Roots Music Association's Music United '08 Festival Scheduled For June

Planning for the Roots Music Association's inaugural Convention, Radio Seminar and Music Festival is now underway which will take place June 26-29, 2008 in San Antonio in the middle of the beautiful Hill Country of Texas.

RMA is the fastest growing international music association that actively promotes, supports and celebrates roots music. The RMA is committed to providing an international voice and forum for all roots based music formats in an alliance that will strive for the advancement of independent artists and will continue to encourage radio stations to play music outside of mainstream Top 40 charts. We strive to work in collaboration with any association or entity that shares our goals and vision towards the advancement of roots music.

Organizers are excited about the support the event is receiving from all corners of the music industry and business community and promises to be a memorable one with great music, special guests and a multitude of memory making moments. "The interest in our very first event is extremely high and we're working to pull out all the stops. It'll be a memorable time for everyone who attends. We've got some great talent lined up and some very exciting tricks up our sleeves as well!" says Robert Bartosh, one of the organization's founding directors.

The 3 day event will also include a series of interactive and educational panels, a trade fair, once in a lifetime events and networking opportunities geared toward all facets of the music industry.

The radio seminar portion of the event will draw an international panel of music programmers and personalities to discuss issues and concerns pertinent to the broadcasting industry.

The convention stream will provide opportunities for artists, musicians and industry professionals to network and educate each other through a series of interactive panels and presentations.

The music festival will provide multiple stages which showcase performers to both the conference and seminar attendees as well as the general public. Expect to hear music from artists that range from established headliners to exciting up and coming newcomers across a multitude of roots based genres including, but not limited to, Blues, Bluegrass, Americana/Country, Western Swing, Western, Roots Rock, Reggae, Folk, Cajun/Zydeco and Tejano. The initial lineup of performers will be announced soon.

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The theme for the 2008 is "Music United" and speaks to the holistic, inclusive and universal approach the RMA uses to support its membership base and their collective vision. The event will be attended by radio broadcasters, promoters, publicist, artists, musicians, songwriters, label executives and more.

The Convention and Music Festival will be held at the Alzafar Shrine Center in San Antonio. The center is located on approximately 20 wooded acres, at the edge of the Texas Hill Country.

The RMA is honored at the opportunity presented to work with the Shrine organization towards their end goals of supporting children and their families. There are approximately 410,000 Shriners now across the United States, Mexico and Canada. There are 22 Shriners Hosptials for Children—18 orthopaedic hospitals, three burn hospitals and one hospital that provides orthopaedic, burn and spinal injury care. These hospitals have cured or substantially helped more than 600,000 children—at no cost to parent or child—since the first Shriners Hospital opened in 1922.

Bartosh extends a hospitable Texas welcome to those considering attending. "We encourage our music industry colleagues to stand united and join us under the hot sun in picturesque Texas Hill Country next June for three fabulous days they won't forget."

For information on registration, sponsorship opportunities or submitting for performance consideration please contact the RMA at 888-391-0983 or email rma@rootsmusicassociation.org.

For more information, visit their web site at www.rootsmusicassociation.org.