MODE's Guide to Millenium '99

MODE’s Guide to Millenium ’99

By Jaimie Lindsey

It is coming! The Millenium. Not just the year 2000, not that Y2K thing, but the greatest showcase of live music you will see in Harrisburg until the actual millenium. Millenium ’99!

What it is:
A major scene for Harrisburg! February 11th through the 14th fans of live music can see 180 bands at 20 different venues around and about the Harrisburg area. It is the time to hear the latest in the area’s musicians, learn about the music business, and rub shoulders with the people "who make it happen" in the industry. The networking opportunity alone for musicians is phenomenal.

What it isn’t:
Boring. Uncool. This is definitely one of the most exciting events you will see all year!

Why go?
The Jellybricks @ Millenium 98 Why not? Do you love music, all kinds of music? Do you enjoy hearing live bands and being part of the energy? Have you ever wondered how your favorite local bands get themselves heard? Do you want to know what steps to take to become a successful musician. Would you like to have intimate one on one conversations with band members AND executives in the music business? Do you want to see what is new and exciting in the music trade? Do you need a really unique and exciting event to take your new sweetheart to for the Valentine’s weekend? You will definitely appear hip bringing them to this event!

This is the best way to do it:
Register! Take in the whole scene! Although you could have saved some money registering early, your walk in registration of $100 will get you the following: a laminated pass that gives you access to all panels, workshops, clinics, and showcases. Additionally, you will receive entry to the trade show and a Buzz Bag full of promotional items. All the conference times are conveniently scheduled to end so you can go hear the music and start again in the early afternoon, enabling you to get a few hours worth of sleep. If you attend the showcases only, there is no need to register, but call ahead to the venues to determine whether there is a cover charge.

Or, you could do it this way:
Not in the music biz, but want to soak up as much live music as possible in four days? Pick your genre and hit the venues! All showcases are venue-driven. For example, if you (like every other warm-blooded person lately) are into the "swing" thing you will not want to miss being at the Appalachian Brewing Company on Friday, February 12th. Beginning at 9pm, three swing bands from New York will be featured. Or swing in Valentine’s Day with your sweetie at the Ramada Market Square with Big Tubba Mista at midnight on February 12th. Like that funky ska music? Notchoma will be playing Friday, February 12th at 12:30am. Want to hear no less than three bands that are on their way up in one shot? Be at Shakey’s in Hershey on Thursday, February 11th and Friday, February 12th. You can check out Emily’s Toybox, The Armadillo’s, Cider, Cherry Twister, and The Jellybricks, to name a few. Need to hear the Martini Stomp? The Martinis Bros. will appear at the Ramada Market Square Friday, February 12th, at 11pm. Getting the picture? Need a few more names to drag you out the door? How about Bloom Box, The Polins, All Mighty Senators, or The Robert Reilly Band? Come on, go!

And if you are just plain lazy …
Pick your favorite watering hole and park your butt! With twenty different venues, you are likely to be part of this, want to or not.

Who is coming to do the lectures, panels, and workshops, and what is so important about these people?
A panel of invited record execs @ Millenium 98 This year’s Keynote Speaker will be John Fourrat, formally with Polygram/Mercury/Beauty. He was instrumental in signing new artists to this famous record label. Mr. Fourrat has been there, done that and can inform aspiring musicians of the traps and tricks of signing on to big labels. Other seasoned veterans of the industry sharing their knowledge will be Richard Gottehrer, President of Sol3 Records, co-founder of Sire Records (who originally signed Madonna). Phil Nicolo, affiliated with Roughhouse Records, helped produce the Fugees, Billy Joel, and The Pretenders.

What do these music types get out of coming here to Harrisburg?
According to the directors of the conference, John Harris and Vicki Walls, the intimate setting is the key for the returning speakers. Music executives get the opportunity to spend time with artists one on one and have the time to give the advice and mentoring that budding musicians so badly need. It also bears mentioning that this area of Central Pennsylvania has created some outstanding acts (Live, Badlees, Martinis Bros., and Fuel come to mind) and the music industry knows it.

Who put this Milleniun thing together anyway?
You can direct your accolades to John Harris and Vicki Walls. These two are the machinery behind bringing an event like this to Harrisburg. John Harris, along with his company The John Harris Group, are consultants to the entertainment, sports, and hospitality industry. You can check out his website at www.johnharris.com. Vicki Walls is a promotion manager for Musicians Atlas. Formerly in artist management and a booking agent, Vicki has been attending music conferences throughout the country for over ten years. She has spoken on panels at Midwest Music Conference, Atlantic Music Conference, Crossroads Music Conference, and Bluestock Music Conference.

Latest updates?
Again, check www.johnharris.com, for the latest Millenium schedule updates.