Globe University, through its Music Business Management program, is pleased to announce the Forward Music Conference.  The conference will be the first of its kind in Madison, WI to focus specifically on the business side of the music industry.  With a panel of nationally recognized music industry veterans; the independent musician, industry professionals, music business student and fan can get an insight into the future of the music business.

This free event will be hosted at Midwest Family Broadcasting (730 Rayovac Dr.) on December 15th between 6pm and 8pm.  Confirmed panelists include Roy Elkins (Music Technology Entrepreneur), Peter Strand (Entertainment Attorney) and Aaron Williams (Grammy Nominated Musician) with additional panelists to be added soon.

Confirmed Panelists Profiles:

Roy Elkins is the Founder and CEO of Broadjam Inc., serving independent musicians and industry giants such as the Academy of Country Music, Warner/Chappell, Peavey and others.  He has worked with clients such as Les Paul, D.J. Jazzy Jeff, the Beach Boys, the Allman Brothers, BoyzIIMen, Joe Walsh, ELP, Yes, Journey, Skid Row, Randy Jackson, Will Smith and many others.

Peter Strand is a partner at Leavens, Strand, Glover & Adler in Chicago.  His client roster includes content providers and creators in music, television and film.  He also teaches entertainment and music law, is a National Trustee of the Recording Academy (Grammys) and volunteers his time in a variety of entertainment related positions.

Aaron Williams of the Grammy nominated Aaron Williams and the Hoo Doo, picked up the guitar at 16 and become obsessed with the instrument.  By 18 he was sneaking into venues, like the Silver Moon, where he could keep tabs on veteran players like Looper Lucas, Michael Coleman and Buddy Guy who he would learn the craft of being a blues front man.

Mark Whitcomb is an accomplished producer and co-owner of DNA Studios.  He has produced or co-produced tracks more then 100 albums for independent artists.  His loops have been released as part of major audio programs including Apple’s Logic and Garageband with several loop libraries being created for Sony Creative Media.

Michael Brandmeier is an award winning artist who's work has been featured on some of televisions hottest shows, including NBC’s “The Voice”, MTV’s “Crib’s”, Showtime’s “Soul Food” and more.

Randy Hawke has been in radio for more then 19 years with the past 10 as WJJO’s Program Director.  As one of the brains behind WJJO Band Camp and Harddrive XL, a nationally syndicated radio show.  He also is the Operations Manager for stations WTDY, 93.1 Jamz and La Movida.

Rich Denhart has been a music industry professional for over 30 years. Starting out as a band member and touring the U.S., he moved to front of house and recording engineering in 1980. For the last 11 years, Rich served as A & R Director for EMI labels Narada, Back Porch, and Narada Jazz. He has worked for or with such artists as David Bowie, Adrian Belew, Robert Fripp, Chuck Berry, The Subdudes, Ramsey Lewis, Champaign, New Edition, Tony Levin, Lila Downs, Frank Black, The Bodeans, George Massenburg, and many others.