Pure, Unadulterated Joy

#CA is so beautiful

This is one of my favorite drives. Helps remind me why I still live here in spite of it all.
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#Palos Verdes especially pretty today

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Love these horses

As a child, my sisters and I collected plastic horses and played pretend as wild horses. Yes, we had/have vivid imaginations. No TV till I was a Junior in high school which made us play outside and create our own fun.

This is really fun to observe as a result.
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#Santa Anita Race Track is so fun!

A horse just backed its butt up to the rail and started dropping road apples almost on the crowd. LOL

That's what you call really eco-friendly. LOL STINKS!!!
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Facebook Marketing Panel @MIHollywood with @TheJoyWriter, @AudioRunner, @RCUnderground, @Joseph_Yi, and @LaFamos

By Joy A. Kennelly

 

L-R Brad Bogus, Britton Sparkman, Joy Kennelly, Joseph Yi, Todd Berhorst, Hunter Scott in the Green Room pre-panel (Photo credit for all images courtesy of Madhavi Patel)

 Last Thursday, April 21, the Musicians Institute hosted our Facebook Marketing panel with my esteemed panelists:

Brad Bogus, Member of SXSW showcased band “Audio Runner” & Social Media Architect for “Speak Social.” Follow @audiorunner 

Britton Sparkman, co-founder and lead guitar player for Red Circle Underground, voted #5 Fan Favorite and #20 in Top 50 Bands by The Deli Magazine. Follow @rcunderground

Joseph Yi, Social Media & Marketing Solutions Manager – GAGA Sports & Entertainment/VPMarketing – RewardMe, specializes in brand management and digital strategies. Follow @joseph_yi 

Hunter Scott, Co-Founder/President of La Famos PR & Branding firm and a Musicians Institute Music Business Teacher, is profiled alongside NARAS Grammy President, Neil Portnow and Gene Simmons (KIIS) in Dan Kimpel's book, It All Begins with the Music: Developing Artists and Careers for the New Music Business. Follow @LaFamos 

After a quick introduction from the Musicians Institute Director of Artists and Career Services, Todd Berhorst, we were off and running.

 

As Moderator, it was my job to ensure every panelist contributed and to keep the evening moving along. We had a lot of ground to cover and it was very interesting to hear the corporate and artist perspective on how they utilize Facebook as a tool in their social media/promotional outreach.

 

 After my formal introductions, I invited everyone to share their stories and any videos they had brought to share. Britton brought recent footage shot of Red Circle Underground performing at the Viper Room to give people a flavor of their music and showcase an example of what he would typically share with fans via Facebook.

Brad shared a quick video of Audio Runner performing at SXSW and  

the travel diary he and his wife created driving out to CA to speak on our panel. 

I've posted both videos on my other blog which you can see here: http://thejoywriter.typepad.com/pure_unadulterated_joy/2011/04/rcunderground-performing-live-theviperroom-which-lead-guitarist-britton-sparkman-shared-mihollywoods-social-media-panel.html and here: http://thejoywriter.typepad.com/pure_unadulterated_joy/2011/04/audiorunners-bradbogus-shared-this-video-mihollywoods-social-media-panel-last-night.html

Joseph brought a short video highlighting some of the fun promos they've created for the Los Angeles Clippers and "Jeanie Vision" for the LA Lakers which was voted Best Sports Reality by Sports Illustrated which you can view here:

Who knew sports people were so funny?

We covered numerous topics including comparing Facebook to ReverbNation and Myspace. Everyone agreed Facebook dominates the social media landscape, but ReverbNation and Roots Music are great plug-ins to showcase music on a free custom player with the least amount of legal infringements on your rights as an artist.

Myspace hasn't kept up with changing their interface according to Joseph, but Brad pointed out it was still popular among those more graphically oriented. I'm always fascinated how many people still add me on Myspace and interact there personally. It's not dead yet as the Monty Python character exclaimed!:)

 

  L-R Joy Kennelly, Hunter Scott, Britton Sparkman, Joseph Yi, Brad Bogus (Bo Bridges' Hard Rock Billboard print on display next to Brad.) Photo Credit Madhavi Patel

Hunter said ReverbNation is great for emailing fans due to the analytics (demographics) which was a big emphasis of his presentation as a marketing person. He also highly recommended checking out Facebook's analytics on a fan page to see who is actually following you, what countries and cities they live in, how many are male vs. female, what post drew the most interest to allow you to repeat what's working or change what's not if you lost followers by saying something that didn't go over well. 

