Pre-Show Networking Party
(selected photos, by Sandra Dahdah)

MMF-US SXSW Pre-Show Networking Party

Music Managers Forum-US (MMF-US) hosted its first Pre-Show Networking Party at SXSW ’08 in Austin Texas on Friday, March 14, 2008. Sponsored by CPX Interactive, MMF-US offered a 2 ½ hours of open bar and networking open to IMMF/MMF members, managers, music industry professionals and media (invited by MMF-US’s in-kind publicity sponsor PAI Media) at Club 115, 115 San Jacinto.

The party included short acoustic performances by Billy Bragg, Casey Neill, and Bruce Smith. Music Manager Forum-US board members Steven Scharf, Alan Wolmark, Craig S. Hyman, Stephen Bond Garvan and Jack Bookbinder took the stage to announce the benefits of MMF membership and affiliation with the IMMF, as well as appreciation for the sponsors and artists performing.

After impassioned acoustic performances by Austin-based Bruce Smith and Casey Neill (managed by Garvan of Garvan Management), Billy Bragg wrapped the party with an impassioned thirty minute set of exhilarating classics from his catalogue. Bragg, always a genuine supporter for artists’ rights, offered stirring and passionate advice to an audience including his legendary manager Peter Jenner of Sincere Management & former Chairman of IMMF. Bragg urged the managers in the crowd to recognize that “nothing was ever achieved, until all were standing together…representing us (the musicians)…it’s that sort of organization that’s really important…and the time has come to stand together and organize!” Bragg continued his plea to managers claiming that musicians ‘have faith in you” and dedicated his final song to managers.

Media picked up on Bragg’s direct call-to-arms to managers by evidence of a post-SXSW front page article written by Michael Corcoran of the Austin American-Statesman (March 16, 2008). Corcoran reported Bragg’s pronouncement [“Don’t Network; Organize!” was singer Billy Bragg’s message at the Music Managers Forum party Friday at Club 115.]. Corcoran said that between songs ‘Bragg gave a bleak forecast for emerging musicians, considering the current music business climate…’ with Bragg elaborating “In my 25 years in the music business, one thing has never changed. There are people who want to make music and people who want to hear music”.

Sean Casey & Stephen Shearin of CPX Interactive (sponsor)	Billy Bragg	Casey Neill

FIRST ANNUAL MMF-US SXSW MUSIC SHOWCASE:
(selected photos, by Sandra Dahdah)

FIRST ANNUAL MMF-US SXSW MUSIC SHOWCASE

Music Managers Forum-US (MMF-US) hosted its first annual SXSW Music Showcase on the evening of March 14, 2008 at Smokin’ Music, 504 Trinity Street, Austin Texas. MMF-US offered five hours of live music to all SXSW Music Conference registrants consisting of IMMF/MMF members, managers, music industry professionals and media (invited by MMF-US’s in-kind publicity sponsor PAI Media). The party was hosted by music-scene personality Beatle Bob and included full band performances by Eldar, Oh Susanna, Blue Rodeo & Friends, and Alpha Rev. Music Manager Forum-US board members Steven Scharf, Alan Wolmark, Craig S. Hyman, Stephen Bond Garvan, Mike Gormley, and Jack Bookbinder mixed backstage with the performing musicians and their MMF managers (including Susan de Cartier of Starfish Entertainment) celebrating MMF affiliation and connection at the once-a-year popular music conference and music showcase.

All participants and attendees were amazed by the quality of the large venue named Smokin’ Music, formerly known as the Copper Tank, which underwent a multi-hundred thousand dollar renovation specifically for the SXSW Music Conference by Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company. Smokin’ Music was adorned with the original arch stonework, Vari-lights, a state-of-the-art sound system, and billows of ‘fog-machine’ smoke emanating from the rooftop of the venue wafting into the music-crazed streets of Austin.

Eldar (Sony Masterworks) took the stage first, fresh from his worldwide televised performance on the Grammy Awards (to support his Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, after a extended introduction by NARAS President Neil Portnow. Eldar performed as a trio with stand-up bass and drummer, and dazzled the audience with his command of classic mixed with innovative jazz fueled by his grand piano provided by Steinway & Sons. In a nod to the late Oscar Peterson, Eldar performed one of his classics to rousing applause. Manager Alan Wolmark of CEC Management watched on with pride as he ushered Eldar backstage to participate in the post performance celebration with MMF-US Board members (who voted for Eldar to perform this slot), lovely fans and media.

Music Managers Forum-US is a proud affiliate of the IMMF, the international umbrella organization of fifteen MMF’s from around the world. To reveal the international scope of MMF, the showcase features two acts from outside the United States. Toronto-based Oh Susanna interrupted her tour of Canada to perform her set at the MMF SXSW Music Showcase to support her new release entitled ‘Short Stories’, an intimate series of portraits and journeys that echo the haunting sound of her debut EPs. With an even larger crowd assembled at Smokin’ Music, Oh Susanna performed a dramatic and compelling collection of songs inspired by both the lives of people in Oh Susanna’s family and by those recorded in 20th Century American writing.

The front room capacity crowd celebrated the arrival of Blue Rodeo & Friends to the stage at 11:00 PM for an almost 2 hour performance by Canada’s premiere roots-rock band. By special introduction from World Café’s host Karl Mullen, and through special arrangement of MMF-Canada member and manager Susan de Cartier of Starfish Entertainment, Blue Rodeo performed with a number of guests on-stage including another Starfish act Oh Susanna, Melissa McClelland, Luke Doucet, Dallas Good (The Sadies), Travis Good (The Sadies) and a surprise appearance by Rhett Miller of the Old 97s. Blue Rodeo’s band, consisting of Jim Cuddy, Bazil Donovan, Bob Egan, Glenn Milchem, and Greg Keelor, thrilled the SXSW crowd with several extended jams and songs by a collection of musicians not yet captured on tape, as a special treat in a relatively intimate setting that makes the SXSW Music Conference extra special to music fans. MMF-US especially wishes to thank Susan de Cartier and Starfish Entertainment for their early and long term commitment to the MMF Music Showcase making the evening a huge success.

MMF managers from around the globe showed up in force at the showcase through the late night hours. In addition to Jenner’s associate Matthew Brown, the managers crowd include notables Keith Harris of PPL (former MMF-UK Chair and Stevie Wonder’s European manager), and Graham Stairs of Finkelstein Management (former MMF Canada Chair). Closing the show was Alpha Rev, the popular local act from Austin. Alpha Rev’s unique blend of styles, coupled with their dynamic interactions, gave a rousing finish to the evening. Their hometown crowd was very supportive as lead singer/songwriter Casey McPherson urged them on with his rock-inspired vocals which form the core of Alpha Rev’s music. McPherson is supported by a unique cast of musicians (violin, cello, keyboard, bass, drums, guitar) that fill the band’s songs with as much classical beauty as American rock. There songs proved to be layered, orchestral, melody-driven masterpieces.

Music Managers Forum-US thanks all the participants, SXSW, CPX Interactive, PAI Media, Sandra Dahdah, and Smokin’ Music for a successful First Annual MMF-US SXSW Music Showcase, setting up an annual tradition at SXSW for the non-profit trade organization.

Party Sponsor:	In-Kind Media Sponsor:	Photography By:
		Sandra Dahdah Photography

All Photography by Sandra Dahdah Photography - www.sandradahdah.com