Full Circle Music Gathering

Rancho Frijole
hosting
The Full Circle Music Gathering
November 11, 12, 13
Mark your calenders for another great music and camping event!
More details coming soon!
Lin Been
214-457-3960

Austin Music Foundation Events in Sept.

ROAD WARRIORS 101 Seminar       WHAT:       Road Warriors 101 is a straight-from-the-horses mouth informative look into making money on the road, hints on booking shows, and life on the road. Featuring guest speakers Texas legend Dale Watson, hard rock-gold recording artist Jason McMaster, and touring veterans, the Vallejo brothers. After a quick round of road stories and some funny, yet valuable advice on what and what not to do, the participants will engage in a situational Q&A based on each participants inquiry.   WHEN:       Wednesday, September 7                   7:00 pm WHERE:      Austin Music Foundation Creative Media Center                             1901 E. 51st Street - Stage 4                   Austin, TX 78723 RSVP:         RSVP@austinmusicfoundation.org CONTACT:  Lisa Fawcett                   512.542.0077                   lisa@austinmusicfoundation.org   Girls Get Gigs! Girls Get Gigs! is a 6-week music business workshop for women who want to take their music to the next level. Covering everything from marketing and publicity to social networking and dealing with band drama, Girls Get Gigs! will prepare you with the tools you need to navigate the maze of the music business. The class meets consecutive Wednesday evenings, 7-8PM from September 21st to October 26th at Soma Vida, 1210 Rosewood Ave., Austin. Cost to attend is $150 and space is limited. Girls Get Gigs! is presented by Musicians for Equal Opportunities for Women (MEOW) and facilitated by Carla DeSantis Black, founder of ROCKRGRL Magazine. To enroll visit meowonline.org/workshops E-mail desantisblack@gmail.com or call 206.427.5343

NSAI Houston Events

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th, 7:00pm-10:00pm  NSAI HOUSTON NORTH METRO WORKSHOP  Facebook: NSAI HOUSTON NORTH METRO

Location: Dosey Doe, 25911 I-45 North, The Woodlands. Dosey Doe has a great menu and drink offerings, so come hungry and thirsty.

7:15-7:45 Program: Who’s Who in Songwriting- Connie Mims will introduce you to the songwriters behind the hits, their respective styles, and what you can learn from them. Bring something to write with, so you can do your own follow up research on your favorite songs, and which songwriters you’ll want to start stalking!

7:45-8:30 Group Critique: Bring at least 10 typed copies of lyrics to one song and either be able perform it live with your guitar/keyboard, etc., or use the house sound system’s  playback system. We have time for 5-7 critiques. Sign up as you arrive. Those not getting in this month’s critiques will be placed on a rain check list for next month. There are typically one or two people on the rain check list, so be sure to arrive by 7:00pm to sign up!

8:30-10:00 Songwriters in the Round:  Round 1 features Leslie Krafka, Aaron Wendt and Ken Mattox. Round 2 featuresConnie Mims, Mark Beets and The Renfrees.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th , 6:00pm-9:00pm  NSAI CLEAR LAKE/SOUTH HOUSTON MONTHLY WORKSHOP

Location:   Sudie’s Seafood House, 352 N. Gulf Freeway, League City

We're FILLING THE HOUSE.........and YOU GOTTA be there!!!!!  SIGN UP EARLY, rounds will be completely filled.   BRING YOUR FRIENDS and co-workers, they will love it, ..the food is great.  

Contact Larry Whitehair for details and if you’d like to be in one of the performing rounds: llw@lyricbuilder.com  or call Larry at 281.630.6599.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th, 4:00pm-6:00pm NSAI SUNDAY SONGSWAP

Location:   JP Hops House, 2317 S. Hwy 6, between Westheimer and I-10 West

Informal song circle followed by Open Mic at 6:00pm. Come share your songs, meet up and hang out with other songwriters.

Contact Songswap hosts Tina Allen or Mitch Tiffin for details: allen.tina30@yahoo.com or mtiffin@swbell.net

For Open Mic information, contact hostess TC Smythe at HOUSTON OPEN MIC’ERS on Facebook, or find updated information at www.houstonopenmic.com. Thanks to TC Smythe for diligently keeping this information current and accurate and running one of the best open mics in the region!

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THANKS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE THIS SUMMER !

Thanks to all those new and renewed members, who have really bumped our membership numbers up these last few months for the greater Houston metropolitan area! We received some reward funding as a result, which pumped up our bank account, in order to bring more programs of interest.  Let us know what you’d like to have as a future program in Houston!

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NSAI HOUSTON CENTRAL CRITIQUE SESSIONS HAS A NEW HOME IN 2012

Thanks to HEB Central Market on Westheimer, we have now secured the 1^st Monday of each month in 2012 from 7:30 to 9:30pm for our small group critique sessions! In the interim, we’ll keep you posted if there are spontaneous centrally located meet-ups for the remainder of this year.

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NASHVILLE HAPPENINGS

Songposium Registration: NSAI Songposium will take place Sept 19-23, 2011. Classes and schedules are posted on the NSAI website.

NSAI / CMT Song Contest Launches Monday August 1st: The Grand Prize includes a mentoring session with music industry icon Charlie Daniels! In addition to that, a new lyric only category has been added.  There is also a “lyrics only” category, for the first time, so if you’re a lyricist, this is a great opportunity to show your stuff!

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Please contact us if we can be of any assistance to you and your songwriting!

Country Music Revue, Sept 10

Arlington Music Hall

224 N. Center Street,  

Arlington, TX 76011

817-226-4400

Sulphur Springs police officer Monty Tipps and Nashville singer/songwriter James Cain are among the performers on the Country Music Revue Variety Show on September 10th.  

