BMI’s stage at the Austin City Limits Music Festival exemplifies the organization’s continued dedication to fostering auspicious new talent. BMI’s layered approach to songwriter development comprises educational, creative and promotional opportunities, including the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre, Jason Blume Songwriters’ and Jazz Composers Workshops; 8 off 8th, Pick of the Month and Acoustic Lounge showcase series; and stages at premier festivals including Lollapalooza, South By Southwest, the Key West Songwriters Festival and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

The pen behind ’70s smashes including “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Ain’t No Woman Like the One I’ve Got,” Lambert also released an acclaimed solo album in 1972. The film shadows the hit songwriter on a unique tour as he rediscovers fans of his work in an unexpected place. Variety praised the film, calling it a “thoroughly engaging…celebration of contributions by an unsung hero of pop culture.”

After the premiere, Lambert will perform an acoustic set at Joe’s Pub (425 Lafayette Street, 10003) Wednesday, October 15 at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $25 and open to the public; to purchase tickets in advance, please visit joespub.com.

Lyric Financial and BMI also co-hosted an industry mixer on the rooftop of Atlanta hotspot Luckie Lounge, where Lyric Financial's Eli Ball and Al Kapone detailed the unique services the company offers exclusively to BMI songwriters and producers.

About the Atlantis Music Conference & Festival Now in its 10th year, Atlantis is a three-day and four-night musical extravaganza held September 17-20 in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlantis' goals are to provide independent artists unparalleled access to educational and networking opportunities including professional demo critiques, insightful panels featuring industry insiders and exposure to a&r executives and music fans through nightly showcases. The mercurial state of the contemporary music industry has opened new avenues for independent artist development and success, all thoroughly explored and explained during the unique Atlantis Music Conference & Festival. www.atlantismusic.com

Panel participants huddle for a group shot. Pictured are (l-r): BMI's Byron Wright and Catherine Brewton, Zack Odom, Kenneth Mount, Cri$tyle, DJ Toomp, Jasper Cameron, Jeffrey Steele and BMI's David Claassen. (Photo by Donna Parmell)

Crossover hit-maker Jeffrey Steele shares lessons learned with the audience. (Photo by Duncan McAlynn)

DJ Montay listens attentively to a question from an attendee. (Photo by Duncan McAlynn)

Jasper Cameron shares stories behind his songs for stars including Ciara, Lloyd and Nelly. (Photo by Duncan McAlynn)

Center Stage in Midtown provided an ideal setting for the panel. (Photo by Catrina Maxwell)

Pictured at the Lyric Financial and BMI mixer are (l-r): Yung Joc manager William Word, Lyric Financial's Eli Ball, BMI's Catherine Brewton, Al Kapone, attorney TaQuisha Tobin, Lyric Financial's Joseph Moran and BMI's Dave Claassen. (Photo by Cara Pastore)

Pictured at Luckie Lounge are (l-r): Battery 5 Productions CEO Greg Smith, Trimm, Ashe Watson and Head ROC. (Photo by Cara Pastore)

Luckie Lounge mixer attendees enjoy the Atlanta skyline.

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The ethereal Alison Krauss received resounding applause for her work with Robert Plant, as the pair earned Album and Duo/Group of the Year, while gospel and soul hybrid Mike Farris walked away with New Emerging Artist of the Year bragging rights. The association also doled out its prestigious lifetime achievement honors, the majority of which went to BMI legends. Iconic singer and songwriter John Hiatt received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Songwriting, while pioneering rock-roots synergists Jason and the Scorchers claimed Lifetime Achievement honors in the Performance field. Influential producer Tony Brown surprised folk and roots force Nanci Griffith with the 2nd annual Trailblazer trophy, and Griffith returned the honor in kind, presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Producer/Engineer category to Brown.

The audience at the Ryman enjoyed performances from top tier BMI singer/songwriters including Joe Ely, Ryan Bingham, the original Jason and the Scorchers, the Sam Bush Band, Kane Welch Kaplin, The SteelDrivers, Tift Merritt, James McMurtry and Todd Snider.

2008 BMI AMA Honors & Awards Winners

Album of the Year Raising Sand Alison Krauss & Robert Plant

Duo/Group of the Year Alison Krauss & Robert Plant

New Emerging Artist of the Year Mike Farris

Lifetime Achievement Honors:

Lifetime Achievement / Songwriting John Hiatt

Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement / Executive Terry Lickona

Lifetime Achievement / Performance Jason & The Scorchers

Trailblazer Nanci Griffith

Lifetime Achievement / Producer or Engineer Tony Brown

Legendary Nashville rock band Jason and the Scorchers took home a Lifetime Achievement Award. Pictured are (l-r) BMI's Phil Graham, Jason and the Scorchers' Jason Ringenberg and BMI's Jody Williams.

Sarah Siskind captivates the crowd at the BMI Americana showcase.

The Branded Sons rock the Americana coffee lounge.

Pictured after the BMI showcase are (l-r): back row: BMI's Mark Mason, with the Branded Sons' Nate Clark and Mike Bair; front row: the Branded Sons' Dwayne Rushing, Laws Rushing and Jeff Brown, with BMI's Perry Howard.

Each year at the Americana Music Honors & Awards, the association bestows the industry's arguably most unique and personalized awards on winners.

Pictured are (l-r): BMI's Jody Williams, Lifetime Achievement Award winner John Hiatt and BMI's Phil Graham.

Joe Ely (left) chats with Jason Ringenberg (right) backstage at the Ryman.

Todd Snider (right) cracks up Jason Ringenberg (left).