MARCUS BARONE - Marcus is the former Executive in Charge of Music for Orion Pictures (1997-99) and former Director of Music / Music Supervisor for Motion Picture Corp of America (Columbia -Tristar) , (1992-1997). Credited with over 50 commercially released motion pictures, Marcus Barone possesses the rare combination of a film music studio executive, along with being a creatively successful, studio musician, film composer, songwriter and publisher. With his background, Marcus is truly a unique talent. Along with overlooking the music for such box office hits as Kingpin, Dumb and Dumber, and Beverly Hills Ninja, he felt personal accomplishment in the supervision for the soundtrack of the 1997 Academy Award Nominated film Prisoner of the Mountains(Orion). Other films he's worked on include - David Malmet's Lakeboat / (Warner Bros), Bats / Destination Pictures (Columbia) , If Lucy Fell (Columbia), Gang Related (Orion ) and Behind Enemy Lines (Orion.

As a composer / publisher, Marcus has over 260 cues and songs places in the commercial medium. Along with owning his own publishing company he is also co-published by MGM Pictures Music, Famous / Paramount Pictures Music and CBS Songs.

As a studio musician with major recording artists such as Whitney Houston, he received a Double Platinum Record Award in 2001 for keyboard work with the band "Lifehouse" (Dreamworks SKG) including the single ``Hangin' By A Moment" which went to # 3 Pop on Billboard and the 2002 Lifehouse album "Stanley Climbfall which charted # 7 (Rock) Billboard. Marcus continues to work as a studio musician and arranger.

Looking For: Songs for SONY PICTURES Beverly Hills Ninja II and "Title TBD"

"Title TBD" : Major documentary in the style of the Tom Dowd film. This film is produced by a major record company and will be released in a worldwide market. Subject: The film follows the history of progressive rock along with the daily life of the band Dream Theater. Bands in the film include Jethro Tull, Yes, ELP, UK, Gentle Giant, Genesis, Rush, Kansas etc. Wanted: Prefer Instrumental but would accept vocals. Progressive rock soundalikes, originals, and even covers. Music will be used for score. Music will be used under the interview.

Beverly Hills Ninja II - Sony Pictures

Any funny songs. Hip Hop/R&B preferred but will listen to anything else. Subject matter: Black Ninja in Japan looking for father. Songs wanted about Ninjas, Kung Fu fighting, funny songs about love, funny songs about traveling on airplane, funny songs coming to America, funny songs about Japan. Anything over the top!

Suggest looking at the Beverly Hills Ninja movie - The new movie is based on the original with Chris Farley only it's a black/urban version of the original hit. Male vocals only initially

LARRY BATISTE - producer, vocalist, songwriter, publisher, instrumentalist, arranger, and educator. Larry is also the co-owner of Pure Delite Music and has written and published over 300 songs for artists such as Al Jarreau, Patti Austin, Shanice, Lisa Fischer, the Spinners, the Yellowjackets, and the Dazz Band. He has recorded on projects witch include: Michael Bolton, The Tubes, and Whitney Houston, as well as The Hunchback of Notre Dame soundtrack, the Stuart Little soundtrack, Snow Dogs, and Rent. His participation on jingles include: NBA Warriors Basketball team theme "It’s a Great Time Out", Wendy's, Jelly Belly Bean, as well as Disney’s Magical World of Disney theme song. He is the Chapter President Emeritus, and a current Trustee of the San Francisco Chapter of the Recording Academy, which produces the Grammy Awards. Larry teaches "The Art and Business of Songwriting at San Francisco States University.

STEVE BLOCH - Publisher, Writer Zone Music - A frequent contributor to West Coast Songwriter events, many of you may know Steve as owner and publisher of the successful, independent Nashville-based Southern Cow Music, which he founded in 1991 with L.A. songwriter and SGA board member, Phil Swann.
With partner songwriter/producer, Rand Bishop, Bloch formed a new publishing company in Nashville, Writer Zone Music. The model for this company is unique and innovative. Qualified writers (recent no. 1's or multiple top 5's) actually own equity in the company, thus creating a cooperative and supportive atmosphere where everyone's success is both cheered and shared. . In its first year, Writer Zone had cuts with Tracy Byrd, Steve Holy, David Ball, Elbert West, and the Great Divide.
Update from Steve Bloch- "In the past two years, our own Trent Summar has been signed to Texas label Palo Duro Records who then released Trent's critically acclaimed CD "Horseshoes and Handgrenades", produced by Writer Zone co-founder, Rand Bishop. Last year "Horsehoes and Handgrenades" made Top Ten Best lists which included offerings by Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, the Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson and George Strait. Trent also penned Jack Ingram's country anthem, "Love You" which made it into the Top 10 and Billy Currington's "She Knows What to Do With a Saturday Night".
Former RCA exec and acclaimed songwriter ("16th Avenue") Thom Schuyler has joined the company ranks as a partner. Anotoinette Olesen has been hired as an independent songplugger to further our muscle on the street and Rand Bishop ("My List") has the brand new Carolina Rain single, "Dealin'".
"So our small, independent company with the bold and unique notion to share equity with particular writers while developing others found through organizations and events such as the West Coast Songwriters Conference continues to thrive and as co-founder and Creative Director of Writer Zone Music, I remain highly motivated and am very much looking forward to the September conference".

JEFF BRABEC - an entertainment law attorney and former recording artist, is Vice President of Business Affairs for the Chrysalis Music Group. He has negotiated over 1,000 movie, television, video and commercial agreements and hundreds of publishing agreements for chart writers and writer/recording artists.

Brabec is the co-author with his brother Todd of the book “MUSIC, MONEY, AND SUCCESS: The Insider’s Guide To Making Money In The Music Industry” (Schirmer Trade Books/Music Sales) and has been awarded the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for excellence in music journalism.

Brabec is an adjunct professor at USC Thornton School of Music/Business Division and contributing editor to the Entertainment Law & Finance Magazine. He has written numerous articles on the music industry which have appeared in the NARAS Journal, New York Law Journal, Advertising Age, Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment, Publishing And The Arts Handbook, Entertainment Law & Finance Magazine, the Entertainment Law Reporter and the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers Music Handbook.

TODD BRABEC - Executive Vice President and Director of Membership for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), is in charge of all of the Society’s membership operations throughout the world (180,000 writer and publisher members and 8 offices). A former entertainment law attorney, recording artist and graduate of the New York University School of Law, he is a winner of the Deems Taylor Award for excellence in music journalism with over 100 published articles, is co-author of the best selling book MUSIC, MONEY AND SUCCESS: THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO MAKING MONEY IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS (Schirmer Trade Books/Music Sales) and is an adjunct professor at the USC Thornton School of Music/Music Industry Department where he teaches the business of music publishing.