Other performers include:  Michael Hix, Mike Stewart, Wayne Reed, John Sharp,  Burk Collins, Patsy Andrews, 

Krista Bailey,  Rachel Pride, Trey Williams, Kimberly Reann,  The Tucker Family, and Holly Tucker.

James Cain moved to the Metroplex area from Nashville, Tennessee several months ago and is quickly developing a following.  This is his 3rd time to perform on the CMR. 

More about James Cain:

James Cain is a no nonsense, tell it like he sees it, country music songwriter and singer.  He has been a staff songwriter for several publishing companies in Nashville, has appeared on Fox News singing to soldiers and their families as they were deploying to Iraq and has shipped countless supplies of albums and t-shirts to our troops in Iraq.

James can write a song at the drop of a guitar pick and has an extensive catalog to prove it.  He's had songs recorded by George Jones, Willie Nelson and Jerry Lee Lewis and has had countless cuts by independent artists. Major artists who have had or have "holds" on his songs include the late great Chris Ledoux, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Montgomery Gentry, John Michael Montgomery

But no one sings a James Cain song better than James himself.  He delivers a style of hard-hitting, take-no-prisoners vocals that has made American country music loved around the world.  He has been compared to Keith Whitley, Randy Travis and Trace Adkins, he is not a copy of anyone.  He is very much his own man, whether writing or singing.

But, please, don't take my word for it.  Check him out on CD Baby and or Youtube (See links below.)  If you like what you hear come check him out on the Country Music Revue, on Saturday, September 10th at 7:30.  Tickets $8 for children, $15 for adults.  Call 817-226-4400 for reservations.


James Cain music on CD Baby:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jamescain

"Live it for The Minute"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpwjGwceD98

"Brayton Mountain"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfUP2kF3LQs

"Lifetime of Heaven"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppEr0c5V2Vk&feature=related

WEST COAST SONGWRITERS MUSIC CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITIES

On Sept. 10 & 11th, at Foothill College in Southern California, the 31st Annual West Coast Songwriters Music Conference will hold court with numerous opportunities for artists to connect with industry players. With over 50 music industry professionals available, you're guaranteed two songs screened per day as well as the opportunity to network in a relaxed and supportive environment. The weekend will be filled with seminars, workshops, panels and One-on-Ones featuring: Mason Cooper, President Songrunner Entertainment; Evan Lowenstein, Founder & CEO of StageIt; Nationally recognized Sue Ennis of Heart; Glen Phillips from Toad the Wet Sprocket and Monica Benson, BOK Music Publishing, currently looking for great rock songs for James Durbin. See

westcoastsongwriters.org/conference,

or call 650-654-3966.

August and Beyond Events

August 2 - August 3

iStandard Producer Showcase

Pittsburgh, PA

8:00 PM

WORKSHOPS

August 25

The Nashville Number System for Songwriters and Performers

with Odie Blackmon

Nashville, TN

7:00 PM

August 15

The ASCAP Foundation Christian Music Songwriters Workshop

Nashville, TN

August 26

The ASCAP Foundation Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop

Los Angeles, CA

COMPETITION

November 15

The ASCAP Foundation Rudolf Nissim Prize

September 21

International Songwriting Competition

Texas Independent Music Expo, Nov. 5

Date: Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Location: Sons of Hermann Hall, Dallas, Texas
Cost: $10.00 per person

The Texas Independent Music Expo is about bringing the music community together under one roof! The 2010 expo was a success and we are looking forward to the 2011 event. T.I.M.E. 2011 will present great music provided by independent songwriters and musicians, combined with a songwriter competition, an educational forum and music-related exhibitors. Our mission is to promote music in all genres by helping independent artists gain exposure to and awareness of industry, performance, product, and strategic marketing opportunities.

PERFORMING SONGWRITER COMPETITION

The Texas Independent Music Expo Performing Songwriter Competition is now underway. To learn more about it and to submit your song (s), please go to www.texasindependentmusicexpo.com.  This year you can upload your song, entry form, lyric sheet and pay thru PayPal, all through the website.  Each song submitted is $10 each. Those who enter the competition will be considered to play at the event.

PERFORMANCES BY THE FINALISTS

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS SPONSORED BY DSA

• Recording by Jo Musik
• Music in Film & TV
• Copyright Laws
• Publishing
• Grammy CSI

SONG CRITIQUES BY DSA PANEL

Opportunities to have your song critiqued will be available for performing or non-performing songwriters at $10 each. Your song will be reviewed in person by a panel of industry professional judges.

The Quest for Harmony Gathering Memorial Day Weekend May 27th - 30th

Fri. Arrive and set up camp... cook, mill around, play music!  

Sat. Loitering, swimming, cooking, hanging out and having fun! Covered Wagon rides all day with Mike and Mark. Try their chuck wagon meat on a stick, too!6pm - 11pm... Very large electric open mic.  Sign up to play! Sound will be furnished and set up for multiple players.

Sun. 3:30...The floating concert. The Rockin' Riviera with Blackie, WillBilly, and Tom. 6pm  The huge Tribal Feast in the Green House Pavilion. Bring a dish to share, cook something there. A great time for camaraderie! Keep the jams going in the camps!

Mon. Noon till about 3pm   The last day of the Gathering, you can come to this Lyric Tree and find an array of talented people singing songs and telling stories. And a very interested group of listeners.  And a feeling that this is all so magical!                       

The Lyric Tree...   An acoustic open stage in Little Forest.  Sign up to play three songs. Say your farewells and get your hugs! 