 

 Joseph emphasized the fact that although Facebook is great for building community, it's very important to keep a separate presence off Facebook because you have no control over whether Facebook will remove your fan page and you don't own the content posted there. Britton agreed and said one of the reasons he never uploaded music straight to Facebook was due to the legal issues concerning third party applications which his lawyer fiancee said not to agree to.

Brad saw no problem with the privacy issues on Facebook which require people to opt-out, rather than opt-in which is common in any other social media platform or email outreach. He figured he'd rather receive ads focused on his likes and desires than ads that were completely irrelevant. I, personally, disagreed knowing how invasive third party applications can be because I don't want anyone knowing every single thing about me including my bank account balance and other privacy concerns which often happens.

Britton opted out of  having people check him in without his knowledge on Facebook, but agreed he has no problem sharing with people where he and his band are performing or doing things. Just on his terms, not someone else's.

We briefly touched on Twitter because that's the topic of next week's panel on May 5th with Benjamin Patterson of DashGo, Inc. and Amanda Coolong of TechZulu. (More panelists to be announced. Stay tuned. You can buy tickets here: http://socialmediaseminarseries.eventbrite.com)

Joseph mentioned Twitter takes down the corporate wall whereas with Facebook there is still a little separation between fans and a brand or entity. Hunter felt Twitter was the best way to develop followers. Brad encouraged the audience not to get too caught up in the "tool" they were using, but to focus more on the methodology. What is your reason for interacting with fans? To gain information? To solicit support? To drive traffic to your music? 

 

With Speak Social, the social media agency Brad runs which supports his band, Audio Runner, they have a very definite regimen with their social media campaigns. They post video and audio (podcasts & songs) once a month, blogs, news and articles four times a month, tweet once a day, and always respond immediately to their fans. Audio Runner also post a lot of open-ended questions to help them learn more about who they're serving to allow them to join forums and other social media communities where they can expand their reach organically. 

He said Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails were great examples of doing things right and bands they emulate. A big believer in giving away music for free, Brad did believe in creating a "social currency" which required fans to either buy a t-shirt, "like" their Facebook Fan Page, or provide an email to receive a free download of their song. He passed out Audio Runner t-shirts to those who asked questions after and explained the QR code (as seen below) allowed people to use their "smart phones" to reveal a link to Audio Runner's Facebook page, sign up with an email, etc.

 

Very clever marketing idea and very tech savvy way to reach your target audience. 

Hunter pointed out that although Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails did give away their music for free now, they could make all the money they ever wanted by touring because they're so well-known. He encouraged indie bands to value their music and create an exchange for what fans receive because if they don't value it, the fans won't either. He gave an example of offering colored condoms in exchange for people signing up to receive their client's newsletter during a concert for one of his clients which proved very effective. 

 

Britton shared the best way he found to gather more fans was live, one-on-one because once someone heard their music live he found often they would gain more followers by referrals afterward. He uses the pen and paper method which has proven successful for them. However, he did find it difficult to expand their fan base due to the limitations of touring live constantly when you're working full-time.

Hunter emphasized making sure you gathered this information while the set was playing because expecting people to walk over to your band's merchandise table, or sign up later for a band they can't remember, the chances of them doing so are slim and none. However, offering something of value in exchange for the coveted email worked very well if approached properly. 

In the first Social Media panel we held on April 7, Evan Lowenstein of Stageit shared his whole mission was to ensure artists are paid for their music and effort. Just as a quick aside, here's the video which he used to showcase how his program allows artists to create intimate shows and receive "tips" during playing and sell tickets ahead of time.

I think it's important for artists to see there is a way to reach your fans without touring and make money which is why I'm repeating it here. 

Plus, they're fun guys so why not watch them again?:)

Joseph had a great point of not getting so caught up in the numbers game of how many fans you have. It's more important to have a quality community of people who believe and support what you're doing, rather than people who aren't engaged.

When asked how his company deals with overly enthusiastic and passionate fans who get into arguments over sports, he explained it's natural for fans to be passionate, especially when in the case of the LA Clippers, they might be losing. However, they don't allow certain fans to ruin the experience for everyone who's part of that community.

