Tony Rich	Doria Roberts

This innovative workshop/showcase combination illustrates BMI's continued dedication to development for artists at all career stages. BMI's Lynn Oliver, who will serve as moderator, comments, "We want this event to be informative, educational and fun! Tony and Doria will discuss what makes a hit song, how to get your music heard, their personal success in the industry, and play an intimate show for participants and fans to top it all off."

"We are excited to host this special series as we are always looking for ways to create the best songwriting community possible here in Atlanta," adds Eddies Attic owner, Eddie Owen.

A general information session entitled "BMI 101" gets the evening rolling at 5 p.m., followed by the Songwriting Workshop with Tony and Doria from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. At 9 p.m., attendees will be treated to a special show by Rich and Roberts, both of whom are promoting new records out this summer. A $40 package includes the workshop, dinner and one ticket to the show. Individual admission tickets to the 9 p.m. show are also available for $20.

Tony Rich has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, boasts four Grammy nominations, and has earned Grammy, Billboard and Blockbuster awards. Singer, songwriter and political activist Doria Roberts has been recognized both for her ground-breaking folk, jazz and pop-infused sound and her community involvement. She has been recognized with the 2004 Anderson Leadership Award; received nominations in 2003 for OUT Musician of the Year, Outstanding Album for Alive & Well, and OUT Song of the Year for "Black Pearl"; and was named Southern Voice's 2002 Editor's Choice for Favorite Songwriter of the Year.

Whether your words are "floetic" like 50 Cent or your voice is as sultry as Miss Norah Jones, the 6th Annual Atlantis Music Conference offers a wealth of knowledge from professionals in all music genres. The home of SoSo Def Records, TLC, Usher, Collective Soul, Butch Walker, Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins and many more famous names, Atlanta offers the perfect setting for the music conference that has come to call this cultural mecca of the South home. Returning for the 6th consecutive year Wednesday, July 30th through Saturday, August 2nd at the Sheraton Downtown Atlanta, Atlantis 2003 looks to be one conference artists and industry folks cannot pass up.

With something for everyone from industry executives to local artists, this year's conference offers an outstanding opportunity to celebrate the music industry through an assortment of educational panels, new talent showcases, a job fair, and networking parties at some of Atlanta's hottest venues. Also returning to Atlantis this year is the urban explosion with panels and showcases throughout the three-day weekend.

For more information on showcases, panels and events, as well as pricing for conference registration, one-day panel passes and 3-day showcase wristbands, contact The Atlantis Music Conference at 770/499-8600 or log on to atlantismusic.com.

BMI at the Atlantis Music Conference:

BMI's "How I Wrote That Song Panel"
Date/Time: Thursday, July 31 - 12:00 PM
Location: Sheraton Downtown Atlanta (165 Courtland @ International)
Price/Notes: Purchase of conference registration or a one-day panel pass
in required for admittance.

Confirmed to speak and perform:
India Arie
Ed Roland (Collective Soul)
Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket)
Butch Walker
Chris Brown and Simon Ormandy (Trapt)

BMI's "In the Key of Soul"
Date/Time: Thursday, July 31 - Doors open at 8:00 PM
Location: The Riviera Live (1055 Peachtree St.)
Price/Notes: Free with purchase of conference registration badge or
3-day conference wristband. Alternatively, cover is $10 at the door.

Featuring:
Jovan 8:20 PM
D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik 8:40 PM
Algebra 9:00 PM
Tehran 9:20 PM
Tori Alamaze 9:40 PM
Kerisha 10:00 PM
Jonz 10:20 PM
Myshel 10:40 PM
Tony Rich 11:00 PM
Joi 11:25 PM

Chapman, who became the first performer to win Artist of the Year six times, now has won at least one Dove Award for each of 12 consecutive years.

BMI double winners were Group of the Year Sixpence None the Richer, Fred Hammond, Dottie Peoples and Richard Smallwood.

BMI writer Wes King shared the coveted Song of the Year trophy with Michael W. Smith for "This Is Your Time," inspired in the aftermath of the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado. The song is co-published by Sparrow Song and Uncle Ivan Music.
 
BMI Dove Award Winners