JASON BRAWNER - Jason Brawner is an independent L.A. based producer who has helped over 300 artists write, record and market original music since 1998. In the last two years, many of his artists have signed with labels, publishers, and managers including Sony, Warner Music Group, American Idol Underground, CBS Television, Still Working Music, BME, Magna Carta Records, Illumina Records, The Bravo Network, and Music Central Management among others. Jason's productions have been featured on film and TV with NBC, CBS, BBC Television, Bravo Network and Dogstar Media. As a management assistant in the 90's, Jason toured with the likes of Tom Petty, Steely Dan, and The Eagles. A former graduate student of Oxford University, Jason is serious about education. So he devotes at least one day a week teaching music at the renowned California Music Studios. Currently, Jason carries 8 to 10 artists on his roster at a time in rock, pop, and country. "When working with an artist, my job is to find their deepest truths and bring them to the surface in a way that is fulfilling to them and valuable to the industry. Serving the song and helping it grow to its highest level of emotional impact is our focus. I forget about what the next big thing‚ is going to be, and try to discover the best way to touch listeners.

NEEDS: We need a wide scale of young female country songs - from bluesy traditional to contemporary - from outside the Nashville box to spot on. Also rock and pop songs mostly female - any tempo, think Amy Lee, Amy Winehouse, Natasha Bedingfield, Kelly Clarkson, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Paolo Nutini. Female sexy Latino songs with infectious melodies and rhythms - English and/or Spanish all tempos. Simple demos are fine. I'm not apposed to listening to artists looking for development.

For Vinyl 45 we're listening for singles that sound like maroon 5 meets Michael Jackson with unique melodies and fresh lyrics ˆ no sappy songs for these guys.

SABELLE BREER - is an award winning songwriter/producer recently accredited with launching the multi-platinum careers of some of today’s music superstars, most notably; Stacie Orrico. Avril Lavigne, and Ryan Cabrera.

Awarded ASCAP “most performed” pop song two years in a row (“There’s Gotta Be More To Life”/ Stacie Orrico ’05 and “On The Way Down”/ Ryan Cabrera ‘06), her work has been featured on over 50 compilations (NOW That’s What I Call Music, KIDZBOP) and Film/TV soundtracks (including Disney’s long running ZENON theme song “Supernova Girl”).

With combined sales of over 25 million, Sabelle’s catalog endures much international success, both with worldwide artists (Avril Lavigne) and regional artists alike (#1 album Beth/ Pop Idol/Spain).

A recording artist herself, Sabelle’s own successful singer/songwriter career stemmed from her first underground hit “Where Did The Love Go” (Tommy Boy) and subsequent self-produced debut album ”Sabelle”, spawning charting single “One O’clock”(Sony). Early days as a background session singer places her voice on many classic albums (Donna Summer, Naughty by Nature, LL Cool J), and vocal productions include Samantha Moore (Interscope), and R&B artist TQ (Atlantic).

Today, Sabelle’s talent reaches all genres of music: Pop, Rock (title track/single “The Stranger” OAR/ Lava/Atlantic), R&B, Country, and Dance (including Top 10 Dance hit “I Need Somebody” Therese/Universal). Current projects also include newly signed UK/Island band Inhaler (upcoming debut single “Something About You”).

Sabelle focuses on creating career-defining material for each artist. This coupled with her hit-making ability makes her one of the most sought after songwriters today.

Following the desire to develop and nurture up and coming writers/artists, the latest chapter in Sabelle’s career reveals the forming of VERSE MUSIC PUBLISHING with husband, writer/producer Curt Frasca. A natural progression because, as she’s recently been quoted saying, “Being a part of the discovery process is the most fun for me.”

RONNIE BROWN - is a publisher, producer, writer and musician. Ronnie is currently Vice President of Creative for Ten Ten Music Group, Nashville, TN. Since joining Ten Ten Music in 1998, he has worked with award winning songwriters such as Harley Allen, Keith Urban, Tia Sillers, Angela Kaset, Robert Ellis Orrall, Jon Robbin, Angaleena Presley, Bobby Huff, Nicky Chinn, Troy Seals, Mike Dekle, Elizabeth Cook and Cory Mayo. His efforts have led to major recordings by artists such as Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Gary Allan, Josh Turner, Joe Nichols and John Michael Montgomery. He is responsible for overseeing all of Ten Ten Music’s creative aspects and works with writers guiding them in their songwriting, development and studio production.
Prior to working at Ten Ten Music, Ronnie worked for producer and record executive Tony Brown in the Artists and Repertoire Department at MCA Records, Nashville, TN. While at MCA, Ronnie worked with such artists as Trisha Yearwood, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, George Jones, Wynonna Judd and The Mavericks. He served at MCA from 1989 through 1996 before joining Ten Ten Music Group. As a musician he has performed numerous times with artists on national television and has made many appearances as a pianist on the Grand Ole Opry.

ELLIOT CAHN - Elliot Cahn is a personal manager and attorney based in Emeryville, California. He has worked with the likes of Green Day, Papa Roach, The Offspring and Primus, and currently manages Goapele and Justin King. Elliot was the CEO of a joint venture label with MCA Records and has music supervised two major studio films: Kevin Smiths' Mall Rats & Angus. Elliot started his career in the music business as guitarist, singer and musical director of Sha Na Na, and played at the 1969 Woodstock Festival.

ERIC CHUN - Songwriter, producer, musician, industry consultant, educator, owner of Creative Music Services, Auburn , California. www.cmsmusic.net, founder Commercial Music Program, American River College, Sacramento, Secretary , Co Member Chair San Francisco Recording Academy Chapter, Advisory Board Sacramento AES Section, Board member California Lawyers for the Arts Sacramento chapter, West Coast Songwriters, Co secretary NFE Entertainment/Records- Los Angeles, judge-West Coast Songwriter playoffs, Discmakers IWMS west coast finals, Colgate New Country Showdown competition. Credits with Jim Miller, The Lost World,Why Do Fools Fall in Love, King of the Hill, Spin City, Young and the Restless, Nash Bridges, Marc Cooper, Joey Curtain, Jinsoo Terry, Jun Makino Auburn Drumline, Wild Duck. Joy Luck Club, The Rightous Apples, Art Sanchez Jr., Mozambique Records. Endorsee with Shure Microphones, Drum Workshop, Sabian Cymbals, Factory Metal Percussion, Vic Firth Sticks, Remo, Furmansound, Auralex.

Currently recording World Percussion Catalog, Auburn Drumline album, Marc Cooper John Stowell album, CMS publishing catalog. NFE Records catalog and A and R. ASCAP, SAG, AFTRA, AES, Recording Academy member.

STEVE DEAN - Steve was raised in little rock on a steady diet of Beatles, Byrds and Eagles, with early influences of Buck Owens, Roger Miller and Jimmy Dean added in for flavor. After earning a degree in advertising, Steve moved to Nashville to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a hit songwriter.

Steve has co-written six number one hits, "Watching You" for Rodney Atkins, "Round About Way" for George Strait, "Walk On" for Reba McEntire, "Southern Star" for Alabama, "It Takes a Little Rain" for the Oak Ridge Boys and "Hearts Aren't Made To Break" for Lee Greenwood.

