Industry Photos (5/15/12)

BMI and Parnassus Books hosted a book signing on May 10 for Southern rock legend and longtime BMI songwriter Gregg Allman, whose acclaimed new memoir My Cross to Bear was published on May 1. BMI’s spacious Nashville lobby was packed with fans, friends, musicians, and well-wishers, who all walked away with signed copies of the fascinating autobiography. Co-written by Alan Light, My Cross to Bear recounts Allman’s storied career and the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band.

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SESAC featured some of the industry’s best talent at the “16th Annual Key West Songwriters’ Festival.” The organization hosted a breakfast at Kelly’s, and offered the standing-room-only crowd an exciting showcase with performances from Brian White, Karyn Williams, Lance Miller, Nathan Barlowe, Rob Hatch, Liz Sharpe and many others.

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Close to 900 graduates from 58 countries received degrees today at Berklee’s 2012 commencement. Berklee president Roger H. Brown presented honorary doctor of music degrees to the Eagles, Alison Krauss, and Mulatu Astatke. Astatke delivered the commencement address to the graduating class and an estimated crowd of more than 4,000 guests at the Agganis Arena. Backed by the Berklee Gospel Ensemble, Krauss performed the traditional Appalachian song “Down by the River to Pray.” Astatke played vibraphone with students on his composition “Yakermew Sew.” Other concert highlights included Eagles hits “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado,” and an Alison Krauss duets medley.