How to Break into Music Festivals with the Founders of Mission Creek Music and Arts Festival May 9, 2007

Do, you want to make it in music or the art world, but live in the Bay Area, far from industry meccas like L.A. and N.Y.C.? As an aspiring artist or musician with a genuine commitment to succeed, you'd never let something like location get in your way, right?

Besides, producers of The 11th Annual Mission Creek Music and Arts Festival (MCMAF), which strives to support local musicians, artists, writers, designers and filmmakers by bringing them to an international audience, is here to help.

In fact, playing festivals is a great way to get your music in the hands of the right people - the record labels, radio representatives, agents, publicists, press, and music listeners. Since 1996 MCMAF has presented the finest local musicians and artists - Joanna Newsom, Devendra Banhart, Deerhoof, Kelley Stoltz, and Vetiver - as well as international heavy hitters like Sean Lennon and Vincent Gallo...

This year, close to a dozen San Francisco venues, both big and small, will host festival events and showcases from May 10 - May 20. Of the 180+ diverse acts and artists, invited to MCMAF each year, why shouldn't you be one?

In this first-of-its kind Learning Annex event, attendees will learn: * How to register for festivals * What festival producers are looking for * Using Myspace to your advantage * Packaging Yourself * How to attract press * The basics of creating your own festival * And Q&A!

Our expert panel will include:

Jeff Ray, Founder of Mission Creek Music and Arts Festival, Head curator and programmer, CEO of Mission Creek Productions.

Jon Fellman is the Co–Director and Submissions Manager of The Mission Creek Music and Arts Festival.

Neil Martinson is a Co-Producer of the Mission Creek Music and Arts Festival. For the last seven years he has been the host and DJ for his creation SMILE (now bi-monthly at the Knockout Room), booking several hundred shows including many of the finest local and international acts. In 2004, he was awarded Best DJ by SF Weekly.

Elise Irving, Film Curator, uses her photographs as raw material for varied projects that include video, installation, sculpture, and traditional photography.

Heather Snider, Co-Founder of Mission Creek, Co-Film Curator, is a musician, photographer, curator, national art and photography critic, and member of Troll.

Lianne Mueller, Graphic Designer. Artist, Graphic Designer, Teacher, and CEO of Fly Design.

Eric Grotke, web designer. Artist, musician, Co-director of Fly Design.

Brianna Toth, Public Relations. PR and Marketing, genius, curator, arts and music activist and scholar.

Molly Merson, Sponsorship Coordinator. Graduate student in Psychology at New College of California, music and arts enthusiast and activist, board member of Independent Arts and Media.

Samaki Dorsey, Sponsporship Co –Coordinator. Vocalist, Composer and Songwriter in Axis of Blackness, Bella, solo projects and various collaborations.

Melissa Roberti is part of the sponsorship team for the Mission Creek Music Festival. Previous fundraising experience includes organizing and planning events such as a Tsunami relief concert and art auction and numerous other benefits.

Andre Perry, Founder of Mission creek Midwest, writer, scholar, Master student of University of Iowa Writing Program.

Ashley Sarver, Co producer, parade specialist, photo/ video media director, photographer, student at CCA.

Barry Simons, Legendary Entertainment Lawyer in business for over 20 years. Has worked with both national and international acts.

Bonus: Some of your favorite artists will be in attendance to answer your questions. Final line-up to be announced.

This event is not to be missed. If you're an aspiring artist or musician, come and learn how to take your career to the next level.
Bonus: A few lucky attendees will receive a complementary festival pass valued at over $100!

Tickets are only $14.99 plus handling fees. To register, log on to www.learningannex.com or call 415-788-5500.

Official Website: http://www.learningannex.com