Admission to the Quest for Harmony Gathering is

$25.00 per person for the weekend, plus $5.00 a night for camping. Kids 5 years and under FREE, Kids 6 - 11 HALF PRICE with FREE camping

Electrical hookups are $15.00 per day. First come first serve. We are not an RV park. We have only six 30 amp plugs and some 20 amp plugs for smaller campers and pop-ups. Sorry no generators. If you have a big RV. Call ahead.

Lin 214-457-3960

Judy Collins appearing at the 40th Kerrville Folk Fest

Nine miles South of the Texas Hill Country resort community of Kerrville, folks gather at Quiet Valley Ranch for Kerrville Folk Festival. The 2011 festival schedule includes Judy Collins, Asleep at the Wheel, Butch Hancock and Rebecca Loebe. The festival which will run for 18 straight days from Thursday, May 26 through Sunday, June 12, 2011 includes camping, campfire jam sessions, concerts and activities for kids, “Ballad Tree” song sharing sessions, Hill Country bike rides and canoe trips on the Guadalupe to Sunday Folk Song Services, Saturday Shabbat Services and much more.
A complete festival schedule, information and tickets can be found at www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org  or by calling the festival office at (830) 257- 3600. Ticket prices range from $25 to $40 depending on the particular day, although you can save from 15% to 20% by purchasing your tickets prior to May 26. Campground Access and Parking Lot fees are included in the ticket price.

Events in Austin for April

Master Class with Pat Pattison

Please join us as we welcome back Berklee College of Music professor Pat Pattison for his seventh songwriting seminar for AMF! Friday, April 15 7:00 pm SoundCheck Austin 1901 E. 51st St. (Stage 4 Gate 2) Austin, TX 78723   Pat's seminar will be a song critique session. Pat will select several songs from attendees and discuss how using elements such as point of view, structure, rhyming, symmetry, motion, contrast, and other tools can improve a song right before your eyes!   Attendees often tell us that the critique sessions are their favorite part of Pat's seminars.  Just listen to what some past attendees have said: "I was amazed to see how much a very small change to a lyric, a phrase, or the order of lyrics could completely change the song, adding poignancy and depth it didn't have before." "Pat mentioned a way of appealing to your listener's physical senses to engage them. His advice on how to do this really helps me to understand how to make lyrics have more of an impact." "It was incredibly insightful and interesting-- thank you so much for providing us with the opportunity to meet Pat and have him evaluate our songs." "Using live music examples and Pat working interactively made for a very engaging session."  "It blows my mind every time!" Spend an evening with AMF & Pat Pattison.  To register, please emailkim@austinmusicfoundation.org. This event is FREE to attend. Stick around for a meet-n-greet/reception immediately following Pat's seminar!  Light snacks and libations provided. Pat Pattison is a professor at Berklee College of Music, where he teaches Lyric Writing and Poetry. In addition to his three books, Writing Better Lyrics, The Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure, and The Essential Guide to Rhyming, Pat has developed three online lyric-writing courses for Berklee's online school. He has written over 30 articles for Home & Studio Recording Magazine and The Performing Songwriter. Pat continues to present songwriting clinics across the US, Canada, and the UK. Several of his students have won Grammys, including John Mayer and Gillian Welch. PAT WEEKEND SEMINAR IN AUSTIN Pat is also conducting a weekend seminar April 16 & 17 in Austin. If you'd like more info, please visit Pat's website for all the details.

TRCoA Unsigned Artist Competition

In conjunction with Atlantic Records, Warner Chappell Records, MediaHorse Entertainment, Apple, The Guitar Center, Mc DSP, IK Multimedia, Sanjay Photography, and Stubb's, The Recording Conservatory of Austin is proud to announce the 5th annual TRCoA UNSIGNED ARTIST COMPETITION. Prizes will include a live showcase at Stubb's for Atlantic, Warner Chappell, and MediaHorse Records, a free 10-song album recorded, mixed and mastered from Stinson Studios, photography packages by Sanjay Patel, Pro Tools LE system from The Guitar Center, and a variety of other prizes from Apple Computers Inc, Mc DSP, and IK Multimedia. Click here http://www.trcoa.com/uac to find out more details and enter the contest. Artist submissions are accepted through April 17.

Getting Connected: A Business Resource Fair

This is a unique opportunity tomeet, network, and learn from local organizations that assist business owners. Whether starting out or looking to expand your existing business, Getting Connected® is a great opportunity! Exhibitors will include business centered non-profit and networking organizations, government programs and agencies, area chambers of commerce, and community development corporations whose mission is to help business owners succeed. Thursday, April 7 3:00 - 7:00 pm Palmer Events Center 900 Barton Springs Road Three sessions will run concurrently with the fair: BizAid Business Orientation Registration Required, click on class time to register Presents information about City resources for businesses. 3:15 - 4:15 pm 5:45 - 6:45 pm Motivational Session No registration required Be inspired by Austin entrepreneur Philip Berber, who built a successful online trading business, sold it to Charles Schwab and joined his wife in founding, A Glimmer of Hope Foundation. Because of the significant impact they've made, they were recently listed on Barron's top 10 global givers list! 4:30 - 5:30 pm   For more information visit our website or call 512.974.7800.

Deep Ellum Arts Festival & Sons of Hermann April 1-3, Dallas, TX

DSA MEMBERS PERFORM AT ARTS FESTIVAL

Come on down this weekend. Here is a link to the performance schedule.

http://www.meifestivals.com/dea2011/dea2011_stageschedule.html

While you're there, visit the kick-off of the Sons of Hermann Hall 100th Celebration. Casino Night is Friday, and grab a Pancake Breakfast to start out your Saturday.

 THIS WEEK WE KICK OFF

Sons Of Hermann Hall’s

100th Year Building Anniversary!