Steve's first single, "Don't Your Mem'ry Ever Sleep At Night", was recorded by Steve Wariner in 1983. Other hits include "Fast Lanes and Country Roads" for Barbara Mandrell, "Just Enough Rope" for Rick Trevino, "One Bridge I Didn't Burn" for Conway Twitty, "The More I Learn" for Ronna Reeves and "Cool To Be a Fool" for Joe Nichols. "Cool To Be A Fool" earned Bethar Music, Steve's publishing company, it's first BMI Publisher's Award.

To date, Steve has earned 8 BMI awards.

Other artists who have cut his songs: Craig Morgan, John Michael Montgomery, Ty Herndon, Lee Ann Womack, Waylon Jennings, Pure Prairie League, Neal McCoy, Ricochet, Ronnie Milsap, Dierks Bentley and Billy Dean.

Steve is a performing songwriter doing "In The Round" shows around the country. "Being a singer / songwriter is the best of both worlds" Steve says. "I can take my music to the people in it's purest form".

PENNY DIONNE - In May of 97, Dionne left the city of Toronto, Canada and headed to Nashville to be a songwriter. In just a few short months, she was pitching her songs to publishers, and had many opportunities to meet producers, management and artists at various industry functions. This led to setting up her first publishing company, Purple Moon, in 1998 with the help of a financial backer. There were some small successes; however this company and partnership dissolved in 2001. By 2003, with renewed enthusiasm, more experience & understanding the needs of the songwriter and of ‘The Row’, Little Vixen Music (ASCAP) was born. An exciting multi-dynamic company with a publishing division that boasts an incredible song catalog, a professional song pitching service to established pro writers, and an artist management division. Dionne independently represents several #1 Writers, and Bluewater Music Catalogs. Combined this representation includes songwriters and catalogs whose successes include: “Halfway Down” (Patty Lovless), “THE FOOL” (LeAnn Womack), “You Don’t Seem To Miss Me”( Patty Loveless & George Jones), “What Do You Say To That” (George Strait), “Nobody Wins” (Radney Foster), “Believe Me Baby I Lied” (Trisha Yearwood), “That’s Exactly What I Mean “(Patty Loveless), “Why Haven’t I Heard From You (reba) ,She Thinks His Name Was John (REBA)“,You Can Feel Bad” (Patty Loveless),“Cry On The Shoulder Of The Road” (Martina McBride)“,Living In The Promiseland” (cut by both Willie Nelson & Joe Cocker),“Safe In The Arms Of Love” (Martina McBride), “Ring on Her Finger – Time On Her Hands” Grammy nominated song (cut by both Reba and Lee Greenwood)“,I’ll Still Be Loving You” (Grammy nominated song for Restless Heart), Trip Around The Sun (Jimmy Buffet, All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down (The Mavericks,)Unbelievable” (Diamond Rio), “Big Deal” (Leann Rimes)…Dionne has been the Music Events Coordinator on a volunteer basis for the Nashville Humane Association, and organizes the higher profile music-related fund-raising events. Dionne says; “I work hand in hand with the artists, management and labels to make it all come together. A lot of music industry people have pets, and are very generous with their support of the Nashville Humane Association.” The stage has been graced by artists from RCA, Lyric Street Records, and Warner Brothers. Last year a huge event at the Ryman was organized who included such a high caliber of talent with the likes of Emmy Lou Harris, who is very involved with the shelter, Mindy Smith, Patty Griffin and Paula Cole. She is also in a song pitching group called the ‘Mocha Network’ who include Sherrill Blackman, Dallas Gregory and Jeffrey Nelson to name a few. They were featured in the Music Row News before Christmas. Dionne has also been featured in the Music Row Magazine ‘Row File’ in November of 2005; the Annual Publisher Special Penny says: “In a nutshell; I consider myself a lover of great songs; an advocate for our furry felines and canines, a ‘get it done’ kind of person, and a work ethic that leaves others in the dust.”

JON DUMAN - Jon L. Duman is a San Francisco Bay Area-based attorney whose media and entertainment law practice emphasizes music business transactions and artistic intellectual property development & protection. Mr. Duman’s client list includes recording artists, songwriters, record labels, managers, promoters and producers, in addition to graphic artists & designers, film/video directors, software developers and distribution companies. In over 14 years of practice within the music, media and entertainment industries, Jon Duman has negotiated favorable deals for his clients, with such major players as Sony Entertainment, Warner Music Group, EMI-Virgin Records, Universal Music Group, Island-Def Jam, Mattel Toy Corp., Interscope Records, Fox Sports International, and Artisan Entertainment, among numerous other media brands. Interested parties can learn more about Jon L. Duman at: www.dumanesq.com <http://www.dumanesq.com/> .

KELVYN EVANS – A&R New Land Music. New Land Music is a new artist friendly independent record label. Will Ackerman, creator of Windham Hill Records, Grammy award winning recording artist, and gold and multi-platinum record producer, has joined with Adam Werner and Kelvyn Evans to create an ethical haven for artists. WCS artist Kenon Chen recently signed with the label. New Land Music has a focus in three genres - contemporary singer songwriter, contemporary acoustic instrumental, and chill. New Land Music CEO Kelvyn Evans will be attending the WCS conference on Sunday 9th September and he is looking for new talent.

JANET FISHER - originates from Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up writing songs and performing in clubs across the Mid and Southwest where she opened for many acts such as Emmy Lou Harris (Antelope County, CA), Bob Gibson (Chicago, IL), Brewer & Shipley (KCMO). Relocating to California, her association with TASCO Sound, Intl., gave her inside experience with the workings of tours and crews for bands like Ozzy Osbourne, Donna Summer, Elton John, and Black Sabbath.
Janet cut her teeth in film music by working at the Concorde/New Horizons studio in Venice, California, assisting the company's music supervisor, Paul Di Franco, learning the legal as well as technical skills of music supervision, and how to produce on time and within budget.
As a Songwriter, her latest works include more than seventy songs for HBO, Showtime, MCA, Concorde/New Horizons Films, and other motion picture companies, as well as television segments of all varieties. As a Publisher, she places songs into nationally aired film, television segments, advertisements and special project uses.
Janet served on the board of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Songwriters Guild of America for two decades, where she was active in legal campaigns, protection of intellectual property rights, songwriting classes and special events. She has been called a "Song Guru" (Hal Cohen) for her ability to assess a work's weakness, and provide an element that strengthens the song.
Janet serves as Music Coordinator for films and TV shows, consults in talent searches for companies with specific needs, coaches actors who have been assigned a song for a scene, and many other music-related needs to a variety of productions.
She scores Film and Television segments, and writes music for TV commercials and political campaigns. Her latest projects include producing a variety of Songwriter product, including the "Goodnight Kiss (Records) SONGWRITER SERIES: JACK SEGAL", featuring Jack performing some of his classic standards at the piano, as when he wrote them, creating a much needed "songwriter perspective" from the author.
Jack's commercial CD release, "WHEN SUNNY GETS BLUE, SCARLET RIBBONS, AND OTHER SONGS I WROTE," was also produced by Janet Fisher on her Goodnight Kiss Records label.
She is also currently the (music) Publisher, and her label, Goodnight Kiss Records, is the vehicle for the song "FLYING HIGH WITH BROKEN WINGS" -- a book/CD combination which serves as a working handbook for any woman who wants to go from "Welfare to Wonderful" through non-government sponsored programs. (The back of the book contains working numbers for help.)
Janet was an appointed lobbyist to Congress in Washington, D.C., by the Songwriters Guild of America to represent them in the Audio Home Recording Act with the AHRA Coalition. She is a staunch supporter of Intellectual Property Rights.
She is the owner of Goodnight Kiss Music (BMI) and Scene Stealer Music (ASCAP) Publishing Companies

