First Annual Songwriters Summit a Success in Salt Lake!

BMI and Bonneville Radio partnered recently (3/22/14) to present the 1st Annual Songwriters Summit at the Depot in Salt Lake City. The Summit featured a day-long workshop that focused on the craft of songwriting and featured representatives from publishers, performing rights organizations, labels and sound studios. The event culminated with a unique performance by two legendary BMI songwriters and one up-and-coming artist who achieved national recognition for his appearance on American Idol. BMI Icon Dean Dillon and GRAMMY-nominated writer Steve Dorff performed some of their biggest hits that they have written for artists such as George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Kenny Rogers and Ann Murray, while Idol finalist Paul McDonald performed a number of songs from his upcoming project, as well as tunes that were recorded with his band the Grand Magnolias. A portion of the proceeds from the Summit benefitted Legacy Music Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing music education in Utah public schools.

The day before the Summit, the songwriters paid a visit to Salt Lake Community College where they met with students in the music department, many of whom are aspiring songwriters and musicians.