If you haven’t seen our Hall lately then come take a look at the beautiful interior restoration work that has been done!

April 1, 2011 thru July 9, 2011 – There will be many activities and events offered as part of the “100 Days of Celebration for 100 Years of Existence” of the Sons Of Hermann Hall building.  Saturday, April 9, 2011 has been designated as the official celebration day. Plans include events, activities and special presentations beginning Friday, April 1^st, 2011. The one hundred days of celebration will end on Saturday, July 9^th, 2011. This extraordinary centennial celebration affords the Sons Of Hermann an opportunity to showcase our wonderful State of Texas and City of Dallas historically land marked building.

Friday, April 1; 2:00 pm – Premiere of “Remembering The Hall”; The Meeting Room, now the “historic archives work room”, will become an ongoing exhibit of significant Sons Of Hermann history including items from the personal collections of SOH members, items from the Hall’s archives dating back to the early 20^th century, and there will be many items representing the extensive music history of the Hall including performer T-shirts, Posters, Handbills, Press Releases, Tickets/Ticket Stubs, Newspaper Articles and Photos.

Friday, April 1; 5:00 pm – Midnight : “First Friday”.  SOHH’s traditional first Friday of the month member, family, friends and general public gathering. “First Friday Live Music” in the Ole Bowling Alley offers local talent an opportunity to play in the historic Sons Of Hermann Hall. Peace Cowboy will be the featured musical act for April 1st. 

Friday, April 1; 5:00 pm – Midnight: “Casino Night”.  SOHH’s Building Centennial Celebration Committee will offer a night of Las Vegas style gaming in theOle Bowling Alley along with the First Friday Live Music.

 Friday, April 1; 8:00 pm – Midnight: “The Smoke”.   One of the SOHH’s regularly offered music shows will be happening in the upstairs Ballroom. The Smoke is Dallas’  premiere Mod/60s dance night. Deejays Marcos and Jason, along with a special guest, spin the best in Northern Soul, RnB, Freakbeat, and Reggae for your dancing pleasure.

Saturday, April 2; 8:00 am – 3:00 pm: “Pancake Breakfast & Lunch”; the SOHH Kitchen will be the place to grab a great breakfast as well as lunch and

a choice beverage during this kick-off weekend event.

Saturday, April 2; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm: “Shoppin’ @ The Sons” / Sons Of Hermann Member Rummage Sale; the Ole Bowling Alley will be the place to shop on these “Shoppin’ @ The Sons” Saturdays. The member and friends rummage sale will kick-off this reoccurring Second Saturday event. 

Saturday, April 2; 8:00 pm – Midnight: Austin Lounge Lizards and The Hammerknockers 

Sunday, April 3; 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Texas Dance Hall Music The Cutlers Traditional Honky Tonk and Western Swing music on Sundays in the Ballroom throughout the 100 Day Celebration. Watch the weekly news! 

Friday, April 8; 8:00 pm – Midnight: Mike Snider Presents The Damnwells, Salim Nourallah & Harper Blynn in the upstairs Ballroom. 

Saturday, April 9; 8:00 am – Midnight: “Official 100^th SOHH Building Birthday Celebration”; the day will include special presentations by SOH Grand Lodge Representatives, SOH Dallas Members and City of Dallas Officials.  SOHH just received its State of Texas historical designation and a presentation will be made in anticipation of the actual marker arriving later this year. There will be activities through out the day and into the evening including music by the Frohsinn Band, Local Musicians and Shot Low Sheriff and The Cutlers will perform in the upstairs ballroom.

Many more special events will be offered during the one-hundred day celebration and will be announced on a weekly basis. Be on the watch!  This high profile event will be advertised in print, on radio and through social media. The “100 Days of Celebration for 100 Years of Existence” will be featured on CBS 11 TV’s “Through the Lens” segment, Buddy Music Magazine, The Dallas Observer and more. The 100 Year Celebration will also receive sponsorship from Andrews Distributing and Ben E. Keith Distributions. You will hear Public Service Announcements on KNON Community Radio 89.3 FM .

July 2011 thru November 2011 – “Remembering “The Hall”; an ongoing exhibit of significant Sons Of Hermann history.

Every Week at the Sons of Hermann Hall

e Sons of Hermann Hall is for families - All ages are welcome.

Sunday - Texas Dance Hall Music - 4 - 7PM  The Cutlers play every week through the hundreth celebration. Traditional Texas music and folk dance.

Monday & Friday - Happy Hour Live Music - 5PM  Hosted by the Wanderin’  Chicken Wire Show, featuring local and regional talent.

Tuesday - Blues 'n' the Night - Lessons at 8:00 PM  Catch some cool lessons and dancing.  8:00 PM until midnight, music by DJ.   

Wednesday - Swing Dance -  Lessons at 8:00 PM  Come cut a rug at the weekly Swing Dances & Lessons every WED at the Sons.  Lessons from 8:00 until 9:00 and practice until midnight.

Thursday - Electric Campfire Jam - 7:00 PM to Midnight

    If you've ever been to the Kerrville Folk Festival you know how much fun a campfire can be.  Open to all ages, skill levels, and styles. No sign up - just show up, grab a seat, and have fun in a relaxed, friendly, family environment. 

Bellomy Bros. Attorney Issues Statement Regarding Britney Spears

Bellamy Bros. Attorney Issues Statement Regarding Britney Spears

Today, attorney Christopher E. Schmidt, legal representation to country music's the Bellamy Brothers, released the following statement in response to pending legal action against pop star Britney Spears:

The Bellamy Brothers have been artists, in the true sense of the word, with over 50 hit songs; more than 20 of those songs reaching the No. 1 position in the country charts over the past 35 years. The music business has given them the rare opportunity to enjoy making a living writing and playing music all over the world. Even though David and Howard are some of the nicest and most down to earth guys you will ever meet, they are also smart and experienced businessmen. So naturally, David asked me for my legal opinion of whether or not the Britney Spears recent single "Hold It Against Me" infringed on the copyright of their song "If I said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me" that David wrote in 1979.

