MusicBiz at Sea

ZenBiz Travel & Organic Soul Marketing Announce

Focus Sessions: MusicBiz at Sea

New York City – Nassau, Bahamas

October 26 – November 2, 2014

Book Your Reservations Now www.musicbizatsea.com

Grammy Award-Winning Songwriter/Producer

CarvinHaggins

and

Bungalo Records/Universal Music Group Label Liaison, Sr. VP Leo Rodgers

Join ZenBiz Travel and Organic Soul Marketing in presenting

MusicBiz at Sea

New York City—Nassau, Bahamas

Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2014

New York City, June 5, 2014 – Recalling the bygone days of major music conventions, ZenBiz Travel and Organic Soul Marketing are putting the spotlight on Black Music Month as they seek to revive the tradition of music industry conferences.

“The opportunity to see new artists, meet radio and A&R executives,all while updating your industry contacts and reviewing best industry practices was the motivation to attendJack the Rapper, Impact, BRE [Black Radio Exclusive] and Urban Network,” organizer Jacqueline Rhinehart said.  “But today, music business professionals are operating in silos­­– disconnected. The black music industry was supported and nurtured in its infancy and heyday by these annual conferences. These were confabs where radio was feted, deals were made and record companies produced elaborate showcases for artists destined to be more than one-hit wonders.

“We hope to restore the tradition and usher in an era of renewed collaborations and partnerships that will benefit a new generation of artists and other industry professionals.”

Seeking to connect with and engage the new music industry professional, Focus Sessions: MusicBiz at Sea, aseven-day convention and cruise, is the first of what is hoped will be an annual conference designed to combine first-class world travel with career development. These yearly professional enrichment sessions will be held at all-inclusive travel destinations around the globe and/or aboard luxurious cruise ships.

While on board for the inaugural cruise, GrammyAward-winning producerCarvinHaggins invitesartists, managers and label owners of all genres to participate in daily songwriting and production workshops. Haggins, half of the Philadelphia production duo Carvin& Ivan (Karma Productions),began his career as a hip hop artist but soon moved into production and songwriting. The teamhas written and produced for Jazmine Sullivan, Jill Scott, MusiqSoulchild, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, Mario, Ledisi, Keyshia Cole, Rick Ross and others.

Also participating this year isRobert (Leo) Rodgers,a 28-year veteran of the music industry and senior VP/label liaison at Bungalo Records/Universal Music Group Distribution. Rodgershas played a key role in guiding independent music and video releases through the giant distribution leader UMG. After receiving the BET Urban Music Executive Award for 2011, he formed his own company, Street Scholar, to house his myriad entertainment interests. Rodgers will conduct a seminar with label owners and independent artists to help determine the best route for their music and video releases.

Other confirmed panelistsinclude: Katrina Simpson, (modern UI/UX art director/designer for JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, UPS, Facebook); Anthony Brown (integrated digital marketing consultant forVIBE, Coors Light, McDonalds); Blossette Kitson (international music publishing guru, former label A&R executive for Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, Chaka Khan, Tracey Chapman, Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas); Kathy Sledge (recording and touring artist); Jacqueline Rhinehart(author, marketing consultant, former music executive for Whitney Houston, Nelly, Rakim, Notorious B.I.G., Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige);Carvin Haggins,(Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer for Justin Timberlake, Jill Scott, Chris Brown, Mario, Ledisi); Laurence Pinckney (Zenbiz Travel & Events); andKevin Fleming (owner/publisher/editor, The Urban Buzz.com).

More session speakers will be added to the itinerary later in the year.

Cabins start at $776 per person for the cruise, which will depart from New York City’s Westside Highway aboard Norwegian’s new megaship, Breakaway. The conference registration is $250, which includes unlimited access to the professional enrichment sessions (panels), welcome reception, screenings, special events and unlimited networking. Seminartopics include: Music Publishing, Digital Marketing, Distribution, Survival as a Working Musician, Mobile/Web Graphic Design and Publicity/Media Relations/Artist Development. All seminars are helmed by industry experts.