CURT FRASCA - is an award winning record producer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist, engineer residing in New York City along with wife singer/songwriter Sabelle Breer and daughter. Sabelle is the daughter of legendary artist Robert Breer. Curt's songs appear on over 50 million albums worldwide, artists include Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne, Ryan Cabrera.

Growing up in New York, Curt started drumming at an early age. In his teens he discovered punk music, bands like (MC5, The Clash, Ramones). Professional career started while still in high school mixing, recording, programming on such influencel records as De La Soul Say No Go, 3rd Bass Brooklyn Queens, The Gas Face, albums produced by producer Prince Paul. A few other artist Curt worked with during this period were Queen Latifah, Big Daddy Kane. After the success of those records Curt's mixing / programming skills were in demand. The early 90's brought Pop success Spice Girls, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Cyndi Lauper. Recorded and Mixed Moby's major label debut Move. Re-mixing hits for k.d. Lang, Sophie B. Hawkins. Produced and wrote songs on Avril Lavigne's debut record Let Go, that record would go on to sell 18 million albums worldwide as well as nominated for 3 Grammy Awards. Signed artist Ryan Cabrera producing and writing much of his platinum debut release Take It All a Way including the Top 40 hits "On The Way Down" and "40 Kinds of Sadness". The single "On the Way Down" went double platinum and received an ASCAP Pop Award for most airplay of 2006.

Served on the NARAS board of Governor's.

CEO of Verse Music Publishing a successful independent music publishing company.

Songs he's been involved with include: "Promise of A New Day" Paula Abdul, "Say You'll Be There" Spice Girls, "Everyday People" Aretha Franklin, "The Cactus Seed" 3rd Bass (Platinum), "Say No Go" De La Soul, "Someday" Mariah Carey, "There's Got To Be Away" Mariah Carey, "State of The World" Janet Jackson, "The Beginning" Seal, "Vogue" Madonna, "Rescue Me" Madonna, "Keep It Together" Madonna, "Cream" Prince (3 x Platinum Mix), "Everyday People" Aretha Franklin (Gold Record & Mix), "Let Go" Avril Lavigne (18 x Platinum), "On The Way Down" Ryan Cabrera (2 x Platinum Single), "The Stranger" O.A.R., "Into The Skyline" Cathy Dennis, "A Very Special Christmas" Celine Dion (15 x Platinum), "Under My Skin" Avril Lavigne (4 x Platinum), "Soundtrack" The Hills, "Nikki" Worth Waiting For (Single)

Curt and Sabelle will also be screening for artists and songs for their publishing and production companies.

KATIE GUTHORN - has been teaching singing to individuals and groups since 1988, and is now the co-owner of The Voice Studio in San Francisco. She's also been teaching private lessons at Seth Riggs' SLS Summer Camp in Los Angeles in recent years. Katie taught private lessons for the University of San Francisco, Dept. of Performing Arts, 2002-2003; at Blue Bear School of American Music, 1988-2000; and currently in the Adult Extension of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

She specializes in popular music styles (R&B, Rock, Disco, Broadway, Standards, Country), coaching groups, vocal arrangements.

Katie is a lead singer in Big Bang Beat (formerly Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra), and owns a Bammie for Best Independent Album of 1985. As a background vocalist, she has performed with Ronnie Spector, Bonnie Raitt, Eddie Money, Martha Reeves, The Doobie Brothers, and others.

In the late 1980s, Katie sang and co-wrote a number of songs that topped the Billboard Dance Chart for Megatone Records group Modern Rocketry.

From 1992 to 2002, she starred in "A Karen Carpenter Christmas", in San Francisco and Seattle. For this role, she was nominated as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical by the Bay Area Theatre Critics.

NED HEARN - Attorney/Author/former President of WCS. Edward (Ned) R. Hearn: Intellectual property business law practice concentrating on the entertainment, Internet, and computer software businesses. Clients include record labels, music publishers, recording artists, writers, authors, producers, production companies, managers, software designers, multimedia product and website developers, and music and content digital delivery companies.
A partial listing of past and present clients include Windham Hill Records/BMG, Concord Jazz, Music For Little People, Monarch Records/Sugo Music and Design, Gourd Music, Maggie’s Music, Ubiquity Recordings, Starbucks/Hear Music, Kanematsu/Xringer, Hudson Entertainment, Wells Fargo Creative Services, Ray Lynch, Will Ackerman, Tim Weisberg, Joe Satriani, Green Day, Jawbreaker, RBL Posse, SF Weekly, GPI Publications, Klutz Press, and San Jose State University/Student Union Event Center.
Member, Board of Directors, California Lawyers for the Arts and the West Coast Songwriters (Former Board President).
Co-author of Musician’s Guide To Copyright and The Musician’s Business and Legal Guide.

JEFF HEIMAN - has over 30 years of music business experience in A&R, broadcasting, promotion, marketing, publicity, management & production. Jeff is currently Vice-President of Licensing & Label Relations @ PlayNetwork, Inc.,a global music and media company based in Redmond, WA., who provide in-store music to thousands of high profile retailers including Starbucks, The Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Hot Topic, Eddie Bauer,Timberland, Mac Cosmetics, Levi’s, Fossil & the Finish Line.

As a manager, he has guided the careers of Bryndle (Karla Bonoff, Wendy Waldman & Kenny Edwards), guitarist/songwriter, Artie Traum and singer-Songwriter, David Mallett. Jeff is also the former Vice-President of Windham Hill Records, Gold Castle Records and served as Senior Promotion & Marketing Consultant to Music For Little People & Earthbeat! Records. As a record producer, he’s produced artist CD's and compilations for Sony Legacy, Walt Disney Records,

Shanachie, Rounder, Vanguard and & Narada. A native of the Northwest, he was a DJ and Co-Music Director for KZAM Radio in Seattle. He spent 12 years in Los Angeles where he was active in the Los Angeles N.A.R.A.S. Chapter. He has served on the Grammy Folk & Blues Screening Committee for past 20 years and currently serves as a Governor for the Pacific Northwest Chapter of N.A.R.A.S.

