Friday, June 13
Panel Programming at Groover Labs
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Meet the Delegates
Before the conference begins, take the opportunity to directly meet and network with speakers and delegates who have assembled in Wichita from around the world.
11:00 AM - 11:10 AM
Opening Remarks with Jessie Hartke of Midtopia
11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
Freedom of Expression in Making Music
Music is one of the most personal forms of expression, with many artists choosing to use their talent and platform as a way to highlight or articulate something significant to them—whether it be about socio-political issues, social change advocacy, navigating personal pain, or other issues. The speakers on this panel will explore how they use creativity to express their messages through music.
Speakers
- Bob Corn-Revere (F.I.R.E—Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression)
- Elise Trouw (artist)
- Finn Buckley (artist, Brooklyn Music Lab / Kids Rock For Kids)
- Lee Clark (CoveyLaw / Tamizdat)
Moderator
- Laina Dawes (Case Western Reserve University)
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
Lunch at Groover Labs
1 PM - 1:50 PM
Aloe Blacc Fireside Chat
Aloe Blacc and Chase Koch sit down with Rudy Love Jr. to talk about Aloe's 30-year career creating music and their ongoing pursuit of meaningful social change.
Speakers
2:00 PM - 2:40 PM
New Pathways in Music
In an ever-changing world, it only makes sense that people are experimenting with how they work within it. Learn how music workers and artists are redefining success by embracing fresh approaches that serve both their own needs and those of their communities.
Speakers
- Angelo Rodriguez (Midtopia)
- Gina Miller (Waters Edge Entertainment)
- Marcey Yates (artist)
- Max Indiveri (artist / Midtopia)
Moderators
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Somewhere Festival Walking Tour
Explore the connections between music, art, and community interwoven throughout Somewhere — and the commitment to grassroots planning and local activation that make this festival truly unique.
Harvester Arts Visiting Artist and Somewhere Fest Director of Experience, Aaron Asis will lead a behind-the-scenes walking tour to learn more about the integrated vision for the festival and the collaborative spirit of its design to demonstrate the power of music and art to pave the way for building better communities and supporting positive social change in Wichita.
The tour will include sneak peeks into the festival music venues, art activation space, and performance zones — to share the creative tapestry that makes up the Somewhere Festival and the long term vision that is being created by the local creative community.
Meet inside the courtyard of Groover Labs.
Hosted by Aaron Asis
2:50 PM - 3:30 PM
Alternatives to Music Education
The academic path isn't the only way to launch a career—and often isn’t the most appropriate avenue for the music industry. Explore the journeys of professionals who are developing themselves and others outside the bounds of traditional music education.
Speakers
- Cherie Lily (Voss Events / Chervana Music)
- Christy Culver (National Independent Venue Foundation)
- Marty B (Midtopia)
- Pablo Cruz (Kansas Hispanic Education & Development Foundation)
Moderator
- Ulf Oesterle (After Dark Presents)
3:40 PM - 4:10 PM
Music and Mental Health
Music and Mental Health
As fun and rewarding as it is, working in music can bring a lot of stress. This panel will discuss methods you can use to check in on yourself, your colleagues, and your fans.
Speakers
- Lily DeTaeye (artist)
- Suzanne Fattorini, LMSW (The Rock/Star Advocate, LLC)
- Terra Lopez (Backline)
Moderator
- Marrque Nunley (Midtopia / Rudy Love and The Encore)
4:20 PM - 4:50 PM
Marketing and Networking Outside of Social Media
While social media continues to be a vital tool for networking and music promotion, a growing number of people are seeking alternative approaches. This panel will explore strategies that build a presence and gain visibility without having to be constantly tied to social platforms.
Speakers
- DJ 4THE WIN (Win Crabtree) (Winning Streak Media)
- Jamie Coletta (No Earbuds)
- Kelli Fannon (The SoundClub)
Moderator
Workshops at Somewhere Works
RSVP with Limited Capacity
The conference will also feature a series of hands-on workshops aimed at developing practical skills for music professionals, covering everything from touring logistics to personal branding.
2:20 PM - 3:10 PM (RSVP Only)
Make Yourself Presentable—Branding as an Artist
Your music is great, sure, but how do you start to build a brand around yourself as an artist? This workshop will dive into what you can (and should) be doing to create a brand around your music project to start building an audience that cares about you and your story.
Speaker
3:30 PM - 4:20 PM (RSVP Only)
Working in a Collaborative Studio Space
A good team that works together well is what makes a studio feel so special and keeps people coming back to record their music. Learn hands-on what it takes for a team to collaborate and maintain a fun, effective, and thriving studio space.
Speaker
SATURDAY JULY, 14
