Blue Tom Records, a student-run record label at the University of Memphis, will hold its first annual This Is Memphis Music Festival on Nov. 22 at the New Daisy Theatre. Doors open at 8 P.M.
The lineup will showcase over eight local bands and artists, dedicated to showcasing the musical scene Memphis has to offer.
Mary Owens, who will be performing at the festival, explained why having a festival dedicated to Memphis music is important.
“There is so much talent in this city that needs to be displayed,” Owens said. “Memphis has a legacy of being a city rich with soul and talent, and that is still the case today.”
Owens started songwriting three years ago when she signed her contract with Blue Tom Records. Since then, she began working closely with the label on her first album, which is to be released within the next year.
Blue Tom Records was founded in 2005 at the University as an independent record company. Students who enroll in the class learn how to properly control every aspect of producing a record label. The class produces a music festival each semester.
“There is a lot of work that goes into it, “ Ben Yonas, Assistant Professor of Music Buisiness said. “I just oversee everything, the entire production is produced and staffed by students.”
Yonas moved a year ago from California to become an assistant professor at The University of Memphis. The record label is now under his command, and he oversees the work of the students who run the label.
“There is a lot more to music marketing than just distribution,” he said. “This is why what the students learn in this class is so valuable.”
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 or at the door for $7, while a VIP bundle pack can be purchased for $15.