Joseph has shut down walls when they've gotten too ugly, but it's not something he recommended or likes to do. It's just necessary to maintain a quality experience for all.

When the panel was asked what they do on their fan pages to encourage interaction, Joseph continued by saying GAGA makes sure to show content like pictures and videos created especially for the fans. This encourages people to engage and come back more often. 

 

 Brad agreed and emphasized sharing video of behind-the-scenes experiences bands may take for granted, but fans enjoy viewing. This tip had been repeated at another social media panel I attended last year with a band who had 100,000's of thousands of fans which makes it very valuable advice to follow. He also recommended asking open-ended questions to find out where fans hang out and then joining those communities to raise visibility for your band in a new arena where like-minded people would appreciate your style too.

That was one of the key ways Brad shared Audio Runner was able to grow from 800 fans this past December to over 7,000 as of the panel. Engagement is key and being willing to reach beyond the walls of your fan page is important too.

Joseph mentioned it was also important to maintain authenticity and a real connection to fans by revealing things perhaps not normally seen, hence the cute singing video from the LA Clipper player. Hunter shared posting photos was key for his clients and tagging was also very beneficial since it extends your reach out to those who are tagged as well.

There were other points discussed as well, but I have to run and you need to attend next time if you want to hear all the pearls of wisdom dispensed by my amazing panelists. We are working on presenting the live presentation in another format which we'll announce once it's finalized.

In the meantime, if you liked what you read here, please consider joining us for the next panel where we explore Twitter on May 5 at the Musicians Institute Concert Hall at 7:30pm -9:00pm again. Registration and more information available here: http://socialmediaseminarseries.eventbrite.com

We look forward to having you join us early too as we enjoy Krazy BBQ food truck serving from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.

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Great animal exhibits at Natural History Museum - who knew?:)

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Fun people here tonight

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Age of Mammals @Cinespia

Now imagine really interesting DJs spinning in various rooms and you'll have the vibe.
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Our "Night at the Museum" experience - totally fun!

It's swarming with hipsters too.:) http://thejoywriter.com

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#Cinefamily night @Natural History Museum - free

Total LA scene. Passed one guy who asked, upon seeing the girl in front of us, "When is the stripper shoe fad going to end?"

Guess he's a Birkenstock guy.:) http://thejoywriter.com

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@Mindfulnest #Santa Monica visiting @Kleanspa

Enjoying the Artist Meet & Greet here at Mindfulnest located at 2711 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405.

I especially like this art work display of cassettes and vinyl. Really eclectic gifts, jewelry, spa line, art, and more.

Pop by! Open till 8pm. http://thejoywriter.com

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@grubrestaurant is super popular too #GCI

Grub was voted Best American Food in Los Angeles '09 Citysearch. www.grub-la.com

And if you missed lunch here at LA Center Studios, the Grilled Cheese Invitational runs till 6pm. Google it cuz for some reason they forgot to put their website, Facebook and Twitter handle on the flyer passed out on-site.

Organizers may not be very social media savvy, but they sure are fun savvy. Poetry, cooking and cheese costume contests, beer garden, and the scent of grilled cheese wafting through the air no matter where you walk.

Follow @tillamookcheese for their contests and enter to win a year's supply of Tillamook cheese!:)
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Grilled Cheese Judging Contest here #GCI

I would do anything for cheese except eat soy is one team's name. Now coming on stage, the cheesy nerds, champions from last year's contest.
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Melty goodness @GrilledCheeseTruk! Can't wait

This is my first time. Feel like a grilled cheese virgin.:)
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It isn't a party without a live marching band! #GCI

How fun. Now that's a band. Totally crazy. Love it!
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Cheesy costume @Grilled Cheese Invitational #GCI

Little Miss Muffett is running around in a cute purple costume too. We're all in cheese heaven. Finally going to experience the Grilled Cheese Truck's yummy sandwiches. Can't wait to have them join us at the Musicians Institute Concert Hall on May 19 before our Blogging panel from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
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The 2nd 8th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational - #Tillamook first

Guess Wisconsin is jealous today!:) http://thejoywriter.com

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@RCUnderground performing live @theVIPERroom which Lead Guitarist Britton Sparkman shared @MIHollywood's #Social #Media Panel on @Facebook April 21

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@AudioRunner's @BradBogus shared this video @MIHollywood's #Social Media Panel last night

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Funny Social Media commentary as I run to Musicians Institute for tonight's Facebook Panel #in #MISMS11

Isn't this the truth sometimes?:)

If you're able to brave traffic, all are welcome to join as for our Facebook Marketing panel at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA tonight at 7:30pm.

