This event is geared to engage , musicians, venue owners, local businesses, event planners, tech developers, writers and music fans of all ages. How do social networks help build a stronger cultural community in our city.  What are the tools we are using?  How should we as a community engage each other on a more meaningful basis.  How do musicians transform this meaningful engagement into a greater fanbase.  Who in DC is having the most success doing this?  How does each part of the cultural community play a role in our social network?

Metro Music Source will be co-hosting a free evening of networking speakers and panels.  The event will begin with an introduction by Hosan Lee, Founder and CEO of TableTribes and followed by a series of group discussions.  Participants will include: Chris MacDonald of HugeFan, Jon Meyers of the Vinyl District, Andy Cerutti of Fort Knox Recordings, Stephanie Williams of DC Music Download, Chris Richards Pop Music Critic for the Washington Post, Jimmy Rhodes of Hood Booking, Inc (R&R Hotel + DC9), Ora Nwabueze Owner of The Dunes and Veracruz,  Diana Ezerins Programming Coordinator for the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center, Bob Boilen creator/host NPR’s All Songs Considered, Casey Rae Deputy Director of the Future of Music Coalition, Sasha Lord of Sasha Lord Presents, Promoting and Booking DC Jennifer Vinson of DC Setlist/ Hamilton Live, Jem Bahaijoub of ImaginePR, Dave Mallen of Innovation Station Music and many more.

TIME: 5:00pm – 9:00pm

SCHEDULE:

5:30pm – Mingle Drink Be Merry

6:00pm- 6:15pm – Opening Statements by Listen Local First, Metro Music Source and TableTribes

6:15pm – 6:50pm – Media Panel

 Moderator – Casey Rae

o   Participants:

o   Bob Boilen

o   Chris Richards

o   Jon Meyers

o   Stephanie Williams

6:50pm – 7:25pm – Venue Panel

Moderator – Jennifer Vinson

o   Participants:

o   Ora Nwabueze

o   Diana Ezerins

o   Jimmy Rhodes

o   Sasha Lord

7:25pm – 8:00pm –Industry Services Panel

 Moderator – Jem Bahaijoub

o   Participants:

o   Dave Mallen

o   Andy Cerutti

o   Chris MacDonald

o   Hosan Lee

8:00pm – 9:00pm – Metro Music Source – Music Industry Networking Happy Hour

About Listen Local First

Listen Local First DC (LLF) is a local music initiative devoted to building awareness and creating opportunities for local musicians and venues in order to raise the profile of DC’s local music scene. LLF was born out of a collaborative effort with Think Local First DC and seeks to partner with local musicians, local arts organizations, local venues and locally owned businesses to create performance opportunities and new avenues for local music exploration. LLF’s mission is not genre specific. In order to promote the true cultural depth of DC’s music scene LLF would seek to equally represent all local genres, from folk to funk.

About Metro Music Source

The Metro Music Source (MMS) is a Washington, DC area music industry event series and resource that encourages support, collaboration, and knowledge sharing amongst music creators and industry professionals through monthly networking and educational events. Past MMS events have brought together local musicians, record label reps, artist managers, publicists, filmmakers, music publishers, producer/engineers, and many others.  To learn more about the Metro Music Source, visit www.metromusicsource.org.