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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 20, 2012
Contact: Andria Bentley, Press Secretary
albanymusiccoalition@gmail.com
Albany Music Coalition Preparing for Launch
Group aims to connect musicians with informational resources, fans and each other
Albany, New York (February 20, 2012) – To provide an interactive forum for local musicians to share ideas and coordinate efforts, a group of local performers and fans recently formed an organization called the Albany Music Coalition. The Coalition aims to serve as an informational resource for the Capital Region’s active and diverse music community, as well as to host and help publicize performances, creative gatherings, and educational programs.
“There are so many amazing events happening all the time around here,” said co-founder Harith Saam. “We want to make it easier for musicians to get together, and for fans to keep track.”
Co-founder and musician Katie Hammon noted the value of a convenient communication hub. “Too often I hear murmurs of new festivals in the works, similar shows planned for the same nights, or these great ideas that simmer out due to a lack of community to make them happen,” Hammon said. “It would be great to have a way to come together from the start, to maximize the energy we put toward common goals and projects.”
Saam and Hammon first conceived of the Coalition as a way to connect area musicians, record labels, venues and media. Fans will be able to subscribe to a mailing list to receive a monthly calendar of events. The Coalition also plans to host its own showcase concerts and community events, as well as seminars and discussions on topics such as the creative process and marketing.
Hammon added, “Over time, we hope to provide a diverse range of resources for our members. Members will give and take of one another through a members-only platform for the exchange of information, ideas and opportunities. We hope to work with musicians and music lovers of all ages and backgrounds to enhance the capitol region’s music community as a whole.”
The Coalition will function as a volunteer-operated organization, offering free membership until 2013. After the free pilot year, the organization plans to implement a low-cost dues schedule to support and expand activities and services. The Coalition recently began the process of incorporating. Its first event will be an April kick-off show to raise funds to achieve non-profit status and officially launch the organization.
