The music scene in New Orleans is getting a boost from an educational perspective, as the Music Census Sessions series rolls out its second block, titled Business Sustainability. The program is designed to furnish local musicians with essential business skills for sustaining a long-term career in the cutthroat music industry. According to an announcement from the New Orleans Mayor's Office, these free workshops aim to equip artists with practical business and industry expertise. They're tailored based on the findings from the New Orleans Music Census, and are presented by a roster of local music industry professionals.
Slated to contribute their knowledge are names like Axel Rosa of South 25 Entertainment, Amy Kirk Duvoisin from WWOZ, Bo Dollis Jr. of The Wild Magnolias, and more. Each session will be conducted in person but will offer virtual options to ensure broader accessibility. This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to nurturing its vibrant musical heritage by ensuring that its artists possess not just talent, but the savvy to thrive.
The series presents a valuable opportunity for New Orleans musicians, many of whom juggle multiple roles to make ends meet. As per the city's announcement, participants will gain insights from the diverse experiences and backgrounds of speakers like Eric Johanson, a seasoned songwriter and musician, and Julia Heath from the Mayor’s Office of Nighttime Economy, among others. The cumulative expertise of these presenters could potentially create a ripple effect, enhancing the business acumen within the New Orleans music community.
Furthermore, with the guidance of Deborah Evans of Della Music Publishing, Ashlye Keaton from The Ella Project, and Jeremy Kelley of Bon Bon Vivant, these workshops go beyond mere networking events. They're structured to be transformative learning experiences that promise to shore up the entrepreneurial spirit of the city’s artists. The census revealed the hurdles faced by local musicians, making initiatives like these an invaluable asset as they aim to navigate the sheer complexities of today's music industry dynamics effectively.
