By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
Middleman Networking Conference weekend events to educate, entertain
Artists, record label officials, DJs, promoters, retailers and publishers
will gather in Des Moines from Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1 for the
fourth annual Middleman Networking Conference, "Where Music Meets Success
in the Midwest." The jam-packed weekend, which includes seminars, workshops,
parties and concerts, is the brainchild of local music entrepreneur and artist
Bo James, 38, and is designed to educate and entertain.
"
Each year we hold the conference during the Drake Relays because so many
people come to town, but for the last 10 years or so people have been coming
here for parties and concerts," said James, who, years ago, launched
the popular DJ showcase "Midwest Spring Bling Blowout" that returns
to the Val Air Ballroom on Saturday, April 30 at 9 p.m. ($20). It is one
of three events scheduled at the ballroom this weekend, including the "Midwest
Freak Fest" on Friday, April 29 ($25) and a car show on Sunday, May
1 at 1 p.m. that includes live music. Other activities affiliated with the
conference will be held at various Des Moines clubs.
Though concerts attract fans, James said he is focused on the educational
component of the three-day conference. On Saturday, April 30, the Eddie Davis
Community Center in West Des Moines will host seminars and workshops that
help artists to understand the importance of intellectual property, including
copyrights, publishing and placement rights for television and movies. Vicky
Long-Hill, executive director of the community center and an attorney, will
present the conference's keynote address about why businesses fail.
"
Anyone who attends the conference needs to realize that they need to think
of themselves as a business and that they are a commodity," said James. "The
keynote address, for example, will point out what people who fail in business
have in common, and we want people to learn from that and change their lives
for the better."
A panel discussion regarding the creation of Midwestern "corn circuit," another
brainchild of James' that is based loosely on the 20th century Southern concept
of the "chitlin' circuit," in which a network of venues for entertainers
is created at a grassroots level, will be held.
"
We want to create a circuit where artists can perform throughout the Midwest.
It's just a matter of connecting everybody," said James.
James, who served on the City of Des Moines' Music Commission, hopes that
his conference will empower creative people so that one day the stigma of
the "starving artist" can be eliminated.
"
My goal isn't to make everybody a superstar, but to educate them and to teach
them how to make money from different revenue streams; that's how rich people
do it. If local musicians can make $20,000 to $30,000 doing what they love
to do for a living, it's a blessing," he said.
Conversely, James hopes that the conference and its attendees will help strengthen
Des Moines' live music scene.
"
The last few years I've participated in music panels across the country,
and I've seen how other cities do things and Des Moines is grossly behind
the curve. The worst part is the people in the industry who have what I call
'MTV PHDs' who take what they see on television as the gospel and are hurting
themselves and the scene. There are more practical ways to strengthen the
scene, and I keep that in mind in everything I do." CV
caption: For more information about the Middleman Networking Conference, organized by Bo James (pictured), visit www.middlemannetwork.org. Photo by Trisha James
Middleman Networking Conference Entertainment
Friday, April 29
Midwest Allstar Swagfest — Club 504, 9 p.m.- 2 a.m.
Lenny Twin Poetic Soul Revival — House of Bricks, 7-10 p.m.
Fresh Dressed To Impress Ready To Party — Club 2060, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Midwest Freak Fest — Val Air Ballroom, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Saturday, April 30
Midwest Spring Bling Blowout — Val Air Ballroom, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
I80/235 After Hours — Skate West, 2-5 a.m.
Sunday, May 1
Car Show — Val Air Ballroom, 1 p.m.
The Grand Finale Rep Yo City Showdown — Club 504, 2 p.m.
