After starting in 2007 with occasional “how to” panels, Music University “graduates” this year to a full-scale music industry conference Oct. 19 at Drake University’s Harmon Fine Arts Center, 2505 Carpenter Ave. Get schooled on topics ranging from booking gigs to making music videos from nearly 40 national and local pros. Nels Cline, lead guitarist for Wilco and one of Rolling Stone’s top 100 guitarists of all time, headlines as the keynoter.
Looking for extra credit? A pre-conference screening of the documentary “Approximately Nels Cline” and a networking reception kick things off around 6 p.m. Oct. 18 (time and location hadn’t been announced by press time). Catch a free post-conference showcase featuring Dick Prall and local acts from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Gas Lamp.
The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition, a nonprofit organization best known for putting on the 80/35 indie music festival, offers Music University in partnership with Drake and the Iowa Arts Council. The conference is free for current Drake students (registration required). General admission tickets are available in advance for $25 ($15 for other students and musicians, $60 for four from the same group) or $30 on the day of the conference. Buy your ticket from Tickly here.
