This year Strive Management launched THE STRIVE FOR MORE MUSIC SHOWCASE. I am so excited about this and how fast it has grown. The showcases were created to highlight a combination of developing and seasoned performers poised and prepared to ascend to a higher level in their career. We provided a band of quality, experienced musicians and a music venue to give these talented individuals a platform to shine.

There were four showcases in 2007 and we (Gian Fiero, director of A&R, Cori Jacobs, musical director and me, producer) worked hard year-round to make them happen. Picking the talent, picking the songs, musicians learning many tunes per show (including charting original songs), publicity and marketing to get people in the seats, rehearsals, coordinating, and the SHOW. It is a labor of love for all involved. Team spirit, motivating and supporting the up & coming talent, and coorperation are requirments to making the show a success. Everyone involved is there to STRIVE.

The featured vocalists (ages 12-35) improved their performance skills; got recognition from press, industry professionals and fans plus gained valuable experience. Each time we showcased different individuals and finished the season with a "best of 2007" show. 

Next year we will grow the showcase to include other genres of music in addition to R&B, as well as host our event at different venues. There are talks of a Los Angeles partnership for Strive For More Music showcases to also be hosted in Southern California . The enthusiasm and support from those involved, those attending (friends, family, fans) and those being spotlighted has been over-whelming. I am very proud to be producing this event and I look forward to it growing bigger in 2008.

2008: I will be working with Rozzi Crane steadily getting her demo, image, package together, and launching her in 2008 into the music business. I will continue to produce the Strive For More Music Showcases as a platform to discover and highlight talented individuals who want to STRIVE. I will continue to meet with artists on a transactional basis to provide career guidance, write bios, planning CD Releases, etc… I plan to travel for speaking engagements, write a few more articles, bring some heavy-hitter industry professionals from LA and NYC to speak at Bay Area NARIP events and to grow as a woman music business professional so that I can help those who come up behind me.