While the rock bands have been heading out on tour and the singer-songwriters have been vying for spots at festivals and seminars, the urban- and dance-music-oriented Tampa Music Conference has quickly and quietly become a credible event for artists looking to break into big-time promotional and radio markets. For its third year, the TMC has attracted nationally known panelists Craig Davis (of Zomba Music Group), Wendy Day (of Rap Coalition) and DJ Latin Prince (of TVT Records), as well as extremely notable locals Orlando (WILD 98.7) and DJ H. Vidal (95.7 The Beat), with more to be announced. The five-hour edu-fest covers such topics as Industry Basics, E-marketing and Alternatives to Major Radio, and is expected to draw talent from far and wide. Thurs., June 1, 5-10 p.m., The Event Factory, 7565 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, $30 advance/$35 day of, www.bentonrecords.com.
This article appears in May 31 – Jun 6, 2006.