81 Days to the Festival
Harlem’s reknowned Apollo Theater paid the Festival’s own, Wayne Cobham (Music Director), a tremendous distinction last night. Wayne was chosen to be one of seven panelists for The Apollo Theater Education Program, entitled ‘Make Your Music Move: A Panel Discussion on Careers in the Music Business.’
The evening’s moderator was author, Thembisa S. Mshaka of ‘Put Your Dreams First: Handle Your (Entertainment) Business. Panelists, including Wayne, haled from varying categories within the music entertainment business. They were as follow:
* Cheryl Briggs, Former Manager and Producer for Faith Evans
* Wayne Cobham, Musician, Producer and Founder of the Cobham Coalition
* Ray Chew, Musical Director, Composer and Producer
* Vivian Scott Chew, Founder of ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Awards
* Shanti Das, Executive Vice President of Marketing for Universal Motown
* Nona Hendryx, Musician, Songwriter and Producer
* Jonelle Procope, President and CEO of the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc.
The audience was comprised of young people interested in music careers, early career professionals and those experiencing or contemplating career changes. Those in attendance were privileged to hear the firsthand responses to such questions as ‘How and why did you choose a career in the music industry?’ and ‘What steps would you advise those interested in a career in the music industry take to get started?’.
The Suffern Music+Arts Festival is privileged to have Wayne’s on-going insights, mentoring, and musical contributions to share with our young people and aspiring artists.