Panelists scheduled to speak include composers George S. Clinton (Austin Powers, Sundance Composer Lab Advisor), Clint Mansell (Moon), Chris Lennertz (Adam), Craig Richey (The September Issue), Duncan Sheik (Dare), Lili Haydn (Over The Hills & Far Away), Michael Bacon (Boy Interrupted), Anton Sanko (When You’re Strange & Against the Current), Marco d’Ambrosio (We Live In Public), T. Griffin (Children of Invention), Peter Golub (Frozen River, Sundance Composer Lab Director), Rolfe Kent (Sideways, Sundance Composers Lab Advisor), David Poe (Dare) and Ben Decter (We Live In Public).

Directors scheduled to speak include Michel Orion Scott (Over The Hills and Far Away), Duncan Jones (Moon), Max Mayer (Adam), R.J. Cutler (The September Issue), Dana Heinz Perry (Boy Interrupted), Dana Heinz Perry (Boy Interrupted), Ondi Timoner (We Live In Public) and Tze Chun (Children of Invention). The discussion will be moderated by Doreen Ringer Ross, Vice President, Film/TV Relations at BMI.

BMI will host the sixth annual Sundance Snowball on January 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The annual musical showcase adds an interactive performance element to this year’s festival as it evolves into an inventive, artistic, collaborative musical experience celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Sundance Composers Lab. The show will take on a party element with DJ Thomas Golubic and segue to performance with composer/musician Rolfe Kent’s “Magnificent Howling Audience Score-Shop.” The “Score-Shop” will include an experimental exercise with the audience in live-image scoring, a first for the festival. Special guests are expected. Past performers at the Snowball include Shelby Lynne, Keb Mo, Terence Blanchard, Minnie Driver, and The Aggrolites, among others. The event is open to festival credential holders, credentialed press and by special invitation.

After the ceremony, Schifrin sat down at the piano to perform a medley of his classic themes, including his unforgettable Mission Impossible.

The Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) is the non-profit and primary organization for professional film, television and video game composers and lyricists, with a distinguished 60-year history in the fine art of creating music for motion pictures, television and video games. The predecessor organization, the Screen Composers Association, began in 1945. SCL Members include the top creative professionals whose experience and expertise is focused on many of the creative, technological, legal, newsworthy and pressing issues of the film/television/game music industry today.

Shown are (l-r):SCL President Dan Foliart; BMI Vice President, Film/TV Relations, L.A. Doreen Ringer Ross; Lalo Schifrin, and BMI Senior Vice President, Performing Rights Alison Smith.

SCL Ambassador Lalo Schifrin delights the crowd with a medley of his work.

For more than 70 years, the Blind Boys of Alabama have both embraced gospel music’s roots and strengthened them, carrying their signature soul-saving harmonies to stadiums and churches alike. Comprising Clarence Fountain, George Scott, Johnny Fields, Jimmy Carter, Eric "Ricky" McKinney, and Joey Williams, the Blind Boys have collaborated with contemporary stars including Ben Harper, John Legend, and Kanye West, as well as icons Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, and k.d. lang.

The Four Tops emerged as hit-making titans during Motown’s 1960’s golden age. Original members Abdul "Duke" Fakir, Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Levi Stubbs, and Lawrence Payton recorded what would become the soundtrack of a generation and later, an entire nation, created on the strength of timeless hits including “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch,” “Reach Out (I’ll Be There),” “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” and “Bernadette.”

Brenda Lee segued seamlessly from rockabilly ingénue to pop superstar in the 50s and 60s. Her jaw-dropping album sales topped 90 million, surpassing any other female star of her generation. Although her appeal transcended musical genres, Lee’s twang remained distinct and endearing, earning her membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Elliott Carter mastered musical composition, creating neoclassical orchestral, chamber, solo instrumental and vocal pieces which are recognized throughout the world. However, his original style which he dubbed “metric modulation” proved truly innovative, marked by rapid-fire tempo shifts, atonality and signature rhythmic complexities. Mr. Carter turned 100 years old in December 2008.

Allen Toussaint’s extensive BMI catalog comprises songs which jump between genres and generations, testifying to the revered pianist, producer, songwriter, and artist’s inimitable versatility. BMI Award-winning compositions including “Southern Nights,” “All These Things,” “Java,” “Whipped Cream,” “Mother-In-Law,” and “Working in a Coal Mine” line his hit sheet. His collaborators are a diverse cross-section of music’s finest, including Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, the Band, Boz Scaggs, Patti LaBelle, and Bonnie Raitt.  Mr. Toussaint joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.  

The Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT. For more information surrounding the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, please visit www.grammy.com.

As a producer, he helmed the boards for landmark projects including Eric Clapton’s eponymous solo debut. Bramlett’s most familiar work as a composer was a collaborator effort with Russell and Bonnie called “Superstar (Groupie),” a BMI Pop and Million-Air Award-winning song recorded by stars including The Carpenters, Joe Cocker, Bette Midler, Woody Herman, and Usher. The song has generated more than 3 million performances in the United States alone. He also co-penned BMI Pop, Country and Million-Air Award winner “Never Ending Song of Love,” recorded by Delaney & Bonnie, Ray Charles, The Statler Brothers, and Crystal Gayle, along with Eric Clapton’s “Let It Rain.”

After the break-up of Delaney & Bonnie, Bramlett proceeded to release several well-received solo albums.

In addition to his daughter Bekka Bramlett, also a singer and BMI songwriter, Delaney Bramlett is survived by his wife Susan Lanier-Bramlett, brother John and two addition daughters, Michele, and Suzanne and a son, Dylan Thomas, according to the Associated Press.

Lloyd grins as he commandeers a pink couch at BMI’s Atlanta Holiday Party.

Pictured are (l-r): Sammie, Gorilla Zoe, BMI’s Byron Wright and Tyrell Bing.

Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s Nicole Plantin, PASTE Magazine’s Josh Jackson and Nick Purdy, and BMI’s David Claassen.

Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s David Claassen, Coach K and members of Holly Weerd.

Pictured are Ponderosa's JT Hall (left) and Kalen Nash (right), lounging at Tongue in Groove during the annual BMI Atlanta Holiday Party.

Yung Joc (left) and Teddy Bishop (right) pose for the camera.

Pictured are (l-r): Troy Taylor, BMI’s Wardell Malloy, Trey Songz, Lloyd and BMI’s Malik Levy.

Pictured are (l-r): Rich Girl’s Brave and Seven, BMI’s David Claassen, Rich Girl’s Audra and Lyndriette, with BMI’s Malik Levy.

Photos by Cara Pastore / f22studio.com

The Acoustic Lounge is one of many opportunities BMI offers to artists to showcase their talent in front of their peers and a supportive audience. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, offering a great opportunity to network with other aspiring and working singer/songwriters. For established writers, it provides a chance to monitor new musical trends and be involved in the grass-roots/DIY musical movement.

Shown are (back row, l-r): Accompanist Martin Estrada; BMI’s Casey Robison; Duane Neilson; Adam Piotrowski and Felipe Cano of West 8 Five; and accompanist Sasha Smith. Front row (l-r): Arden Kaywin, Arielle Worona and BMI’s Marissa Lopez.

Hitting the stage first was Kal, whose r&b sounds incorporate a unique fusion of traditional African rhythms, hip-hop beats and soul. Joined by two vocalists, Kal set the energetic pace with a two-song, keyboard-backed performance. Rhythm and blues brethren 718 followed, delivering a commanding set which prompted favorable comparisons to other historically esteemed quartets. Harlem-bred producer Ron Browz nailed the capstone on the evening. Known for creating hits for Nas (“Ether”), Ludacris (“Blow It Out”) and Snoop Dogg (“Oh No”), Ron showcased his innovative sound by performing two songs including his Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart-climbing single “Pop Champagne.”

Attendees at the showcase

BMI’s Ian Holder commands the crowd

Kal performs

718 performs

Ron Browz

BMI’s Wardell Malloy; Universal Motown recording artist Ron Browz; and BMI’s Ian Holder

Kal; BMI’s Ian Holder; 718’s Ayden and David; Ron Browz; 718’s Ryan and Rel; and BMI’s Wardell Malloy (Photo credit: Ray Tamarra)

In addition to BMI, sponsors of the Nassau Songwriters Festival included BGC, The Islands of the Bahamas, American Airlines, Compass Point Beach Resort, Compass Point Studios, Dolphin Encounters, the Green Parrot, JWT Enterprises Water Treatment Equipment, Bahamas Experience Transportation, Travis TV, and Country Music Across America.

Pictured at Compass Point Studios are (l-r): third row: BMI’s Mark Mason, songwriters Bobby Pinson, James Slater, and Dallas Davidson; second row: BMI’s Mary Loving, songwriters Keith Stegall, Kylie Sackley, Natalie Hemby, and Marty Dodson, and BMI’s Jody Williams; with Steve Cropper and Terry Manning, seated. (Photo by Ross Miller)

A special guest performance by Ron Browz ("Pop Champagne").

