Join the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville (ABC) and the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) for a CLE panel during the Institutional Summit at NMAAM!

The Bass Line: Finding the Rhythm in Rights and Artistry

Friday, October 4th, 2024 at 2:00 pm.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on artists' rights, intellectual property, and the business behind the music. You will learn from artists, producers, executives and lawyers who have experienced and navigated contracts and royalties firsthand.

**After signing up for a CLE ticket, the Arts & Business Council will register you for the NMAAM Institutional Summit. You will have access to the events taking place at the Summit on October 3rd and October 4th.

This course is approved by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education for a maximum of one (1) hour of general credit.

Meet the Speakers:

Damon Williams
Damon Williams is the Senior Vice President, Programming Strategy and Partnerships for Music Choice. In his role, Williams develops strategic initiatives and partnerships to increase usage and audience on Music Choice’s network.

Williams is responsible for the company’s overall music strategy and development of music industry relationships that impact Music Choice’s business. He leads all new business and content partnerships with artist, labels, managers and third-party companies and brands like Maker Studios, Omnia Media, and Monster that are integrated across Music Choice’s platforms. Williams has also led content development at Music Choice, including the creation and launch of several Music Choice Original shows and artist programs featuring Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Taylor Swift, DJ Khaled, Foo Fighters and many more.

Williams joined Music Choice in 1998, spending his first years with the company as the lead programmer for the urban music channels, moving on to head various areas of the business to include Programming, Production, Content Development and Talent for Music Choice’s products. Williams has over 25 years of broadcast experience and has been quoted extensively and appeared on CNN and other TV networks as a national authority on music.

In addition to his work at Music Choice, Williams serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of R&B music and assisting legacy artists in need with financial grants and support.

Farrah A. Usmani
Farrah A, Usmani, Esq. is a partner at Nixon Peabody, LLP. She advises creative clients across many sectors of the entertainment industry, including music matters, branding and endorsements, and live events. Farrah is a native Texan and a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center. Outside of her law practice, she is a member of the South Asian Bar Association and serves on the board of Girls Write Nashville, a nonprofit organization that facilitates youth music education in Title I schools across Davidson County, TN.

Nicci Gilbert
Nicci Gilbert is an American R&B singer. She is mainly known for being the lead vocalist of an American female R&B girl-group Brownstone who rose to fame in the mid 1990s best known for their 1995 hit single "If You Love Me", which was nominated for a Best R&B Performance Grammy Award.

Information about the Institutional Summit at NMAAM:

The National Museum of African American Music is excited to offer its second annual Institutional Summit! This is a two-day event designed for museum attendees and local institutions, public and private educators, faith communities, cultural spaces, and the museum industry.

Day 1-October 3, 2024-will celebrate the richness of African American musical heritage and its impact on various aspects of life through live performances. Performances will run on the hour starting at 11AM.

Day 2-October 4, 2024-will educate and preserve through interactive discussions, artist talkbacks, and panels that engage the audience and offer insights into the evolution and significance of music. Panels will run on the hour in our Roots Theater starting at 10AM.

This event is free and open to the community. You will be able to opt in to various performances and sessions based on your interests. Stay tuned for performer and panelists announcements.