Tickets $20 at the door. Cash only. Discounts available online with code: www.socialmediaseminarseries.eventbrite.com - More details on panelists and topics too.

Gotta run! Hope to see you there!
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#Justin Beiber - To buy, or not to buy?:)

He sings Baby, baby when you push a button...
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Truth on @Obama's #Economic #Fiscal Impact on America - Are we really better off? D'oh!

Numbers don't lie, and here is the data on the impact Obama has had on the lives of Americans:

 

 

	January 2009	TODAY(Feb,2011)	% chg	Source
Avg. retail price/gallon gas in U.S.	$1.83	$3.104	69.6%	1
Crude oil, European Brent (barrel)	$43.48	$99.02	127.7%	2
Crude oil, West TX Inter. (barrel)	$38.74	$91.38	135.9%	2
Gold: London (per troy oz.)	$853.25	$1,369.50	60.5%	2
Corn, No.2 yellow, Central IL	$3.56	$6.33	78.1%	2
Soybeans, No. 1 yellow, IL	$9.66	$13.75	42.3%	2
Sugar, cane, raw, world, lb. fob	$13.37	$35.39	164.7%	2
Unemployment rate, non-farm, overall	7.6%	9.4%	23.7%	3
Unemployment rate, blacks	12.6%	15.8%	25.4%	3
Number of unemployed	11,616,000	14,485,000	24.7%	3
Number of fed. employees, ex. military (curr = 12/10 prelim)	2,779,000	2,840,000	2.2%	3
Real median household income (2008 v 2009)	$50,112	$49,777	-0.7%	4
Number of food stamp recipients (curr = 10/10)	31,983,716	43,200,878	35.1%	5
Number of unemployment benefit recipients (curr = 12/10)	7,526,598	9,193,838	22.2%	6
Number of long-term unemployed	2,600,000	6,400,000	146.2%	3
Poverty rate, individuals (2008 v 2009)	13.2%	14.3%	8.3%	4
People in poverty in U.S. (2008 v 2009)	39,800,000	43,600,000	9.5%	4
U.S. rank in Economic Freedom World Rankings	5	9	n/a	10
Present Situation Index (curr = 12/10)	29.9	23.5	-21.4%	11
Failed banks (curr = 2010 + 2011 to date)	140	164	17.1%	12
U.S. dollar versus Japanese yen exchange rate	89.76	82.03	-8.6%	2
U.S. money supply, M1, in billions (curr = 12/10 prelim)	1,575.1	1,865.7	18.4%	13
U.S. money supply, M2, in billions (curr = 12/10 prelim)	8,310.9	8,852.3	6.5%	13
National debt, in trillions	$10.627	$14.052	32.2%	14

 

Just take this last item:  In the last two years we have accumulated national debt at a rate more than 27 times as fast as during the rest of our entire nation's history.  Over 27 times as fast!  Metaphorically, speaking, if you are driving in the right lane doing 65 MPH and a car rockets past you in the left lane27 times faster . . . it would be doing 1,755 MPH!  This is a disaster! 

I "hope" we "change" soon. The only aspects which seem to have gone down are the value of the dollar and our income. Not good.

Sources:

(1) U.S. Energy Information Administration; (2) Wall Street Journal; (3) Bureau of Labor Statistics; (4) Census Bureau; (5) USDA; (6) U.S. Dept. of Labor; (7) FHFA; (8) Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller; (9) RealtyTrac; (10) Heritage Foundation and WSJ; (11) The Conference Board; (12) FDIC; (13) Federal Reserve; (14) U.S. Treasury

 

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A baby food truck lol

Sorry, couldn't resist. I like little things.:)
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@MIHollywood @JinglePunks @RocketHub #Social Media Panel blogs & April 21 @Facebook Panel Speakers & Tickets

By Joy A. Kennelly

Normally when I attend conferences I take dictation and microblog what the speakers are saying while they are speaking. I couldn't do that while moderating which is why I'm very happy to share the Musicians Institute's comprehensive blog coverage of all the speakers on April 7th's social media panel which addressed viral marketing with videos, live concerts utilizing StageIt, YouTube, Facebook, personal vs. professional publicity and so much more.