This is an invite-only event.

Admission: $12 in advance/$15 at the door

In the Best Original Score field, multiple BMI Award-winning composer Alexandre Desplat garnered a nod for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Versatile Indian composer A.R. Rahman was also tapped in the prestigious Best Original Score category for his work on film Slumdog Millionaire.

BMI Icon Peter Gabriel, along with collaborator and BMI Richard Kirk Award recipient Thomas Newman, will vie for Best Original Song honors for “Down to Earth” from Wall-E. Pop culture darling Miley Cyrus and two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year Jeffrey Steele also earned a Best Original Song nod: the pair co-penned “I Thought I Lost You” for the motion picture Bolt. Amanda Ghost and Ian Dench (both PRS) are also celebrating well-deserved Best Original Song recognition for their contribution to film Cadillac Records, “Once in a Lifetime.”

The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards will take place Sunday, January 11, 2009, at the Beverly Hilton and will air live on NBC at 8 p.m. EST. For more information and a complete list of nominees, please visit http://www.goldenglobes.org ” target=”_blank”>www.goldenglobes.org http://www.goldenglobes.org .

BMI Senior Vice President, Performing Rights, Alison Smith moderated the discussion, which included panelists Randy Wachtler, President/CEO, 615 Music; Carl Peel, VP, Production, Killer Tracks; Alicen Schneider, VP, Creative Services, NBC Universal Television; Randy Thornton, CEO, Non-Stop Music, a division of Warner/Chappell Music; Dain Blair , composer, Deal Or No Deal & Extreme Makeover and Music Library, Groove Addicts. Panelists discussed the flexibility and constantly changing landscape of production music; the convenience of production music for media producer and its future growth.

“It’s not really rocket science,” she says. “The music is intended to inspire people to feel a certain way about themselves, so they’ll be able to encompass, in their own lives, a sense of inner fame that they can project to the world, and the carefree nature of the album is a reflection of that aura. I like to funnel interesting ideas to the rest of the world through a pop lens.”

Her debut album, The Fame (Interscope), reveals the Lady’s fun-filled approach to dance music, mixing together elements of Madonna, Gwen Stefani, and Britney Spears to synthesize a highly infectious pop world of her own. Flaunting an elastic voice that can turn on a dime from emotional wailing to coy falsetto, she’s already conquered the dance charts with the single “Just Dance,” which has won her a Grammy nod for Best Dance Recording.

Further time spent with The Fame reveals a singer/songwriter not shy about Peaches-styled double (or even single) entendres on the spoken-word “Poker Face,” and the self-evident joyous hedonism of high-energy tracks like “Love Game,” with its declaration, “I wanna take a ride on your disco stick.”

Born 22 years ago as Joanne Stefani Germanotta, the future GaGa had taught herself to play piano by age four, and was a club fixture in New York throughout her teen years before being signed as a songwriter to Interscope by age 20. After penning tunes for the likes of Pussycat Dolls and New Kids on the Block, her “Just Dance” demo convinced the label to forge ahead with her recording career.

“I was always an entertainer,” she says. “I was a ham as a little girl and I’m a ham today.”

The “ham” in this case goes beyond impressing with her voice: GaGa has also become well-known for her fashion sense, evinced by designing and wearing her own eye-catching clothes.

“Fashion is everything,” she declares. “When I’m writing music, I’m thinking about the clothes I want to wear on stage. It’s all about everything all together — performance art, pop performance art, fashion. I want the imagery to be so strong that fans will want to eat and taste and lick every part of us.”

Okay then. As for her nom de stage — she’s the first Lady to conquer the dance clubs since Deee-Lite’s Lady Miss Kier back in the early ’90s — she admits to lifting it from Queen’s hit “Radio Gaga.”

“I always loved rock and pop and theater,” she affirms. “When I discovered Queen and David Bowie is when it really came together for me and I realized I could do all three.”

Like those artists, she remained committed to her self-defined mission of revitalizing dance-pop.

“What has been lost in pop music these days is the combination of the visual and the imagery of the artist, along with the music — and both are just as important,” she says. “With my music, it’s a party, it’s a lifestyle, and it’s about making the lifestyle the forefront of the music.”

Kenny Chesney (left) and Holly Gleason (right) crack each other up at Gleason’s celebration.

"It's funny how when no one knows who you are, you get to hear the stories of what songs meant to people -- and it's amazing how much alike we all are," says Goodman/Gleason. "I always listened to John Prine and Rodney Crowell and Jackson Browne to feel like someone knew how I felt. Now I can watch people singing along knowing they -- especially my dear Kenny Chesney -- know exactly how I feel, too."

