Masego performing for a sold-out crowd at the House of Blues New Orleans on November 3, 2018

33rd Annual Cutting Edge CE Conference Schedule Announced

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The schedule for the 33rd annual Cutting Edge CE Conference has been announced. The information from their press release is provided below.

33rd Annual Cutting Edge CE Conferences & Events

InterContinental Hotel New Orleans

August 13-16, 2025

Announces

2025 Showcase Schedule

2025 NOLA Creators House

JAMericana Fete

Music Business Sessions Updates

Entertainment Law Seminar Updates

Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp Coaches

Coming soon:  Community Sevice Awards · Film Meetup · Educators Panel · Roots Music Gathering Special Event **Oral History Brunch**

https://www.cuttingedgenola.com/

Register
 InterContinental Hotel Special room rates ends – July 14, for Rooms  click HERE
NewWork Artist Showcase (open to the public)
A band’s best publicity is performance. Bring on the Bands! Play for the professionals. These artists can also attend panels and network at the conference, and become eligible for the Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp…
  • Selected artists presented in local venues
  • A Partial list of artists is below
Cutting Edge CE Conferences and Events has organized the Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp from August 13 to 16 as a prelude to the conference. It is designed to complement the Conference activities. The Camp is a result of our collaborations and consultations with Michael Dixon from Soda Rock Music, the multiplatinum-selling songwriter Jim McCormick (2021 Country Music Song of the Year nominee), Stephen Easley, Esq., from Buddy Holly Foundation, and Lilli Lewis, songwriter and advisor. Expanding to encompass additional segments of the creative sphere, we are partnering with DAWn Audio to produce:
Producers Cohort: Beat Makers
writing collectively and remotely
powered by DAWn Audio
 The Camp is by invitation only; an interested songwriter can email us HERE.
More on the Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp is coming soon. Those who applied will be hearing from us soon.

MEET THE SONGWRITERS CAMP

COACHES & COORDINATORS
Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp Coordinator – Lilli Lewis
FolkRockDiva Lilli Lewis is a musical polyglot who glides easily between folk, roots, country soul, gospel, and jazz. Born and raised in indie rock capital Athens, Georgia, and musically mentored by New Orleans inspirations with collaborations from Dirty Dozen Brass Band founding member Kirk Joseph to traditional clarinetist Dr. Michael White.
Trained as an opera singer and classical pianist, the former VP and Head of A&R for Louisiana Red Hot Records has been a composer, producer and performer for over two decades. After carving out space as an African American queer woman of size, Lewis’ made her national presence known as a solo artist with her album “Americana” being a top pick everywhere from NPR’s All Songs Considered to Rolling Stone.
Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp
Recording and Sound Engineer
Cliff Downing
Musician, recording and sound production engineer. Cliff has over three decades recording and managaing sound. His band, The Captain Ledge Band won 2018 IMEA Bluegrass Album of The Year.
Cutting Edge Songwriter Camp
Assistant Coordinator
Sarah Jacques
Musician, Bandleader, Songwriter, and Engineer is an accomplished music professional.
Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp
Producers Cohort
Sponsors and Coordinators
DAWn Audio: A gamified platform that centers the creative process, enabling multiplayer music creation and rewarding creators for the time they spend making music.
The Producers Cohort is led by DAWn’s Co-founder, Deigo Pinzon and  VP of Marketing, Amanda (Mandy) Ortiz, working with several studios throughtout NOLA and remotely.
Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp
Rights Administration
Weston McGowen is a music economist, commercial strategist, and seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience driving innovation across the global music economy. His work focuses on building connective infrastructure between creative ecosystems and accelerating artist discovery, rights monetization, and international growth.

A native of Louisiana, McGowen began pursuing a career in the music business straight out of high school. His journey has taken him through some of the world’s most influential music cities—including Austin, Nashville, London, and now Los Angeles, where he is based.

