WAMI THROWS ITS FIRST "FAST PITCH" DURING FALL SEMINAR
Musicians Get Opportunity to Pitch their Band to Music Reps in a "Speed Dating" Format

Imagine a room full of music reps and you have just a few short minutes to tell them why they should book you at their next gig.   The Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) will give area musicians that chance at the WAMI Fall Seminar on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Liquor Sweets, 3000 S. 13th St. in Milwaukee.  Representatives from festivals like Bastille Days and Summerfest, as well as venues like the Milwaukee Ale House will be among the panel of guests looking for talent to book at their next event, during the session titled "WAMI Fast Pitch".

"This event will be like speed dating," says Lance Shellman, president of WAMI.  "You have to make a great impression with the reps in a matter of minutes, so I think it will be a great learning experience.

Shellman recommends that only one or two members from each band attend the "Fast Pitch" session during the seminar and to bring with them an ample supply of CDs, press kits and enthusiasm.

Concurrent with "Fast Pitch" the WAMI seminar is also offering a workshop with Tamara Anderson, a well-known vocal instructor and coach.  Anderson will lead a workshop using nationally recognized vocal coaching techniques.  Anderson works with numerous recording and touring artists, both on major and independent labels.  She teaches state-of-the art Grammy Award winning vocal techniques and is the teacher and vocalist called upon by the most recognized recording studios in Chicago.

Tamara Anderson

WAMI will also reprise its popular "CD Roulette" where the first 17 CD entries from local musicians or bands are judged by a panel of local music industry professionals.  The bands from the top three CDs selected will earn a performance slot at major festivals next summer.

Both WAMI members and the music industry public are welcome to attend. For WAMI members, the Fast Pitch or Vocal Coaching is free of charge, for non-members the cost will be $20. Entry fee into the CD Roulette will be $10 for members and $15 for non-members. However, if you choose to become a WAMI member or renew your existing membership at the seminar, you may enter both the CD Roulette as well as attend the Fast Pitch or Vocal Coaching at no additional charge. As an added bonus for our 30th year, we are offering a reduced membership rate of $30/Individual and $100/Band membership. This is an event for all ages.

Both WAMI members and the music industry public are welcome to attend. This is an event for all ages.

WAMI Meeting - March 11 at Serb Hall

WAMI is proud to present a very special evening with members of the
Grammy/ NARIS organization, from the Chicago chapter:

Cassie Gorbette, David Silbaugh, and Trevor Sadler
from The Recording Academy Chicago Chapter

Cassie, David and Trevor will be speaking on what the Chicago Chapter of the Recording Academy, or NARAS does, how to become a member, what MusiCares is, and so much more. This is a rare opportunity to ask questions about the organization that produces The Grammy's and so much more.

• 7:00 until 7:30 cocktail/ social time: in the bowling bar adjacent to our meeting room
• 7:30 until 9:00 announcements, ballot collection, introductions and panel discussion:
  

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT NARAS
The meeting is free & open to ALL musicians, bands and music industry professionals, so bring someone along! Serb Hall is located at 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave. Milwaukee

Also for discussion -- WAMI Award Nomination Schedule, Show Updates, and Spring Information that everybody begins to think about this time of year. This is a key meeting, and we hope to see everybody out there. Be sure to come early and have a cocktail, and chat with the rest of your colleagues.

*remember: ballots are DUE March 11. Return them at the meeting or mail them to the WAMI P.O. Box*

WAMI Meeting :

Wednesday, Feb. 18
Serb Hall   5101 W. Oklahoma

You can't afford to miss this WAMI meeting!
"Legalese for Musicians:
Contracts, Record Deals, Trademarks, and much more!
with special guests Attorney Frank Nicotera  and current Board member, Bruce Sullivan.
Bring your legal questions!
Bring your bandmates and musician friends!
This is an exceptional opportunity to learn more about the legal aspects of being a musician in Wisconsin, and beyond.

7:00 ~ 7:30 networking in the Serb Hall bar
7:30   Meeting: Special announcements, Award Show information & introductions, followed by our panel discussion

About our panelists:

Bruce Sullivan is a current Board member and is the entertainment and events director for the Wisconsin State Fair. Prior to his position at State Fair, Bruce worked for Narada Records. Bruce is also a familiar voice on radio, having worked in Milwaukee radio for more than 25 years. 

Frank Nicotera is currently Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel for Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., the non-profit corporation which produces Summerfest.  Frank has also been a partner in a New Orleans law firm where his practice included entertainment law.

He was an adjunct instructor of Music Publishing and Copyright Law at Delgado College in New Orleans. In his spare time he is a drummer and has performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, Riviera Beach Festival in Palm Beach, Florida and venues throughout North and South America.