In my opinion, it is not necessarily the similarity of the titles that is of legal concern. This would be more of a trademark issue. Rather, the issue is whether or not the exact lyrics "would you hold it against me" are used in the same way in the hook of the song. It becomes somewhat uncanny if you simply double the beat of the Bellamy Brothers’ song and match it up with Britney's version. Literally thousands of fans for both artists have also taken notice. They are scratching their heads questioning whether or not Britney’s song "lifted" part of the song previously written by David Bellamy. But for me, the scale tips substantially in knowing that Dr. Luke not only co-produced Britney's song with Max Martin, but that Dr. Luke also co-wrote the song with Max Martin and others. This isn't the first time Max Martin and Dr. Luke have been accused of copyright infringement.

Dr. Luke was sued in 2007 for copyright infringement along with Avril Lavigne and her record label for “lifting” portions of Avril's hit song "Girlfriend." The suit subsequently settled in 2008. There is also a current Katy Perry song that features Snoop Dogg called "California Gurls" produced and co-written by Dr. Luke and Max Martin (among other writers, including Katy Perry) where The Beach Boys' record label has filed a diminutive claim against the writers and publishers of the song for credit and royalties. Dr. Luke was party to yet another copyright infringement suit in 2008 for the song "Feels Like Tonight" by Daughtry. Although this is not conclusive evidence that Dr. Luke intentionally lifted a phrase from a Bellamy Brothers song, it certainly shows a possible pattern and warrants a more serious look into the matter.

As a transactional attorney primarily focusing on managing my clients' careers and protecting their intellectual property, I had a duty to bring in the heavyweights to help us further evaluate the situation. I put a call in to Daniel Moskowitz who is a friend and colleague with the Nashville law firm King & Ballow. Daniel had mentioned to me before that one of the partners in the litigation section of his firm, Richard Busch, had won a multi-million dollar suit against Universal/Aftermath Records for Eminem. Richard also received a jury award of over four million dollars for his clients against Bad Boy Records. Most importantly, I recalled Daniel telling me that Richard recently established new precedence regarding copyright infringement in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit when the court affirmed a ruling that copyright infringement may occur by the copying of a single common word such as "Dog," if the alleged infringer uses that word in the new composition in the same way as it was used in the original musical composition.

This past week, the Bellamy Brothers and I met with Richard Busch to engage his services and handle this matter appropriately. Richard has submitted the two songs to a renowned musicologist for evaluation and expert opinion. From here, it is just a matter of trying to work things out amicably with everyone involved.

Christopher E. Schmidt, Esq.
Nashville, TN

Fame Launches Online Series, "Songwriters of FAME"

FAME Launches Online Series, “Songwriters of FAME"

February is packed with new endeavors from FAME Music including a new online video series called "Songwriters of FAME." The first episodes in the series feature FAME songwriting veteran, Brad Crisler, AND one lucky viewer could WIN a private thirty-minute mentoring session with FAME Publishing Creative Director Steve Williams just for watching and sharing. This month FAME also releases Don't Waste Your Pretty from “Nashville Star” Winner and FAME singer/songwriter, Angela Hacker. This revealing collection of songs was recorded at the historic FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala. The album exudes the same soulful spirit that has become synonymous with the landmark Alabama studio.

Crisler is the first of FAME’s songwriters to be featured in "Songwriters of FAME," which will give viewers a behind the scenes look at the recording industry as well as the life of a songwriter. To win the mentoring session, viewers of the video can enter to receive a personalized URL to share the video with their friends. They can post the link on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or email it to their friends. The person who gets the most people to watch “Songwriters of FAME” through that personal link will win! Visit, www.fame2.com/writers1/ to watch, share and win.

Filled with decades of personal stories and experiences, “Songwriters of FAME” will give fans and aspiring musicians a glimpse of the creative process by a pro! Future episodes will feature other FAME artists including: James LeBlanc, Jason Isbell, Gary Nichols, Dylan LeBlanc and more.

Crisler’s most recent cut, “Raymond,” by Warner Bros. recording artist Brett Eldredge, has entered the Top 30 and is climbing the charts. Crisler has cuts on new albums by Trace Adkins, Ronnie Dunn, Marty Raybon, Heartland, DHT and Sara Darling and has also had cuts by Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts and more. Crisler also continues to lend his production skills to other artists such as Christina Bell and Megan James as well as, FAME artists James Leblanc and Angela Hacker. Crisler's solo debut album "Chameleon Room" is out now.

Hacker's new album, Don’t Waste Your Pretty, was produced by Crisler and FAME’s Rodney Hall and Rick Hall. The reflective record starts off with the "woman done wrong" foot-stomper, “Nothin’ On My Pain.” It then slips into the soaring duet “I Ain’t Easy to Love” before settling into the catchy title track “Don’t Waste Your Pretty.” This spring, Hacker is hitting the road with FAME singer/songwriter James LeBlanc. She and LeBlanc collaborated on a ballad for Don’t Waste Your Pretty called “These Walls.”

Fans can receive a FREE download of Hacker's "I Ain’t Easy to Love" from her new album when they sign up to receive FAME Music's newsletter. Visit www.fame2.com to get the free download today.

For more information about "Songwriters of FAME," Brad Crisler, Angela Hacker and FAME Studios, please visit www.fame2.com. 