In 2023, he co-founded Equal Songs, a transatlantic music company with studios in Los Angeles and London, alongside multi-platinum songwriter and producer Stefan Skarbek (Amy Winehouse, Beyoncé, Prince). Skarbek brought with him a legacy of songwriting and publishing credits on tracks by Amy Winehouse, Spice Girls, Sugababes, and others,—adding deep creative value to the venture. The company launched in partnership with Mirrorball Entertainment, founded by Skarbek and Grammy-winning producer Tony Maserati, merging its catalog and creative infrastructure into Equal.

Today, McGowen and his team manage a diverse portfolio that includes global hits from Harry Styles, regional legends, and classical compositions. Equal is revitalizing A&R with a strong focus on early-stage songwriter and producer development, supported by a robust label services division. Most recently, McGowen signed artist-producer Maejor (Justin Bieber, Waka Flocka Flame, Ne-Yo), furthering Equal’s mission to build a roster of world-class music creators shaping culture through music.
33rd Cutting Edge CE Conferences and Events
Music Business Sessions
Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp
Creators House
JAMericana Féte
August 13 – 16, 2025
Locations:
InterContinental New Orleans Hotel
House of Blues
New Orleans Jazz Museum
The Broadside
 33rd Cutting Edge CE Conferences and Events
Music Business Sessions  
Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp
Creators House
JAMericana Féte
August 13 – 16, 2025
Locations:
InterContinental New Orleans Hotel
House of Blues
New Orleans Jazz Museum
The Broadside
Cutting Edge Activities include:
– Cutting Edge Entertainment Law Seminar (Schedule not included)
– Music Business Sessions (Schedule included)
– Creators House (Schedule included)
– Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation only)
– NewWorks Artists Showcase (Schedule not included)
– Roots Music Gathering
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Location: InterContinental Hotel
Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp
Sponsors: Buddy Holly Education Foundation, New Orleans & Co, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund
Join us for a 4-day down-to-songwriting, recording, and performing event,
3rd Floor
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM  Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Welcome
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM  Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Songwriting Rooms Open
Small songwriting groups (4/5 songwriters per room), led by lead songwriters – The goal is to write one song per room per session.
5:00 PM – 9 PM   Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Songwriting Rooms Open
Small songwriting groups (4/5 songwriters per room), led by lead songwriters – The goal is to write one song per room per session.
Music Business Sessions
Schedule
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Location: 3rd Fl
8:50 AM Welcome
10:15 PM – 1:15 PM   “Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Songwriting Rooms “Open
Small songwriting groups (4/5 songwriters per room), led by lead songwriters – The goal is to write one song per room per session.
[Rooms expand into New Orleans, with writing happening at the InterContinental Hotel]
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Songwriting Essentials: Let’s Write a Song Part I: For Placement: Film/TV/Other –
Spend three days demystifying the world of music licensing with  veteran songwriter and producer Michele Vice-Maslin, who leads a discussion on essential considerations for crafting songs for synchronization licensing
. This workshop will demystify music licensing, focusing on tools, expectations, and principles involved in licensing music. Participants will learn about publishing, performance rights organizations (PROs), deal memos, cue sheets, and other relevant topics. Each participant will leave with a practical understanding of how to research and submit songs for licensing opportunities
