Day 4

Day 4
Let the meetings begin!
Tonight I'm hosting - on behalf of Australia, the International Reception which is the first 'official' event on the 4-day Americana Conference/Festival program.
But before that, I need to catch up with as many people as possible who might be able to help achieve the significant Aussie presence at Americana 2010 that is the whole purpose of the trip.
First cab off the rank, Christian Roreau from Thirty Tigers - a Nashville based label/management company. He represents several artists who are interested in Australia and was more than happy to share his thoughts on the local scene, and give me some names of agents who might be willing to help organise additional gigs around 2010 for the proposed touring band of Australians.
Then off to see songwriting 'guru' Ralph Murphy (ASCAP), who was kind enough to shout lunch at the Sunset Grill - the local industry watering hole.
I'd met Ralph at the APRA Song Summit and discussed then what he might be able to do in terms of helping to create/facilitate writing opportunities around next year's Festival. He likes Australians a lot and is happy to do whatever he can to help.
Then off to see Mark Moffat who was largely responsible for encouraging me to pursue this 'mission'. I congratulated him - on your behalf on being inducted into the National Film and Sound Archive's Audio Hall of Fame for his production of Yothu Yindi's 'Treaty'. I'm beginning to realise just how widely he's respected in the industry here, and he gave me a thorough briefing which will be invaluable in the coming week in making the best use of my time.
Then it's coffee with musicologist Dale Cockrell from Vanderbilt University.
It occurred to me just before I left that - given the enormous influence 'Americana' music had on shaping our own country music, it might be good/possible to try to add an academic conference to the mix. Had a good reception from a couple of academics back home, and Dale was very helpful in supplying some contacts to see if there's similar interest here. More next week on that.
After seeing Dale, I realised I was in the vicinity of the famous Grimey's Pre-loved Music store - a vinyl Alladin's Cave! There was a special instore by local funk legends The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker who started his career opening for the likes of James Brown and Wilson Pickett. All I can say is WOW! But don't take my word for it - www.myspace.com/thedynamitesband
Lastly, a catch-up with Mark and Jay O'Shea who've been beavering away here for several years and have just had some success and major exposure following a Top Five finish in the 'Duets' program on Country Music Television.
Great to catch up and get their take on living and working here. Challenges, opportunities.... www.markosheamusic.com
That'll do for the day!