(LMC logo designed by Glen Clark of Lafayette.)

LOUISIANA MUSIC COMMISSION Updated 2/17/99 1:55PM CST

Ellis L. Marsalis Jr. CHAIRMAN Bernie Cyrus EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Steve Picou ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Gavin Convention Brings Radio Programmers,
Record Companies and Artists to New Orleans

February 12, 1999 (NEW ORLEANS)--The annual gathering of radio programmers and record companies staged by Gavin magazine runs from Wednesday February 17 through Saturday February 21 at the Hyatt Hotel in New Orleans. The San Francisco-based industry journal holds the annual event to bring together leaders in radio to discuss trends in the business and to receive awards. The magazine features charts that cover a wide range of music formats, and the awards reflect the chart designations.

The gathering will bring more than 3000 industry professionals to New Orleans. Attendees will also be checking out special showcases at venues around town sponsored by various record companies.

Several Louisiana artists will be featured at Gavin-related showcases including Capricorn recording artists Galactic, Sony Classic's Terrence Blanchard, Jericho Records' John Cleary, Columbia Records' the Neville Brothers and more.

A local label, Louisiana Red Hot Records, will be sponsoring a showcase featuring former Saturday Night Live (and Hall & Oates') guitarist G.E. Smith. In most cases, night time showcases will be open to the public, so check local listings.

The Gavin convention was last held in New Orleans two years ago. The Louisiana Music Commission is working to keep the convention coming to Louisiana regularly. "This is an important addition to the music scene," said LMC executive director Bernie Cyrus. "Events like Gavin give us a chance to reach leaders in the music industry. And they always end up wanting to return for more."

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