MOBFEST MARKS 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH
NEW PARTNER WASHBURN GUITARS
Washburn Guitars MOBfest2006 set for June 22-23-24

CHICAGO - MOBfest, the Midwest’s premier rock music conference celebrates its 10 year anniversary this summer with new partner Washburn Guitars.  Washburn Guitars MOBfest2006 will be held June 22-24, and will feature three evenings of showcases at Chicago’s top clubs and a full day of educational seminars at the Metro/Smart Bar, 3730 North Clark Street in Chicago.  Many styles of music are represented, including rock, alternative, metal, hip hop, electronica and more.

Founded in 1997 by Roger Jansen of KMA Management, MOBfest derives its name from the initials of Music Over Business.  Since the beginning Jansen has been committed to exposing top musical talent to the entertainment industry.  “For one weekend in June, executives from both coasts converge on Chicago to attend shows, speak on panels, and network with their peers and upcoming artists.  We bring in people from major labels, indie labels, publishing companies, lawyers, managers, and anyone who is interested in getting in on the vast array of talent we have here.” 

In keeping with that theme, MOBfest’s association with Washburn Guitars will broaden their national reach and continue Washburn’s efforts to support music here in their hometown.  As Kevin Lello, Vice President of Marketing for U.S. Music Corporation/Washburn Guitars explains: "The talent that has come out of the Chicago music community over the past ten years is second to none and MOBfest is directly responsible for finding the best Chicago has to offer. Washburn Guitars is committed to supporting hometown hard working musicians. We're proud to partner with MOBfest and to help continue their success."

One notable success story coming out of MOBfest was Chicago’s own DISTURBED, who signed with Giant/Warner Bros. Records shortly after their MOBfest showcase in 1999 and have gone on to release three platinum selling albums.  Other MOBfest showcase bands who went on to sign recording and/or publishing deals include The Killers (Island/Def Jam), The Adored (Columbia), Assassins (Arista), Kill Hannah (Atlantic), and Rachael Yamagata (RCA).

Over a dozen industry professionals will be participating in Washburn Guitars MOBfest2006, including executives from American Recordings, Island/Def Jam Records, Mark Burnett Productions, Midway Games, RCA Records, Sony/BMG Music, Warner Bros. Records, and Windswept Pacific Music.  According to David Andreone of Warner Chappell Music, “Of all the festivals that I attend regularly, MOBfest is the only one that I’ve directly signed a band from.”  Added Peter Coquillard of Windswept Pacific, “I have signed two artists from MOBfest showcases.  I go every year!”

Artists interested in participating in Washburn Guitars MOBfest2006 can submit their CD with a $20 submission fee to MOBfest Submissions at 1658 North Milwaukee Ave., Ste. 292, Chicago IL 60647, or online through links at www.chicagomobfest.com.  Submissions will be considered for the many showcases held throughout the city, inclusion on the official compilation CD, or slots on the popular demo listening panel where industry executives critique selected songs.

The conference is open to the public, and registration information is available at chicagomobfest.com or through the MOBfest address.  Laminates granting full access to all showcases, panels, parties, and other events along with a directory, compilation CD, and other materials cost $90.  For those just interested in seeing a lot of great music on the cheap, a wristband good for access to all showcases is just $20, although some events have limited seating.  Both of these can be purchased online now at chicagomobfest.com or at the Metro Box Office after June 19.

Washburn Guitars is owned by US Music Corp located just north of Chicago. US Music Corp. is a uniquely positioned, fully integrated musical instrument company that manufactures and markets instruments, accessories and audio equipment for professionals, aspiring professionals, collectors, hobbyists and beginner musicians. Also owned by US Music Corp are Parker Guitars, Randall Amplifiers, Eden Amplifiers, SoundTech Professional Audio, Oscar Schmidt, Lyon Musical Instruments and Mojo Strings.
For more information on Washburn Guitars go to www.washburn.com.

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