DAN HODGES - Born in the Washington, D.C area and raised in Nashville, Dan Hodges has built a creditable reputation as a music industry professional over the past 14 years. After receiving his degree in music business, at Middle Tennessee State University, he immediately began his career as manager of BMG Music Publishing’s catalog and tape room. After showing a diligence to “get the job done” and competence in many areas, including his exceptional ability to cast songs for various artists, Dan was ultimately promoted to Professional Manager. Having flourished in that position, in 1997 Dan completed a successful five-year stint at BMG.
Always looking for opportunities that allow him to grow professionally, Dan set out to increase his contacts and experience by accepting a position as Creative Director for legendary R&B producer/publisher Rick Hall’s company, Fame Music Publishing.
In 1999, following a successful run at Fame, Dan was hired by Hall of Fame Songwriter and veteran publisher Roger Murrah, becoming Creative Director of Murrah Music Corporation. Dan’s tenure with Murrah was briefly interrupted, while he took some time to help form Create Real Music, an independent publishing company which he eventually left. With encouragement from Murrah, Dan returned. As part of his new alliance with Murrah Music, he formed his own publishing company, Large Opportunity Music, along with an independent song plugging service, through which he represented a number of additional clients. In January of 2005, Dan dissolved his independent songplugging service and went to work full-time at Murrah Music Corporation and currently holds the position of Vice President, Creative.
Dan has successfully placed songs on albums generating over 8 million units in sales throughout his career. Among those songs are the hits “Where Would You Be” by Martina McBride and “I’m A Survivor” by Reba McEntire, which became the theme song for her hit television show, Reba. He was also responsible for pairing artist Rachel Proctor with songwriter Chris Tompkins for cowriting, resulting in Rachel’s hit single and video “Me and Emily.” Dan’s Large Opportunity Music is also enjoying recent success with Billy Currington’s #1 “Good Directions” and songs recorded by Lila McCann, Blaine Larsen, Kenny Rogers, Little Texas, Dianna Corcoran (Sony, Australia), Jill Johnson (Lionheart Records, Sweden), Pinmonkey and Donna Ferra (Canada, upcoming single, “The Red Dress”), as well as two songs on Martina McBride’s “Waking Up Laughing”, her newest album release.
As a result of Dan’s efforts, other songs have been recorded by Mark Chesnutt, Colin Raye, Jeff Bates, Lauren Lucas, Tracy Lawrence, Ricky Van Shelton, Doug Stone, John Anderson, South 65, Keith Harling, Chad Brock, Shannon Brown, George Jones and Tim McGraw.
Dan, his wife Susan, and their children, Josie, Lillian and Galen reside in the Nashville area.

JAI JOSEFS - Jai Josefs is the author of Writing Music for Hit Songs, the definitive book on modern music writing endorsed by hit writers including Diane Warren, as well as a nationally renowned songwriting coach whose students have been signed to major label deals. He is also a successful songwriter/producer in his own right whose credits include more than 30 songs recorded with such companies as MCA, RCA, Motown, and Disney, and used in TV shows on every major network (CSI, What About Brian, Monk, Cold Case etc.) as well as over a dozen major motion pictures. Check out his website www.jaijomusic.com for more info.

JOCELYN KANE - Deputy Director of San Francisco’s Entertainment Commission, which is charged with ensuring the health and vitality of all indoor and outdoor entertainment venues in the City. www.sfgov.org/entertainment. Current projects include revising San Francisco’s outdated sound ordinance to stay current with technologies of the 21st century.
Jocelyn is also the founder of Motogirl Productions, (www.motogirlproductions.com), an SF-based artist development company. Motogirl Productions works with large and small artists in various genres, to help them understand the “business” of music and how to reach individual goals effectively in one of the toughest industries around.

KATHY KENNEDY- is a lead singer in Big Bang Beat, one of the Bay Area's most sought-after party bands, and has performed before thousands at events for Toyota, AT&T & Sony Pictures, to name a few, opening for acts like Sheryl Crow, Huey Lewis & The News, Smokey Robinson & Tony Bennett.

Kathy also toured with Mickey Thomas’ Starship, and has had the opportunity to sing back-up vocals live with Bonnie Raitt, Ronnie Spector and Eddie Money.Kathy has also recorded with Eddie Money, Elvin Bishop, Bill Spooner of the Tubes, and has sung leads and back-ups on countless other local musicians CD's. She has also recorded commercials for Mattel, Sony Playstation and Whole Foods, and has written and recorded many of her own songs as well.

Now a co-owner of The Voice Studio, Kathy began teaching voice, in addition to performing, in 1996. She greatly enjoys working with people at all levels, from beginners to professional singers. Kathy has helped many beginning singers get over fears and shyness that hold them back, as well as those with pitch problems, and others who want to learn how to sing harmony. She specializes in the Pop/Rock & R & B fields.Her experience as a singer has given her a wealth of information, tips, and technique to pass along to all beginning and working vocalists.

DAN KIMPEL – Author “Networking Strategies For The New Music Business”. Acknowledged as one of the American media's foremost authorities on popular music and songwriters, Dan Kimpel contributes to a dizzying variety of print and electronic mediums: books, interactive CD's, magazines, web sites, videos and new media. His recent interview subjects include Green Day, Usher, Alicia Keys, OutKast, Jason Mraz and Black Eyed Peas. Over the past six years, passengers on United Airlines have heard Kimpel's interviews with hit songwriters and recording artists worldwide on The United Entertainment Network. In addition, he has written, produced and/or voiced segments for TED, Regal Cinemas, and the presidential and vice presidential planes, Air Force One and Two.

In print, Dan contributes cover features to the West coast trade publication Music Connection magazine, plus a biweekly column, “Song Biz,” that includes a profile of a writer or composer in each issue. To date, Dan has conducted over 200 interviews for the magazine covering such diverse talents as Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morissette, Randy Newman, Glen Ballard, John Mayer, Jill Scott and Rufus Wainwright. Other publications that feature his writing include BMI World, ASCAP Playback, Grammy, SESAC Magazine and American Songwriter.

Dan’s book, Networking Strategies For The New Music Business (ArtistPro/Thomson) is the follow up to his best-selling title, Networking in the Music Business. Over five years, he conducted a weeklong master class on networking at Sir Paul McCartney's Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) in the UK. Stateside, he lectures at colleges, universities and conferences across the U.S. and Canada, and he is currently on the faculty of Musician's Institute in Hollywood. His newest book, How They Made It: True Stories of How Music’s Biggest Stars Went From Start to Stardom, signing stories of today’s most successful recording artists, has just been released by Hal Leonard.

Who you know, what you know, who knows you: meet Dan Kimpel and learn how to develop and nurture the people skills necessary to achieve success in a billion dollar global industry.

