Leadership Music is now accepting applications from established music industry leaders for the Class of 2017 and will accept them online through March 31.

The eight-month, Nashville-based program begins in October and is designed to expose participants to every phase of the music industry, build channels of communication between established leaders, and explore the challenges facing the music industry. Participants first attend an orientation and alumni welcome reception in September and the Opening Retreat in October, followed by six all-day sessions once a month, ending in May with graduation at Closing Retreat. One-time tuition for the program is $1,000.

According to Debbie Schwartz Linn, executive director of the 27-year-old organization with more than 1,100 alumni, “For the Class of 2017 only, we are trying a concept new to Leadership Music. After 27 years of Friday-only program days and in response to the changing landscape of the business, we will have three program days on Tuesday and three on Friday. The board will re-evaluate the process at the end of the program year.”

Application forms, program dates, policies and FAQ’s are available at leadershipmusic.org/apply/

According to Linn, “When we enter into the selection process, our uppermost goal is to select a passionate, balanced and diversified class of professionals, who are, individually and collectively, the best and brightest leaders in their field and represent all segments of the music industry. Each year, the selection committee has the difficult task of determining the class slate from far more qualified applicants than we have slots. Last year we had a record number of applicants and expect the same this year, the 28th class. That’s a good problem to have, but it is often frustrating for those who have applied multiple times. We strongly encourage applicants to keep applying if not selected. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and well worth the effort.”

Mac McAnally

Following the opening of the Grammy Museum Mississippi on Saturday (March 5), a benefit concert dubbed “Back Where I Come From” will be held at Delta State University’s Bologna Performing Arts Center. Singer-songwriter Mac McAnally, duo Muddy Magnolias, and The Williams Brothers will headline. Also set to perform are Mississippi-born slide guitarist Sonny Landreth and friends.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to pay respect to the people who have brought us so much enjoyment through their music than to have them perform during this exciting weekend,” said Lucy Janoush, President of the Cleveland Music Foundation. “There will also be special guests in attendance who will be recognized for their lasting contributions to the music we all love.”

“As native Mississippians, we are truly honored to be a part of this grand opening,” said The Williams Brothers’ Doug Williams. “The heritage of gospel music has very deep roots here in Mississippi and many gospel greats came from this state. We would like to personally thank the Grammy Museum for recognizing the rich musical heritage of this state, and for opening only the second museum of this nature here on these grounds.

A Grammy Museum Gallery at Nashville’s Musicians Hall of Fame will celebrate its opening with a ribbon cutting on March 29, followed by a grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.