Holly Gleason sits on the other side of the microphone to field questions from reporters.

Pictured are (l-r): Kenny Chesney, with BMI songwriter Holly Gleason and co-writer Scooter Carusoe.

Gleason grins as the party kicks off.

Holly (front) and good friend Dan Baird (back) strike a camera-ready pose.

Pictured are (l-r): BNA Records Vice President of Promotion Bryan Frasher; producer Buddy Cannon; co-writers Travis Hill and Holly Gleason; Kenny Chesney; BMI’s Jody Williams; and Sony BMG Nashville Chairman Joe Galante.

Pictured are (l-r): Kenny Chesney, the Kentucky HeadHunter’s Richard Young, Holly Gleason, new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer member Matraca Berg, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band ’s Jeff Hanna.

Pictured are Holly Gleason (left) and Kenny Chesney (right). Photos by Eric England

BMI will honor gospel greats Twinkie Clark, Donald Lawrence and CeCe Winans at its 10th Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon on Friday, Jan. 16, 2009. The invitation-only ceremony will take place in Nashville and will host gospel music's premier songwriters, recording artists and music industry executives, as well as the genre's legends.

Pictured are (l-r): Twinkie Clark, Donald Lawrence and CeCe Winans

Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark has enthralled listeners for decades, both through her acclaimed solo work and leadership of gospel’s royal family, The Clark Sisters. A skilled musician dubbed “Queen of the B3 Hammond Organ,” Clark also wields aerobatic vocals only matched by her sublime knack for composition. Clark boasts two Grammys, and in addition to penning staples for The Clark Sisters, she has composed songs for artists including Rev. James Cleveland, Al Green, Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers, Esther Smith, James Moss, Dave Hollister, Xscape, and Mary J. Blige. Legendary BMI gospel songwriter Twinkie Clark was recently recognized alongside her sisters at the 2007 Stellar Awards, where the influential group received the award for Most Noted Achievement.

As a producer, BMI songwriter, choir director, and singer, Donald Lawrence’s influence on contemporary gospel music is unparalleled. His starkly original work with the multiple award-winning Tri-City Singers first revealed a rare and innovative artist capable of musical brilliance and authentic Christian praise, while his work as a producer emboldened projects by gospel icons including fellow honoree Twinkie Clark, Kirk Franklin, and Karen Clark Sheard. The recipient of numerous BMI Christian and Stellar Awards, Lawrence has also penned songs for The Clark Sisters, the Tri-City Singers, his own well-received solo projects, and more. His growing catalog includes 2007 BMI Christian Award-winning “Blessing of Abraham” and “Encourage Yourself,” both recorded by Lawrence with the Tri-City Singers.

CeCe Winans’ career has generated a trove of top-shelf industry accolades comprising numerous Grammy, Stellar, and Dove Awards. Her work with her brother in duo BeBe & CeCe Winans expanded the boundaries of gospel music and welcomed new listeners into its fold, while her solo projects reintroduced an artist comfortable with evolution and the spotlight. A BMI songwriter for more than 20 years, Winans has created a thick catalog of compositions including BMI Christian Award-winning song “Say a Prayer,” “Addictive Love,” “Well Alright,” “Pray,” and many more. Gold- and platinum-selling albums bejewel her résumé, and her latest effort Thy Will Be Done promises more acclaim.

Time: 8:00 pm to 1:00 am.

Admission: $20 - Early arrival suggested, Must be 21+

Select cocktails and light fare free from 8 p.m.-10 p.m.

Music provided by DJ Ideal & DJ Trauma

Please bring your gently used but well-maintained coats to donate to the Harvest Community Center. $5 raffle tickets will also be sold for a chance to win great items from Puma, Gibson Guitar, Silver Jeans, Solstice Sunglass Boutique, the Ellis Hotel, and more.

(Click the image above to enlarge.)

Ingram, this year’s Academy of Country Music Top New Male Vocalist, entertained the crowd with hits “Measure of a Man,” “Lips of an Angel,” “Great Divide,” and “Biloxi”; he also performed his current chart-climbing single, “That’s A Man.” Ingram has a new album on Big Machine Records scheduled to be released in the spring.

Shown are (l-r): Clear Channel San Antonio Operations Manager George King; Clear Channel Controller Susan Hicks; Ingram; Clear Channel VP of Finance Rick Mangum; Clear Channel SVP/Chief Accounting Officer Herb Hill; and BMI’s Mason Hunter.

