OUTMUSIC HOLDS FIRST ANNUAL MUSIC CONFERENCE

OMACon - the first annual Outmusic Conference - will take place at The Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center on Saturday, May 31 - bringing together LGBT musicians and industry pros to discuss important issues including coverage of queer music in the media and questions of image and identity. An information session on creating an effective press kit will round out the conference.

May 23, 2003 (PRWEB) May 25, 2003 -- OMACon - the first annual Outmusic Conference - will take place at The Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center on Saturday, May 31 - bringing together LGBT musicians and industry pros to discuss important issues including coverage of queer music in the media and questions of image and identity. An information session on creating an effective press kit will round out the conference.

OMACon is being held in conjunction with the third annual Outmusic Awards (OMAs), which celebrate excellence in LGBT recording, songwriting, and cultural activism. Designed to encourage the participation of musicians from all around the world, an online process welcomed submissions from artists in 12 categories including Outstanding New Recording, Outstanding Producer, and Outmusician of the Year. Winners of the 2003 OMAs will be announced Sunday, June 1 at the Knitting Factory. (See www.outmusic.com for details).

OMACon Schedule:

11:00 am to 12:30 pm: Pressing the Right Buttons with Your Press Kit
Learn the basic ingredients for creating an effective press kit from the perspective of professionals who routinely review them. Participants are encouraged to bring their current press kits for review and analysis. Discover whether you are spending too much on elements that are often ignored or failing to make the desired impression. Media Pros include: Pedro Angel Serrano - Generation Q, WRSU-FM; Jason Roush -, Bay Windows, Boston; Larry Flick -- Billboard Magazine; Journalist Mark Huisman; Event Promoter Linda Kavers.

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm: Inside the Rainbow: The Question of Image and Identity
We will discuss the significance of different types of identity as it pertains to being an out" music artist. By hearing the voices of diverse artists and industry professionals, we hope to learn what these identities mean to us, and how they affect the course of our lives as musicians, writers and artists. Moderated by: Jason Roush, pop music reviewer, Bay Windows, Boston. Panelists: musicians Alix Dobkin, Yolanda, Aaron-Carl and Amy Fix; Rich Overton - MPress Records; Shelly Weiss - OutMedia.

3:00 pm to 4:30 pm: Queer Music in The Media
We will discuss the challenges of being an out" artist in todays media environment. Drawing on the perspectives of artists, writers, DJs, and other media professionals, we will attempt to gain a greater understanding of how GLBT artists are represented in both queer and mainstream media. Moderated by: educator Shifra Diamond. Panelists: Larry Flick - Billboard Magazine; Tony Sawicki --Under the Pink Carpet; Singer/Songwriter Jamie Anderson; Debra DAlessandro -- Amazon Country; Winnie McCroy -- New York Blade; Mark Huisman -- LGNY.

When:      Saturday, May 31st - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where:      The Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center - 208 W. 13th St., NYC -- 3rd fl Auditorium
How Much:   $7 each panel or $15 for all 3 (OUTMUSIC members $5 each panel or $10 for all 3)

OUTMUSIC is a world-wide network supporting the work of LGBT musicians through open mics, showcases, seminars, CD samplers, music festivals, and the annual OUTMUSIC Awards program.

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