Click the picture below to be stunned and amazed at the wisdom coming from these mere mortals with extreme talent, creativity and intelligence:

And for those who didn't get to click the pic above,  you can click here: http://blog.mi.edu/post/Social-Media-Seminar-Series.aspx

Jingle Punks has another fun blog post and Facebook Fan Page highlighting our event as well which you can review here:

And for those who again, didn't understand to click the pic, click here: http://www.jinglepunks.com/blog/2011/04/15/photo-recap-musicians-institute/

They included more of the funny pictures taken that night which you can like here: http://www.facebook.com/jinglepunks

I'm in the camp of Jingle Punks where you can combine fun in business and life. Those who think those two can't work together, guess you haven't read Richard Branson's bio. You know, the Virgin Atlantic CEO, right?

Read his thoughts on life: http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/ 

Maybe it will change your mind.:)

And RocketHub has posted their blog coverage of our panel together too which is a nice quick overview of the most salient points which you can read by clicking the RocketHub logo or title below:

Musicians Institute Hosts The State of The New Music Industry Discussion

APRIL 21 FACEBOOK SEMINAR

7:30pm - 9:00pm Musicians Institute 

This week's panel on Thursday, April 21, which I'm moderating again, covers everything you ever wanted to learn about Facebook. Speakers on this week's Facebook Marketing panel include: 

Brad Bogus, Member of SXSW showcased band “Audio Runner” & Social Media Architect for “Speak Social”

Joseph Yi, Social Media & Marketing Solutions Manager – GAGA Sports & Entertainment/VPMarketing – RewardMe 

Hunter Scott, Co-Founder/President of La Famos PR & Branding firm and a Musicians Institute Music Business Teacher 

Britton Sparkman, co-founder and lead guitar player for Red Circle Underground are speaking at this week's Facebook marketing panel

You can buy tickets for the April 21 panel, or any of the ensuing panels below:

Online Ticketing for The Joy Writer & Musicians Institute Present Social Media Seminar Series 2011 powered by Eventbrite

Come early to enjoy Chef Jack Harding's simply great gourmet food at his Clean Street Food Truck 5:30pm - 7:30pm across from the Concert Hall.  

Bye flower fields - it's been beautiful and fun

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In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends Kozuko Okakura

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Carlsbad Flower Fields overlooking the ocean

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Carlsbad Field of Flowers in full bloom

We're in the orchid tent after leaving the sweet pea maze. Lots of professional photographers shooting macro images. I bet if you Google this place you can see tons!
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The things you see driving down the freeway lol

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Art is everywhere @Amoebamusic

I love the energy here. Music's not bad either.:) http://thejoywriter.com

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#Samuel Lowder (Freprs) Heartless Candle Opening Reception tonight 6pm - 10pm

It's at MKG2 Project Space on 171 S La Brea across the street from the Merry Karnowsky Gallery www.mkgallery.com for all the details.

Amazing what Samuel Lowder does with a spray can.
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#Raul de la Torre & Philippa Blair @mkgalleryla

My Foursqaure art display was actually from the Ann330 Gallery. Apparently this space has broken into three different galleries now.

I used to live right around the corner and remember it being all one gallery. Sign of the times I guess. Now off to Samuel Lowder's pop up gallery across the street.

Graffiti art. One of my faves. http://thejoywriter.com

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Social Media Seminar Series 2011 April 21 Facebook Panel Presented by @MIHollywood & @thejoywriter

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Karate too. Wilson Park has it going on:)

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Roller Hockey in Wilson Park. Who knew?

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My first apple pie (threw in dried cranberries)

Anyone want to share a piece with me?:)
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@TheJoyWriter's Social Media Seminar Panel @MIHollywood April 7 Recap

By Joy A. Kennelly

Last week's Social Media Seminar I produced with the Musicians Institute on the overview of numerous social media platforms was a blast to moderate. Everyone who attended was raving too over the quality of information presented.

We also enjoyed KabobNRoll and KnockOutTaco Food Truck's delicious food before the panel began. Who knows who will show up next week?!

It was great to finally meet all the panelists in person and see others I haven't seen since Social Media Week last year. Extremely talented, creative, smart and humble...