FEBRUARY - MARCH EVENTS

FEBRUARY 5TH              CENTER, TX 

Kasey Lansdale presents Songwriter 101 Workshop with Grammy Nominee recording artist and NSAI songwriter Roxie Dean.

Center, TX – Singer, songwriter Kasey Lansdale will host a three hour workshop designed to give performers and songwriters a unique learning experience opportunity to work with one of Nashville’s most respected singer/songwriters, Grammy Nominee, Roxie Dean.

Dean’s songwriting career includes a 2001 Nashville Songwriters Association International "Top 10 Songs That You Wish You’d Written" award for "Why They Call It Falling,” and a Grammy nomination for co-writing "When I think about Angels.”

Dean’s songwriting credits also include cuts by Reba McEntire, Tracy Lawrence, Chely Wright, Tammy Cochran, Jolie Edwards, and Tamara Walker to name a few.

Songwriters at all levels will benefit from the critiques and experience of working with Dean.

Topics would include but are not limited to:

·         Song Critique

·         Copyrights and Publishing

·         Fine-tuning your Songwriting Craft

·         Preparing your Songs for a Demo Recording

·         Understanding what publishing companies are looking for

·         The art of the “Co-Write”

·         Song Structure, and when you can “break the rules”

Learn the tips and tricks of the professionals in the fast paced careers of singing and songwriting by attending the Stage Performance/Songwriter 101 workshop

at the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, 619 Tenaha Street , Center TX (936) 598-5522. Advance reservations are recommended and workshop fees are $125 per person. For more information and to make reservations, please contact Kasey Lansdale at 936.552.4930 or info@kaseylansdale.com

All workshop attendants will receive a FREE pass into the acoustic performance of Roxie Dean and Kasey Lansdale for the evening of the Workshop.

All others interested in the performance only, please contact info@kaseylansdale.com

NEW MUSIC SEMINAR REGISTRANTS CAN WIN FREE GUITAR

If you're looking to get signed as an artist, this year's New Music Seminar invites you to come hear the presidents of the indie and major labels explain how. It's all happening in Los Angeles, Feb. 14-16th. Attendees will see twenty-two 18-minute presentations from the CEO's of the top companies talking about how they seek and sign new talent. Attendees can also visit one-on-one with 24 mentors at the NMS Mentoring Sessions or the Songwriting, Voice and Producer Workshops. As a special incentive, the NMS is giving away one beautiful Epiphone guitar inspired by John Lennon, retail value $1,666. Go to NewMusicSeminar.com and register. Save $50 and get the 2 for 1 discount by entering secret code NMSLASE2322 when you select the Partner's Discount tab on the registration page.

EIGHT-TRACK MUSEUM OPENS ITS DOORS

Celebrating the colossal "ka-chunk" of the once popular eight track tape experience is The Eight Track Museum in Dallas, TX, conceived and realized by visionary cultural provocateur and the world's first "formatician" Bucks Burnett. It will be open for visitors on a regular basis starting Wednesday, Feb. 16th. Check out a video tour of The Eight Track Museum: youtube.com/watch?v=UDueID5krPY.

Don't Miss The New Music Seminar!

Do you want to get signed or make it on your own? Come hear the Presidents of the Indies and Major Labels talk about what they are looking for and how that is changing in the new world! Do you want greater exposure and more money as an artist, manager, label or agent? See the 22-18 minute presentations from the CEO’s of the leaders of the new music business show you how! Visit one on one with 24 mentors at the NMS Mentoring Sessions or the Songwriting, Voice and Producer’ Workshops. Find your next business partner! Network with over 80 of the top CEO’s and luminaries speaking at the New Music Seminar in Los Angeles February 14-16, 2011.

For the complete information and to register, go to www.NewMusicSeminar.com. 

Urban Music Perspectives: From Gospel to Hip Hop

Join AMF & Another Option Productions and some of the most well-known names in Austin's urban music scene for a three-part primer on important issues facing DIY artists trying to make their way in the music business and jump start their careers. All events are FREE to attend and open to the public.  Please register to attend the legal seminar. Ready for Radio Every artist wants to hear their music on the air. Learn from industry insiders regarding the current state of terrestrial radio, how to gain the attention of station directors, and how to reach fans over the airwaves.  Tuesday, February 15     7:00 pm Victory Grill   1104 East 11th St Panelists:  Steve Savage - KAZI Zannie K - 102.3 The Beat Marion Nickerson - KAZI Leah Manners - 91.7 KOOP (moderator) Showtime: Where Creativity and Commerce Meet Three Austin hip-hop artists discuss identifying a niche, developing an artist's brand, and how to make money from one's creative talent.  Learn how professionalism, relationships and consistency are integral to being taken seriously and forging a successful career as an artist.    Monday, February 21 7:00 pm Victory Grill 1104 East 11th St Panelists:   Tee Double - artist Ter'ell Shahid - artist SaulPaul - artist Marc Fort - Texas Music Office (moderator) Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset - Your Art Do you have a clear understanding of ownership rights when it comes to your music?  Attorney Charles Medearis discusses legal issues surrounding copyright, sampling, and the producer-artist relationship.    Thursday, February 24 7:00 pm   Victory Grill  1104 East 11th St  To register for this legal seminar, please email kim@austinmusicfoundation.org.  (No registration is needed for the other two events; just show up!)

