Group.
2. “Still Standing: Rebuilding, Renewal & Revival in the Midst of a Storm.” Bishop Paul S. Morton, lost his church, his home, family and friends during Hurricane Katrina and has used the catastrophe to instill hope in people who are at a turning point in their lives. You will be inspired by Bishop Morton whose story of rebuilding has uplifted and encouraged people worldwide.
3. “Making the Cut: Prepare To Get Noticed by the Majors.” A panel of industry professionals representing management, labels, publishing, booking agencies, publicity, and radio promotions will share ideas on how unsigned and independent artists can get noticed by major music labels. Participants include: Deborah Evans Price, Billboard columnist/freelance writer, Greg Lucid, Lucid Artist Management, Otto Price, Word Label Group and Ross Asher, Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing.
4. “Behind the Music – Today’s Top Producers Tackle the Tough Issues.” What are some ways to survive as a producer in today’s music culture? Louis “Buster” Brown, award-winning producer for BeBe & CeCe Winans, God’s Property and Trin-i-tee 5:7 will moderate a panel of renowned music producers to discuss ways the producer can be effective beyond the studio experience. Producer panel includes James "Big Jim" Wright, Tony Stone, Walter Kearney, J Moss, & Paul Allen of PAJAM, and Antonio Neal.
5. “Marketing to the Urban Market.” The urban marketplace represents billions of dollars. Come hear industry experts share insights of marketing to this growing and diverse demographic at a seminar moderated by Shawn Tate, President of Tate & Associates, Inc.

Culminating GMA Music Week on Wednesday, April 25th at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, the Dove Awards is Christian and gospel music’s biggest night of the year, where top artists from every style of gospel music come together for a national night of music and celebration as the GMA bestows the industry’s highest honor -- the Dove Award. Tickets are on sale through TicketMaster at www.ticketmaster.com.