The School of Law’s Sports and Entertainment Law Society has joined forces with the Music Business Program in the Terry College of Business and Nuçi’s Space to host a conference on current music industry business and legal issues. Open to the public, the conference will be held Feb. 23 from 3-6 p.m. at the Melting Point in downtown Athens. In addition, a free legal clinic for local musicians will be held Feb. 24 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Nuçi’s Space, located at 396 Oconee St.
Conference discussion sessions will address topics such as booking, contracts and copyright issues, and panelists will include legal and business music professionals such as David Barbe, director of the music business program; David Claassen, BMI director; Bertis Downs, R.E.M. manager; Steve Lopez, Widespread Panic tour manager; Nikki Marshall, Red Clay Clearances owner; Lisa Moore, director of Georgia Lawyers for the Arts; Scott Orvold, talent buy for the Georgia Theatre; David Prasse, owner of Slushfund Recordings; David Shipley, Georgia Law professor; and Velena Vego, talent buyer for the 40 Watt Club.
The clinic will be staffed by experienced entertainment law attorneys and will provide musicians with one-on-one consultations. It is best for those seeking legal advice to pre-schedule their appointment by sending an email to protectathensmusic@gmail.com.
