Performing artists, songwriters, and industry will visit Nashville's Music Row from Oct. 4-7 (Thursday eve -Sunday) for the "Independent Music Fest". Performers and songwriters will take to indoor stage locations along Demonbreun and Division streets from noon-midnight Friday-Sunday at entertainment venues such as Red Rooster and the Music Row Best Western Lounge with scheduled and open mic play opportunities.

The Best Western also will host music industry information tables, networking areas, and training sessions from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Attendees can receive hands-on advice, critiques and training in the Music Specialty Info Areas on topics such as Career Critique, Products Critique, Recording, Publishing, Plugging, Legal, Records, Duplication, Distribution, Radio, Video, Broadcasting, Shop, Management, Promotions, Publicity. Productions... Indie Connect and the Tennessee Songwriters Assoc will also be on hand to answer your music biz questions. The education portion of the event is hosted by the Independent Music Association.

The annual "Indie Music Masquerade Gala" will feature costumed dancing from 7 p.m.-midnight on Oct. 6 (Saturday) in the Music Row Best Western Lounge. Also there is a pre fest opening mixer with live entertainment Thursday, October 4 from 5pm till midnight.

"The 'Independent Music Fest' is a wonderful networking mixer and career-building opportunity for artists and songwriters at all levels," said Cornelius "Popcorn" Robertson, founder and coordinator of the festival. "More than 100 community industry/ volunteers will donate their time and resources to make this possible. Shows are open to the public."

To name a few of some special musical performers and guest appearances will include Billy Arr, Lisa Aschmann, Jerry Foster, Bobby Keel, Bobby Pizzaz w Radio Free Nashville, Denny Sroakin, and Tony Stampley, Ron Eckerman, Bobby Keel, Fred Vail, David Wray Esq. to name a few...

At our Music Specialty Info Areas, get the info you want, when ya want, about what you want. You control the learning." Fill in your day between jam sessions with whatever topics that interest you for all three days. You ask, we answer. Music industry mentors, exhibitors and sponsors include Kim Copeland Productions, Crowe Entertainment, Indie Connect, Musik and Film, National Media Group, Out of the Box Records, SAE Institute, Tennessee Songwriters Association, Top Notch Entertainment, Treasure Isle Recording, Tri Star Entertainment, Whiting Publicity & Promotions and more... These mentors will be available to answer your questions and speak one on one.

All festival badge holders are automatically registered to participate in the various music specialty needs areas, perform if desired, attend all parties and other fest functions. Do one or all at your own pace! Festival registration is $150 for three days, $110 for two days, and $60 for one day. The general public can enjoy three days of live music with a $20 armband. Monthly plans available.

To register or for more information about the "Independent Music Fest", visit www.IndependentMusicfest.org, send an email inquiry to Popcorn@IndependentMusicFest.org , or call (615) 424-1491.

Music: http://www.songwritersfestival.com/musicdownloads/Spell_It_Out_To_You.mp3