 

L-R Evan Lowenstein, Jared Gutstadt, Joy Kennelly, Terra Naomi, Vladimir Vukicevic

Their official bios are posted below to give you more information on their backgrounds and expertise. I read each as they walked out on stage to join the panel and then they each took turns sharing their perspective on social media which was excellent.

 

Photo Credit Michael Twigg

All the panelists were swarmed after the panel with eager audience members continuing their questions and interest in their companies and careers also. Two attendees even wrote into the Artist and Career Services Department after to share their thoughts:

Robb A. "Honestly, I thought the Social Media Seminar was great! I will happily attend the rest of them..."

Remi S.  "I'm so glad I attended this most interesting seminar..."

It was personally very gratifying to have several attendees come up to me and thank me for organizing the series.

Even Musicians Institute staff and faculty commented on how much they learned and enjoyed the session. I knew they would!

L-R Jared Gutstadt, Evan Lowenstein, Todd Berhorst, Joy Kennelly, Terra Naomi, Vladimir Vukicevic

When you read their bios here below you will see why I was so confident. I add my quick highlights in italics after each:

Evan Lowenstein

Founder & CEO

Recently named to Digital Media Wire’s list of 25 Execs to Watch in Digital Entertainment for 2011, Evan Lowenstein launched StageIt with the goal of creating a web-based platform that would empower artists to deliver and monetize interactive live experiences. While overseeing all aspects of this groundbreaking company as CEO, Lowenstein relies on his nearly 20 years of experience in the music industry as a recording artist, award-winning writer and executive.

Most recently, Lowenstein founded and served as President of HookUp Feed, a premier social networking and mobile marketing company where he still remains as a senior advisor.    

Previously, he hosted USA Network’s Character Road Trip, a weekly series providing viewers with a peek into the greatest "characters" the country has to offer. Lowenstein was also a recording and touring artist with pop/rock band Evan and Jaron who scored three Top 40 hits, including the Top 10 song Crazy For This Girl.

Evan shared a video of StageIt in action showcasing he and his twin brother, Jaron performing in their living room which raised over $1,000 using his program.  His in-depth knowledge of the music business both as a performer and executive was very informative and well-received. His swag included a sticker stating "Show us your Tips." LOL

Jared Gutstadt

Founder - Jingle Punks to Composer, Co-Founder/CEO JinglePunks (composer: Pawn Stars, American Pickers, Real Housewives of Atlanta; JinglePunks placements: Entourage/HBO, 90210/CW, Jackass 3D/film)

Jared Gutstadt is an American music Entrepreneur and C.E.O. of Jingle Punks Music. Jingle Punks Music has been featured in Billboard, Wired, Variety, and his company was named "one of America's most promising start ups" by Business Week.

Jared started Jingle Punks Music after spending a decade balancing a dual career as an editor by day and rockstar by night. After years cutting and composing for many of the TV industry's top networks, it was apparent to Jared that the media had a ravenous appetite for dynamic music collections that would change and grow to reflect cultural trends. Jared also found that the way in which a library is made accessible to a client also would determine how often such a collection would be used. Because a source such as this did not exist he knew there was an enormous opportunity for him to take the lead.

Jared is also the lead singer in two very well known indie bands who now gets his live fix speaking on industry panels mentoring at conferences and keeping a busy schedule of school and Apple store appearances.

Jared's music background as a composer is something he applies to his business and was very happy to share a recent viral marketing success Jingle Punks experienced with an orchestral remake of a Strokes song. This video blew up the Twittersphere and helped raise their profile in numerous ways.

He generously passed out swag to all attendees who asked questions and spoke to him after. I grabbed a Jingle Punks bobble head.:)

Terra Naomi

Terra Naomi became YouTube’s first breakout music star when she launched her innovative “Virtual Summer Tour” from her Hollywood apartment in 2006 & scored an accidental viral hit with her song “Say It’s Possible.” Naomi was the only new artist to perform in Al Gore’s Live Earth at Wembley Stadium after an invitation from the man himself & has toured/performed with The Fray, Martha Wainwright, Tyler Hilton, Sara Bareilles, Corinne Bailey Rae & Natasha Bedingfield.

After releasing her album 'Under the Influence' on Island Universal Records & touring the UK, Terra performed at the newly resurrected Lilith Fair, alongside artists including Colbie Caillat, Miranda Lambert, A Fine Frenzy, Sarah McLachlan & Heart. With songs in several feature films, TV shows such as “Private Practice” & “American Idol,” & a new album in the works, produced by John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Jason Mraz) Terra Naomi is ready to break through to the mainstream in an organic, authentic way.

