Roots Music Association Cancels Conference in June and Looks To Reschedule Inaugural Event for Later This Year
Organizers of the Roots Music Association (RMA)’s inaugural convention, radio seminar and music festival — Music United ’08 — are looking to reschedule the event that had been slated for June 27-29.
“We had been planning for months to hold the event at the Shrine Convention Center in San Antonio [Texas],” wrote Robert Bartosh in an April 22 e-mail notice to association members that also appears on the RMA’s Web site. “However, due to recent developments, these plans are no longer feasible and we plan to reschedule the event for later this year at another location close to San Antonio.”
Financial concerns appear to have been the root of the problem. RMA leaders were informed earlier this month that the Shrine would not provide the level of support that they had anticipated and that the lease would be cancelled if the association did not secure $100,000 in sponsorships and also assume responsibility for security costs during the event. As a free association that does not assess membership dues, and unable to arrange for sufficient financial backing, RMA’s directors felt compelled to cancel the June event.
Music United ‘08 was to include an opening night party, a two-day music festival and awards presentation, interactive panel discussions and presentations on an eclectic array of industry hot topics, a trade show and more. “We will do everything in our power to bring this wonderful event concept to life later this year,” Bartosh wrote RMA members. He noted that all monies already submitted for registration will be applied to the new conference date or will be refunded upon request.
The Roots Music Association (RMA) was created to promote, foster and cultivate the preservation, enjoyment, support and performance of “roots” music worldwide. The RMA describes itself as a grassroots membership organization that is committed to providing a voice and forum for all roots-based music formats in an alliance that will strive for the advancement of independent artists and encourage radio stations to play music outside of mainstream Top 40 charts.
For more information on the Roots Music Association and updates on Music United ’08, visit www.rootsmusicassociation.org.
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