Speaker:
Michele Vice-Maslin, Emmy-winning, #1 Hit Songwriter, Producer, Arranger
10:10 AM – 10:50 AM  Music Contracts Conversation  
Scott Keniley, Esq., and Barry Coffing from WeGetMusic will discuss important deal points to consider when signing music contracts.
Speakers
Scott Keniley, Esq., Keniley Kumar, Atlanta, GA
Barry Coffing, CEO, WeGetMusic
Eric L Cager, Director, Cutting Edge CE (Moderator)
11:00 AM – 11:35 AM  Special Presentation: How to Not Be Held Hostage by the Sound Engineer  
Speaker:
Cliff Downing, Musician, Engineer
11:45 AM – 12:50 PM In the Studio Part I: Production Ideas vs Project Management: Recording Studio Tips, Tricks, & Hacks
This panel will discuss equipment, techniques, and planning for recording in commercial studios, home studios, or live settings.
Speakers:
Cliff Downing, Musician, Engineer (Moderator)
Dave Catching, Ranco de la Luna Studio
Jack Miele, Producer/Engineer, Jack Miele Productions
Jimmy Ford, Owner, Jimmy Ford Clinic
Danny Jones, Engineer
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM   “Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Songwriting Rooms “Open
Small songwriting groups (4/5 songwriters per room), led by lead songwriters – The goal is to write one song per room per session.
[Rooms expand into New Orleans, with writing happening at the InterContinental Hotel]
1:05 PM – 2:15 PM: Publicity, Branding, and Marketing in the Metaverse – This session will explore building your social network to launch or enhance your brand.
Technotainment Session
Understanding the convergence of technology and entertainment, providing
– insights into opportunities for musicians, record labels, entertainment companies, and entrepreneurs
Speakers:
Linda Septien, Septien Entertainment Group (Moderator)
Amanda (Mandy) Ortiz, VP Marketing, DAWn Audio
Megan Coffing, Graphic Designer
Weston McGowen, Music Economist, Equal Rights, LLC
Marcia Groff, Entertainment Enterprises
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM  Nonprofit Opportunities in the Music Business:  Event Management
Panelists will discuss various roles for nonprofits in the music and entertainment industry.
Speakers:
Gloria Garcia, M.D., Nonprofit Consultant (Moderator)
Tracy LaPorte, Radio Programmer, 2Step Tribe
Henry Turner, Jr., Musician, Promoter, Henry Turner, Jr, Listening Room Museum Foundation
Uncle Ryano, Country Music Veteran, Sgt 2Step Foundation
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM  Let’s Write a Song for Synch Part I
Featuring Synch Assassin, Producer, and Music Supervisor Barry Coffing, alongside artist and music supervisor Jessica Alvarez from Sync Musica.*
This panel will cover what music supervisors look for in songs
Speakers
Jessica Alvarez, Sync Musica
Barry Coffing, MusicSupervisor.com, WeGetMusic
Michael Dyson, Esq., Counsel, NBCUniversal
Ashley Johnson, Sync Licensing, Downtown Music
4:45 PM – 5:30 PM  Part II Let’s critique your songs –  
Participants can play their finished songs for the experts to critique and provide feedback.
Speakers:
Barry Coffing, Owner, WeGetArtist, MusicSupervisor.com
Michele Vice Maslin, Producer, Songwriter
Alan Brewer, President/Owner, New Brew Entertainment
6:00 PM – 1:00 AM   Event: Artists Showcase *Various venues across New Orleans will host the showcase.
Friday, August 15, 2025
Location(s): 3rd FL
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM  Songwriters Essentials: Let’s Write a Song Part II – Music Metadata   
Understanding how to track your songs’ plays in the Streaming Metaverse
, and the actions needed to protect your rights.
Speakers:
Michelle Vice Maslin, Emmy-winning, #1 Hit Songwriter, Producer, Arranger
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM   “Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Songwriting Recording”
Small songwriting groups (4/5 songwriters per room), led by lead songwriters – The goal is to write one song per room per session.