MITCH KLEBANOFF -Mitch Klebanoff began his career by writing DISORDERLIES for Warner Brothers. He then co-produced and wrote the #1 Box Office hit, BEVERLY HILLS NINJA, starring Chris Farley and Chris Rock. These films opened the door for numerous writing assignments including a draft of OCEAN'S 11 and rewrites on the thriller, 36 HOURS TO DIE staring Treat Williams and Kim Catrall and a production rewrite on THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD staring Jeff Daniels, Catherine O’Hara and Dabney Coleman. He has pitched and sold over twenty feature film scripts to DISNEY, TOUCHSTONE, UNIVERSAL, WARNER BROTHERS, NEWLINE, TRISTAR, SONY, MGM, UNITED ARTISTS and TNT. His work covers all genres - comedy, suspense, drama, and science fiction. He has worked with stars such as Chris Farley, Chris Rock and Dana Carvey. Films he has written have attracted talent such as Nick Cage, John Travolta, Treat Williams, and Eric Stoltz, as well as top directors. In just the past three years, he has produced over forty half hours of television for Disney and written a pilot for ABC FAMILY. Currently, completing a new script for SONY, entitled BOAT PARTY and will begin another for LIONSGATE, entitled HORNY OLD MEN. Soon he will turn his attention toward directing a spin-off of Beverly Hills Ninja, entitled, TOKYO JONES: THE LEGEND OF THE BLACKNINJA.

JAMES LEACH -Director, Writer/Publisher Relations for SESAC, Inc, the nation's fastest growing performing rights organization. Leach joined the company in February, 2001 and is based at SESAC's Santa Monica office.

After majoring in Communications at L.A.'s Pepperdine University, the Montclair, New Jersey native held a variety of local radio and television positions before opening his own recording studio. Leach eventually caught the music publishing business bug, working for Famous Music and Michael Jackson's ATV Music Group, where he served as Director of Creative Services.

In 1994, he opened Leach Entertainment Enterprises, providing music clearance services and music supervision for television shows like New York Undercover and The Magic Hour, Magic Johnson's talk show. Prior to joining SESAC, Leach was working as a Music Supervisor at Fox TV.

JOHN LESTER - Whether you regard him as an acoustic singer-songwriter, a soulful vocalist, or a superb and innovative bassist, his talent is undeniable. John's music has drawn comparisons to many of his influences yet is never a copy of the original. His voice stands out thanks to a balanced combination of talents: introspective and thought-provoking lyricism, smoky, resonant vocals, and melodious expertise on the double bass as well as a variety of bass and acoustic guitars.

In 2001, after winning his second Song of the Year award from the West Coast Songwriters and recording his first solo CD Live at the Freight and Salvage, John took an opportunity to move from San Francisco to Paris. Now, six years later, John has also lived in London and Amsterdam and has built a Northern European following one gig at a time.

Two songs from John's new CD, "So Many Reasons" were given 2006 WCS International song awards for Best Jazz Song and Best Humorous. John returns to the US to play new York and Bay Area shows, as well as the Bluebird in Nashville.

He will be on a panel at this years conference discussing various aspects of gigging in Europe as a solo singer-songwriter.

GARY MALKIN - Gary Malkin is an award-winning composer, producer, performer and public speaker dedicated to making a difference in the world by creating musical resources and events that inspire the heart and catalyze social and individual healing. He is also an articulate arts ambassador who is passionate about the humanizing role music can play in society’s institutions such as health care, education, corporations, and within our communities.

Under the umbrella of his media music production company, Musaic, he has enjoyed a highly successful career for nearly 30 years, having received seven regional Emmys, six ASCAP awards, and two Clios acknowledging his work in film, television, commercials and CD production. In 1992, inspired by life events, a desire emerged to use his gifts in service to the world in a more significant way. Since then he has not only created musical soundtracks for many public-benefit media projects - but has also been forging new ways in which music can serve as a strategic catalyst for global healing, the green movement, and other societal issues.

Throughout his career, Gary’s love of writing and performing songs has been a constant. He’s a true believer in the power of song to move and inspire peopleunlike any other art form. He has collaborated, orchestrated, performed and/or produced songs with artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Kenny Loggins, Roy Rogers, and Rhiannon, to name a few. He has produced and orchestrated three songs on Beth Neilsen Chapman’s upcoming CD project, entitled World Hymns.

He conceived and created the internationally acclaimed book and CD set, Graceful Passages: A Companion For Living and Dying (with co-author Michael Stillwater) in order to meet the spiritual issues of mortality in an aesthetic way. This innovative resource, with 100,000 units sold thus far, set a new standard in the field of non-pharmacological audio interventions and is currently being used throughout the English speaking world as a significant quality-of-life enhancement tool for people seeking greater meaning and connection in their lives, especially while facing life-challenging illnesses.

Founder of Wisdom of the World, (a life-enhancing media production company and website), and co-founder of Companion Arts, (a nonprofit organization), he is a contributing author to Dr. Christina Puchalski’s recent Oxford University Press anthology entitled A Time for Listening and Caring: Spirituality at the End of Life, on how music can enhance the spiritual dimension at the end of life. After serving as the Artistic Director for the Quest for Global Healing conferences in Bali featuring Nobel laureates such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, he has composed a piece for Chinese orchestra that will be performed at the Count Down ceremonies for the upcoming 2008 Olympiad in Beijing. A sought-after speaker and performer, he is available as a keynote presenter and performer for conferences, programs, and events internationally.

JOE MAGGINI - As Associate Director, Writer/Publisher Relations for BMI Los Angeles, Joe Maggini is responsible for bringing in new talent, developing and maintaining relationships with songwriters and music publishers and assisting them with all administrative and creative functions. In addition, he assists with the coordination of songwriter events, showcases and seminars, both locally and nationally. Some of the artists Maggini has brought to BMI and works with are Nico Vega, William Tell (formerly of Something Corporate), Jenny Owen Youngs, James Bunton (of hip-hop team Tha Movement), The Militia Group, You’N”Series (Equal Vision), and Porcelain (Universal)
Prior to joining BMI, Maggini worked at BMG Music Publishing where he was A&R Coordinator. He worked with such artists as Yellowcard, Thrice, The All-American Rejects, Keane, The Matrix, Rachael Yamagata, Lovedrug, Joe Firstman, Maxeen, Stacy Jones (of American Hi-Fi), Aaron Kamin (of The Calling) and others. Prior to that, he was an assistant at management and promotions company Measurement Arts and an intern at EMI-Capitol in the Special Markets division.
An accomplished musician, Maggini holds a Bachelor of Music degree from DePaul University in Chicago, where he studied jazz, classical music and was a DJ for student-run radio station WRDP.

TROY McCONNELL- Born in Houston, Texas, Troy was introduced to country & bluegrass by his Grandfather, Henry McConnell. Henry played several stringed instruments, but was said to have played the fire out of the banjo, and his passion for music inspired Troy to become a musician and songwriter. Henry had a severe stroke which left his hands paralyzed, and unable to play the banjo anymore. Troy remembers looking into his grandfather’s eyes as he wept for the banjo he could no longer play. “This marked me for life….. He loved music more than anyone I’ve ever known. I hope I’ve made him proud”.

