Pictured at the dinner are (l-r) Joseph McInerney, AH&LA President & CEO; Dobson; Michael Handlery, AH&LA Chairman and Sr. VP of Handlery Hotels; and BMI's Tom Annastas and Michele Reynolds. Photo: Gary Gershoff

]]> 2003-12-08T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233702 Artists, Dobson, Abby, Heaton, Anne, Musical Styles, R&B Anne Heaton, the Katie Todd Band and the Abby Dobson Band have been named regional finalists in the Soul City Caf� Music Quest contest. Music Quest is Soul City Caf�'s first competition for bands and solo artists, featuring up-and-coming talent from around the US competing for the grand prize of opening for Jewel on her 2003 tour. Entries representing a variety of music styles and genres were initially screened and evaluated by Music Quest evaluators who narrowed finalists down to two bands and two solo artists from each region. Online voting by the Soul City Caf� community began March 31 and ends May 4.

Anne Heaton (Northeast finalist) sings each line of her insightful, unpretentious lyrics with authority and grace. The combination of her chalk-textured voice and striking melodies is the perfect vehicle for songs that demonstrate a true poet's insight into the heart.

Anne Heaton

Katie Todd Band

Abby Dobson

The Katie Todd Band (Midwest finalist) has been causing a stir throughout the Midwest with its evocative, artfully crafted songs and intense live shows. Singer/songwriter Katie Todd has an eye for stark truths and a unique voice--one that's believable and knowing.

The Abby Dobson Band (Northeast finalist) mixes jazz, blues, gospel, hip-hop, folk, r&b and soul, concocting a sensual, groove-based blend of sound. Singer/songwriter Abby Dobson's knowing lyrics and powerful voice serve as the sultry centerpiece for this heartfelt music of the soul.

The brainchild of multi-platinum selling recording artist Jewel Kilcher, Soul City Caf� was built to support the grassroots scene for artists, musicians, poets, film makers, authors, and anyone else looking to go under the corporate radar and find the stuff that matters. "Soul City Caf� is about supporting artists so they can evolve at their own pace," she says on the Soul City Caf� web site.

BMI's Kimberly Dawkins and BMI songwriter Dionne Warwick

As the cornerstone of the IAAAM celebration, the Diamond Awards Gala pays homage to major artists who have made substantial contributions to the promotion and preservation of black music and culture worldwide. Hosted by prominent broadcaster Cathy Hughes, Chairman and Founder of Radio One, this year's honorees included BMI songwriters and artists Dionne Warwick, the Heath Brothers and Kool & the Gang, as well as a tribute to three decades of Gamble & Huff's Sound of Philadelphia honoring Dexter Wansel and McFadden & Whitehead. Other honorees were the Rev. Hezekiah Walker, smooth jazz soul singer Will Downing and Sound of Philadelphia's Jean Carne. Honorary Chairpersons of the Gala, solely sponsored by BMI, included BMI songwriter/artists James Mtume and Jaguar Wright.

BMI's Kimberly Dawkins and music photographer Ronnie Wright

IAAAM event organizer Shani Gonzalez and BMI's Kimberly Dawkins

BMI songwriter Abby Dobson performs at the Emerging Artist Showcase

BMI's Catherine Brewton (2nd left) congratulates the Heath Brothers

BMI songwriter Glenn Lewis performs during a jam session at the Diamond Awards Gala

BMI songwriter Kyle Vereen and BMI's Kimberly Dawkins

Christopher Lewis

Abby Dobson

Jonz

MaJoR KEyZ

With a performance by special guests and Universal recording artists Big Tymers. Superproducer Manny Fresh and Cash Money co-CEO Bryan “Baby” Williams mix their free-wheeling lyrical improvisation, larger-than-life personas and Freshís superb production, incorporating live instrumentation inspired by 70ís old school R&B, a touch of New Orleans bounce and classic hip hop. Come see why their single “ Still Fly “is moving up the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles & Tracks.

The showcase winner will be determined by a distinguished panel of industry standouts, including:

Rodney Jerkins, two-time Grammy-award winning producer (Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, N’Sync & Brandy)

Shakir Stewart, Senior VP & GM Hitco Music (BeyoncÈ Knowles of Destiny’s Child)

Shante Paige, VP of A&R Motown Records (Profyle, Rasheeda, the Temptations)

Tse Williams, VP of A&R Universal Records (3LW, Joe)

Toi Green, Director of A&R Jive Records (Mystikal, The Wood Soundtrack)

J-Que, Winner BMI New Music Urban Showcase 2001 and Hitco Music songwriter

Frank Ski, Program Director at V103/Atlanta

Kamala Gordon, Director of Publishing Warner Chapell (Rockwilder, Faith Evans)

Leotis Clyburn, Director of Creative Development Ground Control Music (Tyrice Jones, Jerel Allen and Terry Harris of 7 Productions)

Teddy Bishop, CEO of Grove Factor Production, songwriter, composer, and producer (Toni Braxton, Montell Jordan, Jagged Edge)

Brian Jackson, Senior Vice President, Creative A&R EMI Music Publishing (Rodney Jerkins, The Neptunes, Jerry Duplessis, Pink)

Rico Wade, three-time Grammy-nominated producer (TLC, Outkast, Goodie Mob & The Dungeon Family

Directions to Celebrity Rock Café, 56 East Andrews

From Airport/Downtown/Midtown

Take I-75/I-85 north. When the interstate splits remain on I-75 North. Take the W Paces Ferry Rd exit. Turn right onto W Paces Ferry Rd. Remain on W Paces Ferry Rd for approximately 3 miles. Turn left on E Andrews Dr. Celebrity Rock CafÈ will be on the right side of the road.

From Lenox Mall/Buckhead

Take Peachtree Rd south (towards downtown). Make a right onto W Paces Ferry Rd. At the second stop light, E Andrews Dr., turn right. Celebrity Rock Café will be on the right side of the road.