Multi-Media Performances Close Out From Gospel to Hip Hop Series

The month-long Urban Music Perspectives: from Gospel to Hip Hop workshop series concludes with live performances at the historic George Washington Carver's Boyd Vance Theatre. The program will chronicle the evolution of gospel music to hip hop through a variety of multimedia presentations, dance and live performances by local Austin artists. Saturday, February 25 7:00 pm George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center 1165 Angelina Street Boyd Vance Theatre FREE to attend Music has powered and inspired African-American culture through the best and worst of times; from the gritty passionate blues, the soul-lifting gospel of the church, the ardent improvisation of jazz to the harmonious dynamism of R & B and hip hop. Urban music has inspired the world and opened people's eyes to the profound richness and history of African-Americans' beautiful culture. Gospel to Hip Hop in will move, groove and make you lose yourself within the music, and when you find yourself you will be inspired to make some music of your own.

Austin Chronicle Music Poll

Voting Deadline:  Monday, January 31 Austin wouldn't be what it is without Austin music but Austin music would be what it is without Austin people. That is why you are encouraged to vote for your favorites in the 2010-2011 Music Poll!  Vote for your favorite band, song, album, musicians and more! Additionally, you can vote for who you think should be inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame!  Use the paper ballot in the current issue of the Chronicle or vote online at www.austinchronicle.com/musicpoll.

BMI Live

BMI LIVE PROGRAM ENABLES PERFORMING SONGWRITERS TO REGISTER LIVE CONCERTS FOR ROYALTY PAYMENTS BMI has launched BMI Live, a program enabling songwriters to register their concerts and set lists online to be considered for payment in live music venues, regardless of size. To qualify, BMI performing songwriters need to enter their live musical performances on BMI's website, www.bmi.com.  BMI will pay royalties to both writers and publishers via direct deposit in its June distribution for performances occurring from July 1 through December 31, 2010. Concert performances eligible for the June royalty distribution must be entered on www.bmi.com by March 31, 2011. The distribution from BMI Live will be made quarterly after this initial June 2011 launch. The program is designed to ensure that performing songwriters in all stages of their careers receive payment for concerts in settings of all sizes, from coffee shops to football stadiums. Available only online, BMI Live is an on-going program that allows songwriters to input up to six months of their performance data.  Songwriters may input their tour information at their convenience for concerts from the previous six months and receive these royalty payments either quarterly or semi-annually.  Both headliners and opening acts may input tour information, and the program is open to all BMI affiliates.

NSAI HOUSTON HAPPENINGS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13^TH, 6:00PM                NSAI CLEAR LAKE/SOUTH HOUSTON MONTHLY WORKSHOP & ROUNDS

Location:         Sudie’s Seafood House            352 N. Gulf Freeway, League City, TX 77573

Time:   6:00-9:00pm

This is our first time at Sudie’s, so we’re looking for all the talented songwriters in the NASA/South Houston area to come out and support our new venue partner.  There will be a short program, group critique and performance rounds.  Contact NSAI Coordinator Larry Whitehair at 281.630.6599 for more information and to grab a spot in one of the rounds!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19^TH, 1:00PM            SPECIAL EVENT: “A SONGWRITERS’ SEMINAR” with KIM COPELAND & SUSAN TUCKER

Location:         Habitat House 10037 Hazelhurst,  Houston, TX 77080

Time: 1:00-5:00pm

Cost:  $25.00 Reservations required. Limited seating.

Nashville publisher/author, Susan Tucker and independent producer Kim Copeland will be in Houston on Feb. 19 to conduct a songwriters’ business and recording seminar.  Kim will talk not only about the quality of demos that the hit songwriters are pitching, but will give you ideas on how to get as close to pro quality as your budget will allow.  And to give you an insider’s view on what A&R and producers look for in songs, Kim will also share her process in looking for the "right" songs for an artist’s album. Susan Tucker will share her insights and experiences in pitching songs to the Nashville market.  She will answer your questions about songpluggers, pitching, demos and song contracts.  Bring lots of note paper! They will bury you in information!  Private consultations are available at $85/hour. Click here to reserve your seat, or to book a private consultation with these two talented women! (A separate event flyer with more information will be following this email).

Bios on Kim & Susan:

Kim Copeland is a highly respected and successful Nashville songwriter and producer. Her reputation as a gifted song troubleshooter has made her one of the most sought-after speakers, consultants and songwriting instructors in the country for organizations including TAXI, The Songwriters Connection and the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Her own songs have been recorded by artists in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and she has released two albums of her own. Her education and background as a vocalist have helped her become one of the city's most respected vocal arrangers.  Her long association with the cream of the Nashville music business has given her access to the city's best musicians, engineers and studios, and her projects continually draw accolades. A visible part of the Nashville scene, she continues to take part in writers' nights at local spots like the legendary Bluebird Cafe, and as part of showcases in other cities.

Susan Tucker is the force behind Sage House Music in Nashville, and has authored two books on songwriting, “The Soul of a Writer” and “The Secrets of Songwriting”. She partners with Kim Copeland Productions in the management and marketing behind emerging artist Rachel Williams and other talented songwriters and recording artists. She publishes a weekly e-zine called “The Songwriters Connection”.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27^TH       NSAI SUNDAY SONGSWAP & OPEN MIC

Location:         JP Hops House 2317 S. Hwy 6, Houston, TX 77077

Time:   4:00-6:00pm   Songswap- informal gathering of area songwriters to share their songs with fellow writers. Everyone, every genre is welcomed. Followed by Open Mic at 6:00pm. Facilitators include Tina Allen, Mitch Tiffin and Leslie Krafka. Contact Tina for more information at allen.tina30@yahoo.com

NASHVILLE HAPPENINGS 

Bluebird Café Writer’s Night Audition (Feb. 13th) & Registration (Jan. 28th)

The next quarterly Bluebird Café Writers’ Night auditions will be held at 10:45 AM on Sunday, Feb 13, 2011 at The Bluebird Café.
 To be eligible to audition you must either live within 100 miles of Nashville or be a member of NSAI.
 To participate in the audition process you must register on line in advance. We will begin taking registrations at 11 AM on FRI, JAN 28.

