Urban Focus Auditions March 26-27

Live auditions are being held on March 26th & 27th for registrants of the 3rd Annual Urban Focus Music Conference scheduled for June 26-27 at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. Out-of-state registrants can audition via videotape that features a single-song performance of no more than five minutes. Out-of-state registration and videotape submissions must be received by March 31st. The event is geared toward urban music styles such as rap and hip hop.

The live auditions will be held at Musicians Institute on Friday from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday from 12-4 p.m. Pre-registration is required and performers will be given time slots in advance of the auditions that will be judged by music industry professionals. Artists and groups may perform to pre-recorded, original music on DAT or cassette tape. Accommodations will be made for performers with live instrumentation.

The artists and groups with the highest scores will go on to perform during the highly anticipated Unsigned Talent Showcase on Saturday evening during the conference in June. Newcomers are joined by established and signed talent like actor and bassist, Malcolm Jamal Warner who hosted last year's showcase and performed with his band. A&R representatives, publishers, managers and other industry pros looking for great unsigned talent attend the showcase.

Urban Focus is two days of panels, workshops, demo listening sessions and mentoring sessions conducted by executives of major labels, publishing companies, law firms, management companies and other entertainment firms. Registrants have come from all around the country and as far away as Denmark and Dublin. This year, the Urban Focus staff welcomes our first registrant from Accra, Ghana!

This year, Urban Focus becomes part of an even bigger picture: LA MUSIC WEEK, a seven- day festival of events celebrating the incredible potpourri of music that weaves the fabric of the city.

Early-Bird Registration for Urban Focus is $50 for both days. Sponsors have included BMI, SESAC, Dreamworks, Warner Bros., The Box, Windswept, 92.3 The Beat Edmonds Entertainment, EMI Music Publishing ASCAP, RAP PAGES and Qwest Records.