[Rooms expand into New Orleans, with writing happening at the InterContinental Hotel]
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM  In the Studio Part II: Planning and Executing a Recording Session
Panelists will critique a recent recording session from Dave Catching’s Rancho de Luna Recording Studio, with insights from the engineering team
Speakers:
Dave Catching, Rancho de la Luna Studio
Jimmy Ford, Jimmy Ford Clinic
Ben Lorio, Head Engineer, McKinley Studios
Paul Diaz, Owner, TreeSound Studios
11:00 AM – 11:35 AM Keynote Address – Reid Martin, Co-Founder, CEO, Midcitizen Entertainment
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM  Management Discussions  
Topics will include deal points for selecting a manager or signing a new artist
, managing  finances, and branding opportunities
. Reid Martin will join managers and a financial consultant to discuss the realities of working with artists and their specific requirements
Speakers:
Reid Martin, Co-Founder, CEO, Midcitizen Entertainment
Tate Henshaw, CFP, ARC Business Management
Rico Brooks, CEO, Adella Thomas Management
Rueben Williams, Thunderbird Management Group/Artist Management Plus
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM  Booking, Touring, and Promotions
I. What does a venue evaluate when choosing an act?
II. A Touring Hack to save time and money.
III. I manage artists, and this is what I need them to do to be successful
Event executives and promoters will discuss how they select artists, their most effective marketing platforms, and the secrets behind their management styles.
Speakers
I.V. Miller, General Manager, House of Blues, New Orleans
John M, Songwriter, Performance Author
Michael Paz, Paz Production
Henry Turner, Jr, Musician, Venue Owner, Promoter, Filmmaker
Kerry Brown, Talent Buyer, Gretna Fest
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM Conversation on Publishing A&R and the A&R’s Role in Contracts Artists Sign with Publishing Companies [Legal/Bus CLE .75 hrs.]  
Interviewee: Kim Buie, A&R Consultant
Interviewer: Charles Driebe, Esq., Blind Ambition Management, Atlanta, GA
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM  – Artist Development in the Social Media Age: 5 Things You Should Do to Attract Followers, Audience, and Industry Attention [MUS.] BUSINESS]
A&R representatives, Record label owners, managers, and publicists discuss how to:
I. Build your Brand
II. Grow Your Fan Base
III. Network and Build Relationships
IV. Get Discovered on Music Discovery Websites
V. Apply Marketing Strategies
Speakers:
Linda Septein, Septien Entertainment Group (Moderator)
John Autin, President/CEO, Rabadash Entertainment, Rabadash Studios (Music & Films)
Robert Singerman, Partner, LyricFind, Partner/EVP, Global Biz Dev.
Mike Dixon, Soda Rock Music
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM  Developing Writers and Artists in Today’s Market [Mus. Bus.]  
• What is required to get your song placed in Film, TV, and Games
• Role of Music Libraries
Speakers:
Barry Coffing, Owner, WeGetArtist, MusicSupervisor.com  (Moderator)
Michele Vice Maslin, Producer, Songwriter
Alan Brewer, President/Owner, New Brew Entertainment
Weston McGowen, Equal Songs
Awards Presentations
@ New Orleans Jazz Museum  Performance Hall, 400 Esplanade Avenue
5:00  PM Drew Young, Songwriter
5:30 PM Roots Music Gathering:
Conversation with Danny Jones, Engineer, (SeaSaint Recording Studios)
6:20 PM  Special Performance: Rabadash Records presents – Serabee
7:30 PM   Award Presentations:
– Lifetime Achievement Award: George Porter, Jr.  
– Music Influencer Award: Jimmy Ford  
– Trumpet Award for Cultural Leadership: Celebrate Canal   
6:00 PM – 2:00 AM   Artists Showcases (venues across New Orleans)
Saturday, August  16, 2025
Location: RM – TBA
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM  Educators Panel [MUS. BUSINESS]
Where do educators and institutions stand today in better equipping artists and entertainment entrepreneurs?