 We only accept the first 65 registrants. The list fills up very quickly. If you're not logged on right at 11 am you will probably not get through fast enough.

 Log onto www.bluebirdcafe.com and click the "Play the Bluebird" link. Scroll down to the Sunday Writers Night section where you will find information about the audition and the link that takes you to the registration page.   Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirmation and further information regarding the actual audition on Feb 13.

Spring Training Event April 1 & 2:  Held at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, this 2-day interactive seminar combines the best of large- and small-group settings for writers of all ages and experience levels.  Professional songwriter panels, powerhouse educational segments – not to mention the ever-popular publisher pitch sessions – are all designed to give you a crash course in the craft and business of songwriting.  2011 also marks the 1st year of Hitsville at Spring Training. NSAI has partnered with ole, one of the world's largest independent music publishers with offices in Toronto, Nashville and Los Angeles, to offer YOU the chance to leave Spring Training with a Single Song Publishing contract IN HAND! Every attendee is eligible to participate. This is going to be a great event!

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival March 29-April 2

The 19th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival is set for March 29 – April 2, 2011 in Nashville, TN. For more information, go to http://tinpansouth.com

*Note:  If you are interested in attending Spring Training and/or Tin Pan South this year, let us know. We’re trying to create some carpools of Texas writers wanting to soak it all in that week. If you’re looking to save some travel costs, let us know and we’ll hook you up with folks that are confirmed as going and may be interested in splitting gas money.  Click here to put your name on the board as a willing traveler!

March 24-27 Songcrafting Seminars 

presents:   RIVERS RUTHERFORD

Rivers Rutherford will be once again holding a 3 day seminar  

here in the Nashville area.

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e3b2o1u8bb5c93c5&llr=pauirfdab

Imagine spending time with Rivers in a casual,relaxed and beautiful setting in the woods - while listening to him talk about what it means to be a great songwriter.

Hear him speak about his personal process

his thoughts on the business and where it's going and then

partake in co-writing sessions under his astute supervision -

for 3 solid days - while wining and dining on some of the best

italian food you could possibly imagine... all prepared for you

right here on the premises by Claudia and her staff. the open

kitchen becomes an equally creative element for you to both

experience and remember...

Rivers Rutherford...

After moving to Nashville in 1993, Rivers quickly found his place in the  

world as an entertainer, studio guitar player and songwriter. In 1996,  

Rivers signed with Universal Music Publishing and remains with the  

company today. Artists, including Gretchen Wilson, Gary Allan, Faith  

Hill, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny  

Chesney, Brad Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, Trick Pony,  

Blake Shelton, Deana Carter, Montgomery Gentry, Clay Davidson,  

Jamie O'Neal and Andy Griggs have since recorded River's songs.

Rutherford claimed his first #1 hit, "Aint Nothin' 'Bout You", in 2001.  

The song spent six weeks at number one and is to date the most  

successful single ever recorded by Brooks & Dunn. Rutherford was  

honored by ASCAP and received their Song of the Year Award in 2002.  

Since the smash hit with Brooks & Dunn, Rivers has accomplished  

TEN more #1 singles: Tim McGraw's "Real Good Man"; Montgomery  

Gentry's first #1, "If You Ever Stop Loving Me", which he also produced;  

Gretchen Wilson's "Homewrecker"; Brad Paisley's duet with Dolly  

Parton, "When I Get Where I'm Going" (which has received both the  

ACM and CMA nomination for Song of the Year), Kenny Chesney's  

"Livin' In Fast  Forward", Rodney Atkins "These Are My People" and  

Trace Adkins "Ladies Love Country Boys".

ASCAP's Songwriter of the Year trophy for 2006 was shared between  

Brett James and Rivers Rutherford.

GUITAR SHOW    www.TXshows.com

     Amigo Nashville Guitar Show 2011

    Factory at Franklin/February 19-20

                     4 Amigos

   Austin Guitar Show/SXSW Weekend

      Austin Conv Ctr/March  18-19

                    4 Amigos

March 20th, Pickin For The Record at the Texas State Capitol.

Be a Part of the Largest Guitar Jam Ever 

and an Afternoon of Pickin', BBQ, Record Breakin' & Troop Support on the last day of SXSW at the Capitol!

Let's Bring the Largest Guitar Ensemble Record Back to Texas Sunday March 20th at the Texas State Capitol and to Raise Funds for Soldiers and Vets that NEED A Hand.

Pickin' for the Record II - Sunday, March 20, 2011 a Great Day for Music at The Texas State Capitol in Austin on the last day of SXSW.

Click here for the video PSA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NzJWh2w72I

BE A PART OF TEXAS MUSIC HISTORY AND REGISTER NOW!
http://voicesofagratefulnation.org/picker

The Pickin' Record Resides Now in Poland? Yes, Poland - So Grab Your Guitar and Register. We've recently discovered that our record has since been broken by 6,346 guitarists in Wroclaw, Poland. With the support and urging of Casey Monahan, the Director of the Governor's Texas Music Office, we've accepted the challenge to bring that record back home to Texas on Sunday, March 20th on the South Steps of the State Capitol! WE ARE CALLING FOR 8000 PICKERS.

The music starts at 1:00 until 4:00! The record breaking songs will be around 3p.m. Proceeds from your registration fees benefit Welcome Home Project, Soldiers Angels and the Yamaha Music and Wellness programs for returning veterans. For more information go to www.voicesofagratefulnation.org