Registration for Focus Sessions:MusicBiz at Sea is now open. Reserve your midship cabin through Zenbiz Travel with a deposit of $250 per person for an interior, ocean view or balconyor $300 per person for a suite. Other cabin categories and specials also are available, so please inquire when you call to register.

For more information, please visit www.musicbizatsea.com  or call ZenBiz Travel at 800-381-1580. Also follow us (musicbizatsea) on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

ABOUT ORGANIC SOUL MARKETING

Jacqueline Rhinehart is the founder andpresident of Organic Soul Marketing, a consultancy that integrates entertainment concepts into creative marketing and multi-platform branding opportunities.  Jackie is an omnimedia strategist who creates, develops and implements memorable campaigns for the music, entertainment and lifestyle industries.

ABOUT ZENBIZ TRAVEL, LLC

Zenbiz Travel, LLC, whose motto is “Balance Life with Leisure,” is a unique travel company that not only manages travel arrangements for groups and individuals butalso provides media, event management and promotion services. Company Principal Laurence Pinckney has held various positions in the music industry and has worked with some of the world’s biggest entertainers.  www.zenbiztravel.com.

Travel Contact:

Laurence Pinckney

Phone: 800-381-1580

[email protected]

Conference and Press Inquires:

Jacqueline Rhinehart

Phone: 917-554-2851

Confirmed panelistsinclude: Katrina Simpson, (A modern UI/UX Art Director/Designer for JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, UPS, Facebook); Anthony Brown (Integrated Digital Marketing Consultant for VIBE, Coors Light, McDonalds); Blossette Kitson (International Music Publishing Guru, former Label A&R Executive—Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, Chaka Khan, Tracey Chapman, Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas); Kathy Sledge (Recording and Touring Artist); Jacqueline Rhinehart (Author, Marketing Consultant, former Music Executive—Whitney Houston, Nelly, Rakim, Notorious B.I.G., Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige);Laurence Pinckney (Zenbiz Travel & Events),and Kevin Fleming (Owner/Publisher/ Editor, The Urban Buzz.com),with more session speakers to be announced throughout 2014.

 In addition to the professional enrichment seminars, guests can take advantage of all the activities and entertainment offered aboard the Breakaway, while enjoying beautiful accommodations, gourmet dining and exotic ports of call. Music industry veteran, Jacqueline Rhinehart, likens the cruise to those once done by music label Arista Records. “This cruise is reminiscent of the annual business cruises hosted by legendary Arista President, Clive Davis,” notes Rhinehart. “Similarly, the Focus Sessions: MusicBiz at Sea will cover Music Technology, Publicity, Promotion, Marketing, Distribution and Publishing. And, like the Arista cruises, the sessions will be held at various sites on the ship and on the beach. This cruise provides the time to connect, to develop and exchange ideas, and to benefit from the brilliance of a multi-talented group of music professionals with interest and experiences spanning every genre of music, from gospel to hip-hop. This is the environment to talk shop non-stop, if you like—to glean constructive advice or insight, plus, it all takes place while enjoying a Caribbean cruise.”

“It all plays a part in your success,” says ZenBiz Travel owner Laurence Pinckney. “I’ve seen too many aspiring independent artists and managers not have access to quality information. This is a great way to combine their passion and pursuit of professional growth with the enriching experience of travel. This is valuable networking of the highest order.”

The Focus Sessions: MusicBiz at Sea is open to independent musicians, managers, video/content creators, independent music labels, and others seeking to acquire a professional edge in the music industry. Registration for the Focus Sessions: MusicBiz at Sea is available. Act now while cabins are available. Reserve your midship cabin through Zenbiz Travel with a deposit of $250 per person for an Interior, Ocean View or Balcony, and $300 per person for a suite. Other cabin categories and specials are also available.

For more information please visit www.musicbizatsea.com  or ZenBiz Travel – 800-381-1580. Join us on Social Media – (musicbizatsea) on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Book Your Reservations Now www.musicbizatsea.com