Speakers
Dr. Peter Cho, Executive Dean, Delgado Community College, West Bank Campus
Dr. Raymond M. Delaney Jr., Southern University, New Orleans
10:00 – 11:00 Introducing Performance Matters  
Gain insight from a man called “a joyful and confident performer.” His book on live Performance, “Performance Matters,” is a core part of his Masterclass.
Speaker:
John M, Songwriter, Performance Author
11:15 PM – 12:30 PM Songwriting with Michele Vice-Maslin, Part III [MUS. BUSINESS]
Conversations with Songwriters
Veteran Songwriter and Producer Michele Vice-Maslin leads the third of three sessions on essential considerations when crafting a song for sync licensing.
Speakers:
Michele Vice Maslin, Emmy-winning, #1 Hit Songwriter, Producer, Arranger
10:00 PM – 5:00 PM   “Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp (Invitation Only) – Songwriting Recording Opens”
Small songwriting groups (4/5 songwriters per room), led by lead songwriters – The goal is to write one song per room per session.
[Performance expands into New Orleans, with writing happening at the InterContinental Hotel.
Creators House  
JAMericana Féte
The Broadside
600 N. Broad St, NOLA
Workshops, Performances, Film/Art Meetup, Arts Market
**Free Admission**
Saturday, August 16
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Supported by the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, New Orleans & Company, Louisiana Seafood Board, Valhalla Amplification, DAWn Audio, Louisiana Produces, New Orleans Agenda, BreakThru Media, Broadside, and Broad Theaters
Musicians, Students, and Creative Entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend
Discussion – Filmmaker Profile – Presentations   
• Music – Artists’ Performances, Interviews, information on negotiating recording contracts, your music in Film/TV, Virtual Speed Meeting
• Tech – Music Tech, Esports, Equipment Demonstration, Podcast
• Film – Planning, Incentives,  
Creators House is an ongoing project dedicated to initiatives that support the success of creators. We thank 2112 Chicago Music, Tech, Film Incubator for introducing us to this dynamic concept of focused sharing and skill-building.
Locations:
Performance Room
Courtyard Bar
1:00 – 1:45 The Voiceover Project – McKinley Studios/GMc+Co. Strategic Communications Advertising Agency
  From Grammy-winning recordings to successful advertising campaigns, McKinley Studios is now training voiceover and narration artists. McKinley Studios and GMc+Co Advertising Agency have launched many projects into the Creators space. In this discussion here about their exciting new training programs, which are already providing success.
2:00 – 2:45 Music Tech Conversation – Sponsored by DAWn Audio
Participants:
Diego Pinzon, Co-Founder, CEO, DAWn Audio (Moderator)
Richard (Rick) Fors, Partner, Valhalla Amplification
Kee Mayer, Partner, Valhalla Amplification
3:15 – 4:15 Film Meetup – Planning, Structuring a Film or Documentary, Tax Incentives, Financing, Rights Clearance
Participants:
Jim Dotson, General Manager WLAE TV/LAE Productions
Wendy Fleetwood, Award-winning Film Director, Producer, Writer
Wayne Douglass Morgan, Filmmaker, President, Louisiana Produces, SAG-AFTRA New Orleans Board Member
Simonette Berry, Documentary Filmmaker, Business Agent, IATSE
4:25 – 5:05 Hot Trends in Performing – What Artists Should Know
Participants:
Henry Turner, Jr, Owner, Henry Turner, Jr. Listening Room
Don P, Radio Personality
John M, Author, Performance Matters
Marcia Groff, Entertainment Enterprises
5:15 – 6:00 Art Organizations Meetup/discussion: Information on upcoming meetings, programming, and happenings around town. Hosted by: Lilli Lewis  
Participants:
Marigny Hemenway, Event Management, Music Industry Public Relations, Musician, Bandleader
Erin Frankenheimer, Recording Academy 
Kia Robinson, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation
Ashley Shabankareh, President, Folk Alliance International
6:00 Cutting Edge Community Service Awards and Arts Organizations Reception