Troy began his music career as a classically trained musician & composer; winning awards and scholarships as a trumpet player becoming accomplished in both Symphonic and Jazz music. Later Troy turned his attention to songwriting & producing. In 1987 he moved to Nashville where he landed a staff writing position with Par Music Group, and has written with such luminary Nashville writers as Craig Wiseman, Tommy Lee James, and Chuck Cannon. Troy also produced a project on a young artist that lead to a major recording contract with the MCA imprint ‘Rising Tide’, and he was fortunate enough to be a part of the creative process – working along side powerhouse producers Emery Gordy Jr. and Barry Beckett. Troy’s song ‘What Color am I’ made it on the project and has an amazing history in-and-of-itself; winning the Carolina Silver Reel video award as part of the Denny’s restaurant agreement with the U.S. Government to promote non-discrimination to all its employees, and was played before the Supreme Court of the United States. Success has also been found as a jingle writer for Bridgestone/Firestone Tires. Still residing in Nashville, Troy is an established producer with several up-and-coming artists. He still finds time to travel to workshops as a speaker on songwriting with a special emphasis on the ‘lyric’. Currently Troy is working on his book; “The Songwriter’s Guide to the Secrets of the Universe”, and co-authoring a book with Penny Dionne called; “Songplugging: The Cuts & The Bruises”.

Troy considers himself to be a new breed of creative entrepreneur who will survive the changes & massive restructuring happening in the music industry. “Songwriters can no longer simply write songs and expect publishers to take care of them. They must take control of their creative and financial future.” Troy McConnell has expanded his talents & skills to multimedia including: Video, Artist Development, Graphic Design, 3D Animation, Photography, Web design, Software Development, Literary Writing and Public Speaking. “I have set out to become is the creative guy that can do it all from writing the songs, producing the project, creating the artwork, shooting the video and building the website”. If you are thinking this would take a lot of hard work & skill, you would be right. But more than that, it would border on artistic genius; a designation that makes Troy laugh. “Uh, more like an idiot savant with a flare for the artistic. I am wonderful, don’t get me wrong, but I put my skirt on two legs at a time – like everybody else”. Seeing the twinkle in eye and the wry smile on his face, it easy to see why he is so well liked. His easy manor and sharp wit are readily apparent, as is his belief in “being a good and decent person”, and his desire to “strive for greatness, even in the face of my obvious deficiencies”.
To find out more about Troy McConnell, visit his website www.nextiermedia.com

ANTOINETTE OLESEN - Antoinette represents the catalogues of several Nashville writers responsible for numerous #1 and top ten country and pop songs. Danny Wells, Trent Summar, Rand Bishop, Jude Johnstone, Greg Crowe, Irene Kelley, Monty Holmes and the late Walter Hyatt are a few of them. These Days, Never Again Again, Check Yes Or No, Lonely And Gone, Unchained and Couldn’t Last A Moment are just are some of the tunes these writers are known for.
Antoinette is an award winning songwriter and Studio owner. She has toured throughout the world as a singer and has shared stages with the likes of Bonnie Raitt and The Doobee Brothers.
Antoinette says “I am not looking for great songs. I am looking for that “I’ve got to have that song” song. Up-tempos are always a plus, male or female. Also specifically looking for songs for a young female pop/country artist in development. Serious big songs, no ditties. Full demos are unnecessary. Always on the lookout for great artists”.

ANDRE PESSIS - has written 15 hit songs on over 20 million records sold. His songs have been recorded by – Tim McGraw, Waylon Jennings, Bonnie Raitt, Mr. Big, Southern Pacific, Huey Lewis and the News, Bob Weir and RatDog, Journey, Ben E King, Laura Branigan, Tower of Power, Europe, The Stylistics, Pieces of a Dream, Glenn Medeiros, Ann Wilson of Heart, Gregg Rolie, The Storm and many others.
His songs have been in major movies like Clint Eastwood’s Pink Cadillac and The Wild Life and TV shows like The Heat of the Night and Melrose Place and Miami Vice and on Video games like Sega’s Daytona USA. Recently he had 5 songs on the number one Japanese CD by the Tak Matsumoto Group.
He has taught songwriting at the university level as well as for West Coast Songwriters.

The SF Recording Academy (Grammies).
All in all you could safely buy a bridge from this man or have him deliver your child or Pizza.

NICK PHILLIPS - VP of A&R Concord Records Inc. - Nick Phillips is an in-house producer and Vice President of Jazz and Catalog A&R for Concord Music Group, a leading independent record company. In the course of some 20 years at Concord, Nick has overseen hundreds of compact disc releases in the capacity of Producer, Reissue/Compilation Producer or Associate Producer.
Several Phillips-produced recording projects have been honored with GRAMMY nominations, including two successive GRAMMY® nominations during the past two years in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category (Nnenna Freelon Blueprint of a Lady—Sketches of Billie Holiday and Karrin Allyson Footprints [featuring Jon Hendricks and Nancy King]). Included amongst the many artists with whom Phillips has worked are such jazz notables as Karrin Allyson, Kenny Barron, Bob Berg, Gary Burton, Randy Brecker, Dennis Chambers, Chick Corea, Joey DeFrancesco, Nnenna Freelon, Jon Hendricks, Marian McPartland, Carmen McRae, Tito Puente, Chris Potter, Poncho Sanchez, and others. Compilation and reissue CD projects produced by Phillips have spotlighted such jazz luminaries as Chet Baker, Tony Bennett, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Eric Dolphy, Joe Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Wes Montgomery, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, and Sarah Vaughan, to name a few.
Phillips is also an active volunteer contributor to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, currently serving as both a national Trustee for The Recording Academy as well as on the San Francisco chapter’s Board of Governors.
In his spare time, Phillips enjoys composing and playing jazz trumpet.

BRIAN RAWLINGS - Back Nine Ent., Los Angeles. Brian recently left Disney Music to start his own company, Back Nine Entertainment, along with Scott Shelte, former manager of No Doubt, and Donald Markowitz. This is a great opportunity for WCS members to get their foot in the door of BrianÕs new multimedia company.

Brian was formerly vice president, Disney Music Publishing where he was responsible for overseeing the pop songs, songwriters and catalog acquisitions for the music publishing arm of the Buena Vista Music Group. He worked extensively with the film, TV and record areas of the company to provide music for all of The Walt Disney Company’s productions including Hollywood Records, Walt Disney Records, the Disney Channel, Touchstone Pictures, and ABC.

Brian joined Disney Music Publishing in 1991. He enjoyed multi-format success in his tenure at Disney Music Publishing with 21 number one singles and multiple gold and platinum records with such diverse artists as Jesse McCartney, Uncle Kracker, Hilary Duff, Aly and AJ, Travis Tritt, John Michael Montgomery, Deep Purple, All 4 One and Tyrese. Most recently Brian was responsible for the songs for Disney’s High School Musical, Cheetah Girls, Hannah Montana and Jump.