Terra Naomi has created her own music for years and shared her experiences finding accidental success on YouTube before YouTube was even an everyday channel for everyone. She also shared she bakes cookies for fans in order to raise money to self-fund her music.

Terra is performing at Hotel Cafe on April 19 and decided to go old school passing out postcards promoting her show.

Vladimir Vukicevic

 Vladimir Vukicevic is an entrepreneur and established thought leader in the world of social media and innovation. He has taught Fortune 500 companies how to apply innovative technology, combined pop culture with management theory on his blog, and is the co-founder of RocketHub.

Vlad is the co-author of The Crowdfunding Manifesto, a popular foundational resource for musicians and other artists. Vlad and the RocketHub team share a bold vision: that crowdsourcing funds and brand engagement is the new path to creative empowerment.

 Vlad's company experienced media success on ABC just before the panel and flew all the way in from New York to share his perspective on crowdfunding. RocketHub connects brands and fans with entrepreneurs and creatives seeking funding which was a popular topic.

World Renowned Photographer, Bo Bridges, has 'followed the snow' documenting the seminal moments of Olympiads Jonny Mosely and Picabo Street and has captured athletes Serena Williams, Lance Armstrong, Derek Jeter and Taylor Mays in their respective excellence, to name only a few.

His photographs have been featured in Sports Illustrated, Surfer, Maxim and Fortune Magazines and his ad credits are lengthy; notably ESPN, Gatorade, Coke and Pepsi, Ford, Nike, NBC, Discovery, Sony, Oakley and Interscope Records. Whether it's action sports, fashion, music, or an ad campaign, Bo Bridges delivers the stamp of an Artist with his use of natural light, impossible angles and unique perspectives.

 

Photo Credit Michael Twigg

Bo Bridges showcased images of Snoop Dogg and the Pussy Cat Dolls on-stage during the panel which you can see here if you look closely. He is an amazing photographer and personal friend I was happy to include that night.

The Musicians Institute Marketing Department has written a comprehensive blog on all the speakers and the discussion of the panel which I will share when it's available.

Look forward to having you join us April 21 to hear our next illustrious panel at the Musicians Institute at 7:30pm. You will walk away entertained, informed, and happy you came.

Buy tickets and read more information here: http://socialmediaseminarseries.eventbrite.com

Jared Gudstadt showcased his popular Jingle Punks viral video of The Strokes cover

 

Evan Lowenstein and his twin brother, Jaron, perform live on StageIt

Evan Lowenstein shared this video of he and his twin brother Jaron performing on his new platform: StageIt.com

 

Perfect day at the #Hermosa Beach Surf Fest

Rockstar, Volcom, Electric, Spy, Ripcurl, Body Glove, vonzipper, analog, Reef, Tavik, ambission, Hippy Tree, Teeki, Spyder, Dewey Weber, Quiksilver, O'Neill, Billabong, Hurley, Skull Candy, Roxy and more have booths.

Everclear goes on next... Get here now.

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#Hermosa Beach Surf Festival atop 200 Pier Ave

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Breakfast is served

Love staying with a cook!

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The Joy Writer & Musicians Institute Social Media Seminar April 7 Highlights

 

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Musicians Institute students in my class

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Newport Beach Film Festival April 28-May 5 - love this ad

Isn't this cool art? Artist is Linda Zacks. Go to www.newportbeachfilmfest.com for details on the film.

Text NBFF to 88704 for a chance to win 2 All Access Passes! (That's from the ad.)

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I'm having Babouti for dinner, what about you?:)

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I wonder if Gervais and Zuckerberg are related?:) #Success

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Well Hello, Rob Lowe #VanityFair

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#Eco Powered by bio-diesel Mercedes Benz

Her bumper sticker said, I love the smell of bio-diesel in the morning. LOL

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#Eco-friendly garden at SMC College

My sister implemented a lot of these eco plants and flowers into her prior home's landscaping, but I doubt the new owner's kept the garden because most people only think of grass as a front lawn even though it's the worst water-waster.

Nice to see SMC teaches student's how to landscape in this way. Better for the environment, our water supply, and very attractive too.

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