Recipients:
Community Service Award: WWOZ 90.7 FM
Community Service Award: Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans (MACCNO)
Performances
@The Broadside
JAMericana Féte
3:00 PM (Main Stage)
(Freddie Blue & the Friendship Circle, Loose Cattle, Paul Sanchez, Rorschach Blues Band, Will Vance & The Kinfolk, DiNOLA, Mia Borders, Lilli Lewis Project)
Performance Hall
6:15 – 7:30 Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp – Performing a song written during the camp
7:30 – 9:30   Mississippi Songwriters Presents: Songwriters in the Round
9:45 – 11:00 DJs, Urban Jam
NewWorks Artists Showcase –
3:00 PM House of Blues – SpringBoard/WeGetMusic Sponsored Stages
Sunday, August 17  
@ The Broadside
**Special Event**
Roots Music Gathering
“Oral History Brunch”
Dedicated to Tom Morgan, former WWOZ radio personality, Author, “From Cakewalks to Concert Halls: An Illustrated History of African American Popular Music From 1895 To 1930”
Oral History Subjects:   
– James Andrews, Musician, Grandson of Jessie (Oop Poo Pah Doo) Hill
– Shirley King, “Blues For A King” vocalist, celebrating her father, BB King’s 100th Birthday
– Conversation/Demonstration Henry Turner, Jr. & Little Freddie King
 Interviewers
Eric Cager, Cutting Edge Director
David Kunian, Music Curator, New Orleans Jazz Museum
2025 Cutting Edge Music Business Sessions Speakers
Jessica Alvarez, Sync Musica
James Andrews, Musician, Grandson of Jessie (Oop Poo Pah Doo) Hill
John Autin, President/CEO, Rabadash Entertainment, Rabadash Studios (Music & Films)
Simonette Berry, Documentary Filmmaker, Business Agent, IATSE
Alan Brewer, President/Owner, New Brew Entertainment
Rico Brooks, CEO, Adella Thomas Management   
Kerry Brown, Talent Buyer, Gretna Fest
Eric L Cager, Director, Cutting Edge CE (Moderator)
Dave Catching, Ranco de la Luna Studio
Dr. Peter Cho, Executive Dean, Delgado Community College, West Bank Campus
Barry Coffing, CEO, WeGetMusic
Megan Coffing, Graphic Designer
Dr. Raymond M. Delaney Jr., Southern University, New Orleans
Paul Diaz, Owner, TreeSound Studios
Mike Dixon, Soda Rock Music
Jim Dotson, General Manager WLAE TV/LAE Productions
Cliff Downing, Musician, Engineer  
Wendy Coleman Fleetwood, Director/Producer/Writer
Jimmy Ford, Owner, Jimmy Ford Clinic  
Richard (Rick) Fors, Partner, Valhalla Amplification
Erin Frankenheimer, Recording Academy 
Gloria Garcia, M.D., Nonprofit Consultant
Marcia Groff, Entertainment Enterprises
Marigny Hemenway, Event Management, Music Industry Public Relations, Musician, Bandleader
Tate Henshaw, CFP, ARC Business Management  
Danny Jones, Engineer
Scott Keniley, Esq., Keniley Kumar, Atlanta, GA
Shirley King, “Blues For A King” vocalist, is celebrating her father, BB King’s 100th Birthday
Tracy LaPorte, Radio Programmer, 2Step Tribe
Lilli Lewis, Musician, Bandleader, Music Industry Organizer, Social Entrepreneur  
John M, Songwriter, Performance Author
Reid Martin, Co-Founder, CEO, Midcitizen Entertainment
Michele Vice-Maslin, Emmy-winning, #1 Hit Songwriter, Producer, Arranger
Kee Mayer, Partner, Valhalla Amplification
Weston McGowen, Music Economist, Equal Rights, LLC
Glenda McKinley, Owner, GMc+Co Advertising Agency
Jack Miele, Producer/Engineer, Jack Miele Productions
I.V. Miller, General Manager, House of Blues, New Orleans
Wayne Douglass Morgan, Filmmaker, President, Louisiana Produces, SAG-AFTR New Orleans Board Member
Amanda (Mandy) Ortiz, VP Marketing, DAWn Audio
Don P, Radio Personality
Michael Paz, Paz Production
Diego Pinzon, Co-Founder, CEO, DAWn Audio (Moderator)
Kia Robinson, New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Foundation
Uncle Ryano, Country Music Veteran, Sgt 2Step Foundation
Linda Septien, Septien Entertainment Group
Robert Singerman, Partner, LyricFind, Partner/EVP, Global Biz Dev.
Henry Turner, Jr., Musician, Promoter, Henry Turner, Jr, Listening Room Museum Foundation
Rueben Williams, Thunderbird Management Group/Artist Management Plus