Looking for: Great material in all marketable styles

JONATHAN ROSNER - Jon is co-President at The Bicycle Music Company and is responsible for signing writers, catalog acquisition and catalogue exploitation. Among Jon’s signings are The Dickies, rapper Kool Keith, The High & Mighty, The Smut Peddlers, Wesley Willis, Linus Of Hollywood and producer Don “One Eye” Saunders.

MERL SAUNDERS Jr - Music was a birthright for this San Francisco native. The namesake of legendary keyboardist Merl Saunders, he grew up at the heart of the vital Bay Area music scene with other well known “music families" like the Grateful Dead and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Performing with the San Francisco Youth Symphony in his teens was just the start of his lifetime career in the industry. From his first tour with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band to subsequent gigs with Michael Jackson, Robert Cray, David Crosby and Frank Zappa, Merl’s experiences only heightened his spirit to excel in the business. As Director of Marketing and Artist Relations at Gibson Guitars, and as Senior Marketing Coordinator and Artist Relations with Dean Markley Strings, he led creative teams to produce successful campaigns and endorsements for many top GRAMMY winners.

In 1994, the calling for charitable work led him to produce Gibson’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at the historic Fillmore Auditorium as a benefit for San Francisco’s Glide Memorial Church. Pulling together talent that had created the soundtrack of his childhood, he brought to the stage emcee Wavy Gravy and a host of musical heavy hitters: Country Joe and the Fish, Little Feat, Greg Kihn, Gregg Allman, Narada Michael Walden, Elvin Bishop, Hot Tuna, Moby Grape, and Bob Weir, as well as Merl Sr.

Merl’s community service resume doesn’t end there. With the assistance of local musicians, he founded Glide Memorial’s “Music for the People" program, which teaches and encourages at-risk youth to explore music as an outlet, utilizing the Bay Area’s talent pool as instructors. He also sits on the board of directors for Music In Schools Today (MUST), Bread and Roses and the Taylor Family Foundation, which supports Northern California’s children with AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.

In July 2000, Merl was named as Executive Director of the San Francisco Chapter of the Recording Academy. Under his leadership, the 30-year-old chapter has realized a 10 percent increase in membership, and continues to reach a broader audience of music business professionals every year of his tenure. He has strengthened ties with the classical music community, and the participation of his high-profile friends in the industry help to increase awareness of his mission to promote public music and arts education.

STEVE SESKIN - a successful songwriter who has written seven number one songs, including Grammy-nominated “Grown Men Don’t Cry," recorded by Tim McGraw, and “Don’t Laugh at Me," winner of NSAI Song of the Year and Music Row Magazine Song of the Year in 1999 as recorded by Mark Wills. His other #1 hits are “No Doubt About It" and “For a Change," both recorded by Neal McCoy, “No Man’s Land" and “If You’ve Got Love," both recorded by John Michael Montgomery, and “Daddy’s Money," recorded by Ricochet. Other chart toppers include “I Think About You," recorded by Colin Raye, and “All I Need To Know" recorded by Kenny Chesney. The video for Raye’s “I Think About You" single was named the Academy of Country Music’s Video of the Year in 1997, and the song and video were also given an award by the Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence. Recent recordings of his songs include “Pictures," by John Michael Montgomery, “We Shook Hands," by Tebey, and “I’ll Always Be There For You," by Brian McComas.

While Steve is best known for writing hits, he is also a successful performer and recording artist. He is currently touring in support of his latest CD, An Original. This is his 16th recording, released on his own record label.

“Don’t Laugh at Me" was recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary and became the impetus for the Operation Respect/Don’t Laugh at Me project, a curriculum designed to teach tolerance in schools. This program has already been implemented in more than 20,000 schools across the country. Steve now enjoys performing at school assemblies in support of this program. The song is now available as a children’s book, Don’t Laugh At Me, which was featured on PBS’s Reading Rainbow in September 2002.

SILVERSHER & SILVERSHER – Three-times nominated for the prime time Emmys, Grammy Award-winning songwriters Michael Silversher & Patty Silversher are currently developing a television series and writing a series of children’s books, both projects being either music-driven or have a definite musical bent-naturally!!

Michael and Patty are the co-founders of the West Coast Songwriters (WCS, formerly NCSA, formerly SBSA), today one of the largest non-profit organizations of its kind in the United States.

Emmy Nominations: Disney-A Valentine For You, Winnie-the-Pooh, ; Henson-Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree.

Grammy Award: Henson/CTW/ Sony-Elmo In Grouchland.

Movie and Direct-To-DVD: Disney-Little Mermaid 2, A Very Merry Pooh Year, A Season of Giving, I Love Trouble, Return of Jafar, Belle’s Magical World; Henson-Kermit’s Swamp Years, Muppet Classic Theater, Elmo in Grouchland; Sony Wonder-Lion Of Oz;

TV Series: Animal Jam (Henson/TLC) as music supervisors, songwriters and composers; Disney -Tale Spin, Gummi Bears, Little Mermaid, Duck Tales, Rescue Rangers; Warner Bros.-Eye To Eye; MGM-All Dogs Go To Heaven.

They have written over a hundred songs for the Disney song catalog over the last nineteen years, including Donald Duck’s 50th Birthday song, and Mickey Mouse’s 60th Anniversary Song, as well as numerous Winnie-the-Pooh specials.

Michael has ongoing theatrical and opera commissions from the Tony-winning theatre companies South Coast Repertory and the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, as well as the Mark Taper Forum and LA Opera. Michael was founding and resident composer, musical director and resource artist for Robert Redford’s SUNDANCE Playwrights’ Lab and Children’s Theatre from 1991 to 1996.

KIM WIGGINS - Raised in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Kim became interested in country music at an early age while listening to artists such as Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette, and George Jones on her parents’ radio.

Moving to Nashville in 1995, Kim became interested in the country music industry and took a job working with Tim DuBois, then President of Arista Records. In 1997 Kim became a part of the Arista Promotion Department where she worked with such artists as Alan Jackson, Diamond Rio, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, and Phil Vassar.

Upon the merger of Arista and BMG in 1999, Kim was hired as Creative Manager at Acuff Rose Music, where she worked with such writers as Dean Dillon, Skip Ewing, Whitey Shaffer, Casey Beathard, Kenny Chesney, Michael Heeney, and many others. While serving as Creative Manager, Kim was responsible for such hit recordings as “Brokenheartsville”/Joe Nichols “Red Ragtop”/Tim McGraw and “I Believe”/Diamond Rio

Kim joined Blacktop Music group, owned by Clint Black and Charles Sussman, in April of ’06. Kim is widely respected in the music industry as a great song person, and along with her work experience, she has been a huge asset to Blacktop Music Group.”