Washington DC -- (SBWire) -- 11/05/2010 -- The Recording Academy (internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards) has partnered with RocketHub to organize and present an expert panel discussion on crowdfunding. This innovative event will empower musicians with the knowledge necessary to understand how to leverage their existing network of friends, family and fans for funds, awareness, and authentic feedback.

RocketHub Co-founder and CEO, Brian Meece sums it up as "a new spin on an established idea: Beethoven + Social Media = Crowdfunding for the modern musician. Welcome to the re-birth of patronage."

The panel will consist of two RocketHub Co-founders, Brian Meece and Vladimir Vukicevic, who will discuss the current crowdfunding marketplace, the ins-an-outs of successful crowdfunding projects, and future trends in this burgeoning movement. Joining them will be three musicians and successful crowdfunding pioneers, Kate Dawson, Gustavo Rodriguez, and Alfonso Velez to discuss their personal experiences with this new and powerful approach. The panel will be moderated by Richard James Burgess, a music industry veteran and author of the seminal "The Art of Music Production."

Music Box: Crowdfunding - The New Independent Music Model Event

LOCATION:
The George Washington University
103 Funger Hall
2201 G Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20042

DATE:
Thursday, November 4, 2010

TIME:
5:30 PM – Check In
6:00 PM – Panel Discussion
8:00 PM – Panel Ends/Wrap-Up

PANELISTS:
Richard James Burgess, Moderator
Smithsonian Folkways

Brian Meece
Co-founder, RocketHub

Vladimir Vukicevic
Co-founder, RocketHub

Kate Dawson
Singer/Actress

Gustavo Rodriguez
Singer/Songwriter

Alfonso Velez
Singer/Songwriter

RocketHub Co-founder and COO, Vladimir Vukicevic describes the event as "a wonderful collaboration between an organization that has been helping artists for more than 50 years, The Recording Academy, and a quickly-emerging grassroots platform that is giving artists the ability to connect with and leverage fans like never before, RocketHub. I have grown up admiring The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Awards – it is an honor to be working together to help musicians."

The Recording Academy
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards - the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music - The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization's social networks on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thegrammys), MySpace (www.myspace.com/thegrammys), Twitter (www.twitter.com/thegrammys), and YouTube (www.youtube.com/thegrammys).

RocketHub
RocketHub is a grassroots crowdfunding community for Creatives by Creatives, founded by Brian Meece – singer-songwriter, Jed Cohen – actor/producer, and Vlad Vukicevic – tech-thinker/writer. The concepts behind RocketHub stem from the founders’ own personal challenges as creative people; therefore RocketHub supports a DIY-ethos that is welcoming and supportive to all Creatives from around the world. "We are the creative underdogs with a mission to liberate creativity through our platform and educational support. RocketHub is the center of the crowdfunding revolution and the foundation of the new creative economy."
http://www.RocketHub.com/
http://www.RocketHub.org