For more information about the event please go to http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/53739

Shown during the showcase events of Music Musica are:

Songwriter/flutist Nestor Torres and Songwriter/saxophonist Ed Calle performing during the private preview of ‘Music Musica’

Songwriter Ed Calle, singer/songwriter Catalina Naranjo, songwriter Nestor Torres, and BMI’s Jake Cavazos

Singer/songwriter Pitbull performing during the celebrity premiere

BMI’s Jake Cavazos and Pitbull on the red carpet

Singer/songwriter Albita Rodriguez performing during the celebrity premiere

Singer/songwriter Alih Jey and BMI’s Jake Cavazos

Bassist Juan Giron, singer/songwriter Javier Garcia, BMI’s Jake Cavazos, and drummer Papa Bear after performing during the Public Opening

Origen performance during the public opening – guitarist Hector Velasquez, singer/songwriter “Mirs” Maria Isabel Rueda, singer/songwriter bassist Ruben Martinez, and drummer Antonio Cuoto

BMI’s Jake Cavazos and singer/songwriter Tatiana Klauss

Singer/songwriter Sito and BMI’s Jake Cavazos

A native of Detroit, Sheard of course grew up in church. At just six, “Kiki,” as she was called, started singing in the choir at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, where her father served as pastor. Early on, Sheard displayed a seemingly innate ability to execute the signature “Clark sound,” filled with strong runs and soulful groans.

At 10, Kiki was singing alongside her mom on “The Will of God,” the show-stopper from Karen Clark’s 1997 solo debut, Finally Karen. For that she earned her first trophy: a Stellar Award for Best Children's Performance. Kiki performed with her mom several more times, and by 2003 she’d created enough of a demand that a bidding war erupted between record companies in hopes of signing her. Her debut, I Owe You, was released in 2004 on EMI Gospel.

While Sheard’s premiere was proof that she’d continue her family’s legacy, it was equally her own, reflecting the sound of a new generation influenced by hip-hop, neo-soul and secular r&b. Exuberant and youthful, the album’s pop influences were strengthened by appearances of such people as Rodney Jerkins, Mary Mary and Tonex. The album seized the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Gospel chart and also performed well on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart, peaking at No. 29. Sheard was now a bona fide crossover success, allowing her to minister to a wider audience.

If her debut made her a crossover, her remix album, Just Until, in 2005, moved her out of any last box. Meant initially to whet her fan’s appetites for more music until her next project — hence the name — the project peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Gospel chart. Additionally, the album became a monster hit internationally, especially in Japan, where it remained on r&b charts for weeks.

Her second album, This Is Me, came in 2006. That, too, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel chart, and earned her a Grammy nomination.

In recent years, Sheard has embarked on important personal journeys. She began pursuing degrees in English and entertainment law at Detroit’s Wayne State University, and started a youth organization called Bold Right Life. In November of 2008, Sheard dropped her third studio album, Bold Right Life, which entered at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, stamping the princess of the Clark-Sheard family as an important artist in her own right.

Oh, and another thing: she is no longer Kiki.

“I’m a woman now,” Sheard told Billboard. “I want people to hear what I have to say when I minister and not think of me as a little girl.”

This three-year multi-disciplinary project celebrating the music of Jerry Goldsmith will kick off December 7th with a symposium and an orchestral performance (conducted by David Newman) at Royce Hall on the campus of the University of California at Los Angeles.

Both events is FREE!

Chuck Cannon, Steve Cropper, Dallas Davidson, Marty Dodson, Natalie Hemby, Terry Manning, Bobby Pinson, Kylie Sackley, James Slater, and Keith Stegall

This two-day event will take place at the Green Parrot (East Bay Street), Nassau, Bahamas, December 5-6, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.

Chuck Cannon, Steve Cropper, Dallas Davidson, Marty Dodson, Natalie Hemby, Terry Manning, Bobby Pinson, Kylie Sackley, James Slater, and Keith Stegall

This two-day event will take place at the Green Parrot (East Bay Street), Nassau, Bahamas, December 5-6, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.

The guest panel of judges include:

EMI Music Publishing/Urban, who is looking for hit songs in all urban styles, particularly those with pop crossover potential.

Bluhammock Records, who is looking for "interesting music that is warm-sounding, with real lyrics -- intelligent songs that have someone behind it who can genuinely play."

Missing Link Music, who is looking for hit songs in Pop/Top 40 and R&B.

For event details and to rsvp go to: SPONY