Belmont University’s 2009 Urban Pop Showcase Invites Industry to Seek Out Genre's Newest Talent

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –October 12, 2009 — On November 7th, 2009, music industry professionals are invited to attend the 2009 Urban Pop Showcase at 7 p.m. at Belmont University in Nashville TN. The arena-sized concert will feature performances by four student acts whose sizzling performances won over judges’ approval in the final rounds of CD and live auditions which are evaluated on proficiency in voice, songwriting, stage presence and business expertise.

The showcase itself will be judged by Grammy Award-winning rock/blues artist Jonny Lang who will critique each student’s 3-4 song set American-Idol style, alongside three other prominent pop industry professionals: Joey Ritchie, Brandon Fraley and Free Smith.

The 2009 Urban Pop Showcase is a component of Belmont University’s Showcase Series which includes five other categories — Alumni, Christian, Rock, Country and Best of the Best. Each concert is intricately planned and produced in entirety by students enrolled in audio engineering, production, audio/visual production and music business programs.

Superior experiential learning opportunities like the Showcase Series are part of what make Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business one of the top music business programs in the country, as noted in Rolling Stone and Time magazines.

Executive Producer and senior at Belmont, David Venus, said he believes the showcase series is one of the most beneficial ways a student pursuing a career in the music industry can learn the trade.“The series is designed to give students real-world experience we would never get to have anywhere else. It’s a great networking opportunity for us and it helps us to better ourselves as the future of the music industry. I’m thankful the Curb College provides the opportunity annually.”

Admission to the 2009 Urban Pop Showcase is free of charge. Music industry professionals can RSVP for VIP seating and sign up to receive a press kit with artist materials by submiting an email through www.belmontshowcaseseries.com/urbanpop.

The show will take place on Belmont’s campus in the Curb Event Center. Parking will be provided in the Curb Parking Garage, located off of Belmont Boulevard and Bernard Avenue. For more information about Belmont University’s Showcase Series, visit www.belmontshowcaseseries.com. -- STS