The House of Blues Music Forward Foundation is working to recruit music’s next generation of professionals with free All Access Fest job fairs across the country this month. The program is returning for its second year and will take place in Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando and New Orleans.
“We are thrilled to present our second annual All Access Fest for youth interested in music careers — on and off stage — and pleased to be able to offer the job fair in Orlando for the first time this year,” said Music Forward Foundation executive director Nurit Siegel Smith in a statement. “This unique program offers young people from under-represented communities free resources and networking opportunities to help them navigate a career in music.”
All Access Fest was launched in 2018 by House of Blues at its venues. While the charity itself is aimed at youth 12-22 from undeserved communities, the job fair specifically targets a 16-22 demographic considering a career path.
Experts will be on hand from Live Nation, the Recording Academy, House of Blues and Ticketmaster, among others, along with experiential lounges and exhibitions by Grammy U, CD Baby, Full Sail, Hercules, Hurdl, Massive Act, Music Supervisor and Novel Effect for attendees.
The fairs run from 9 a.m. to noon and also include panels, hands-on technical learning stations, local employers and representatives from post-secondary schools, as well as live performances by alumni from Music Forward’s artist development programs.
Panel topics include: “Technology and Music Creation,” “Network Like a Pro,” “The Working Musician’s Experience,” “Gender Equality in the Music Industry” and “Technology and the Fan Experience.”
Music Forward was created in 1993 as the International House of Blues Foundation, aimed at bringing the arts to schools and communities through programs promoting cultural understanding and creative expression. The name was changed in 2014 to House of Blues Music Forward Foundation and, later, to Music Forward “to help the public understand its role as an independent provider of direct services for youth.” According to Music Forward, since its founding, it has invested $25 million and impacted more than 1 million young people.
Registration for All Access Fest is required to attend. See event dates below.
– New Orleans, Oct. 8 @ The Fillmore
– Las Vegas, Oct. 17 @ House of Blues
– Orlando, Oct. 21 @ House of Blues
– Chicago, Oct. 24 @ House of Blues
– Los Angeles, Oct. 31 @ The Wiltern