DATES: Sept. 10-14, 2008
LOCATION: Nashville, TN or Music City, USA

ABOUT
Next BIG Nashville is the dynamic representation, and celebration, of a community in transition. A transition from a town known worldwide as the home of country music to a modern metropolitan city teeming with a diverse array of arts and industry - from professional sports franchises and international corporate headquarters to a bountiful and diverse community of music makers and music lovers. Now in its third year Next BIG Nashville brings together the various components of this community from music business decision makers and associated artists to the city’s eclectic and active fanbase for a weeklong stint in the spotlight.

FESTIVAL HISTORY:
What began as a simple showcase for Nashville’s booming non-country scene in 2006 has quickly grown into a music festival and conference that not only gives a deserving spotlight to the area’s rock, pop, hip hop, indie and roots artists but also brings together many of the more exciting elements of Nashville’s dynamic and diverse music business community. Over 9000 fans witnessed 147 artists over 5 days in 12 Venues at NBN 2007 and NBN 2008 promises another quantum leap. NBN 2008 will feature more daytime conference activities, more parties, more bands, more venues and more interactivity. In 2008 NBN will open up the submission process to regional bands and will spotlight artists who might not live in Tennessee but are tied to the area through personal history, business connections (i:e their manager, publisher, agent etc. is based here) or musical endeavors (i:e they co-write, record, have band members based here, etc,).

TALENT
In its short history NBN has already proven to be a valuable instrument in the emerging artist arena from the first year, where 17 of the 36 featured acts signed deals in the ensuing months following their showcases, to the second year of the festival when the field expanded to 147 artists whose credits now include everything from major label record deals to exclusive tie-ins with international brands. This year will feature over 250 artists from underground indie acts to marquee name bands.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Daytime Conference
NBN 2008 will feature a series of daytime panels and activities aimed at the issues facing the changing nature of the music business and the increasing opportunities for independent artists and business owners.

BIG Picture Film and Music
The BIG Picture returns for 2007 with an Opening Night Film and Music event to be held at The Belcourt Theatre

East Nashville Block Party
Sunday, Sept 14 - 3pm-7pm - Enjoy your afternoon on the East side with special sales and discounts at The Groove (10% off new merchandise/15% off used merchandise), Rumours Wine Bar East (After 5pm- $4 Sangria/$5 cocktails/$6 pizzas), Beyond the Edge (2 for 1 drinks) and more! This event is centered around East Nashville's thriving, creative 5 Points area.

Grimey’s Records Next BIG Outdoor In-Store & Big Ass Sale
An indoor/outdoor party at Nashville's premier indie record store Grimey's Records featuring a giant outdoor record sale, live music event and of course beer and cold pizza.

VIP Parties & Brunch
Official NBN VIP Parties will be held at both Hard Rock Cafe and ICON for VIP Badgeholders and NBN performers. Also, back again this year, BMI's VIP Brunch at Cabana.

Afterparties
What's a music festival and conference without some killer afterparties? City Hall will be the afterparty headquarters with special performances by The Features, The Dynamites and more. Other special late-night activities will be happening as well.

BEYOND THE FESTIVAL
Next BIG Nashville maintains a year round presence in Nashville and in the cultural community at large -
2008 Official SXSW Day Party
Official Tin Pan South 2008 Showcase
Nashville Film Festival Music Event Consultants
MIX Magazine’s MIX Nashville ‘08 Live Music Partner
Bluebird Cafe Series (coming late 2008)
NBN Halloween Party

NBN 2007 QUOTES
"If the sheer range of musical genres on display at the Next Big Nashville festival is impressive, then the standard of musicianship, right across the board, is world-class." The Independent (UK)

"Next Big Nashville Part Deux ruled in most every way... Socially and musically, it was the only place in town to be last weekend." Nashville Scene

“A marathon of rock and whiskey… which got NME into an excited booze sweat.” NME (UK)

"Highly musical crowds turned out in droves throughout the weekend, cheering on their friends and peers and displaying a kind of solidarity that most scenes could only dream of." The Tennessean

"I can't believe how great all the shows were and with such huge crowds. It was the most organized and well executed event/festival we've ever played." Matt Friction, The Pink Spiders

"Next Big Nashville was a terrific event that furthers the notion that Nashville, being Music City, is about all forms and branches of musical creativity and artistry." Kim Buie, VP A&R, Lost Highway Records

"Kudos for putting together a well-run conference that had solid talent at every venue… Next Big Nashville nailed it." John Allen, VP Bug Music

"I loved the people, the bands and the whole event. I will definitely be attending NBN again next year." Steven Melrose, Island Records UK

“Next Big Nashville has pulled together a stellar event that will serve as further evidence of the depth and diversity of talent in this city.” Butch Spyridon, President of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau

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