ASCAP in the News

EL PREMIO ASCAP RETURNS TO NEW YORK CITY
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2005 RUBEN BLADES TO RECEIVE
"ASCAP FOUNDERS AWARD"

December 14, 2004  The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will celebrate the 13th edition of its Latin Music Awards on Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The black tie dinner will honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed songs in Latin Music in 2004. More on the Latin Music Awards.

THE HEINEKEN MUSIC INITIATIVE/THE ASCAP FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE MUSIC GRANT PROGRAM FOR
EMERGING R&B SONGWRITERS

December 13, 2004  The Heineken Music Initiative and The ASCAP Foundation have teamed up for a third year to assist emerging R&B songwriters through a unique music grant program.  The Heineken Music Initiative/ASCAP Foundation R&B Grant program will recognize the talents of emerging R&B songwriters in seven major cities across the country, and provide them with encouragement to further develop their careers in music.  As part of this effort, a songwriter (or songwriters) from each market will be selected to receive a $2,500 grant. More on R&B Songwriters.

THE ASCAP FOUNDATION/HEINEKEN USA ANNOUNCE RECIPIENTS OF POP/ROCK AND LATIN GRANT PROGRAM

December 8, 2004  The ASCAP Foundation and Heineken USA are pleased to
announce the recipients of the 2004 Heineken USA/ASCAP Foundation Latin and
Pop/Rock grant program. Launched earlier this year, this new grant program
benefits emerging Latin music songwriters in the Los Angeles and Miami
markets, and emerging Pop/Rock music songwriters in the New York, Chicago,
and Boston markets. The songwriter (or songwriters) of the winning song
from each of the cities receives a $2,000 grant.

STEPHEN SCHWARTZ ELECTED TO ASCAP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

December 7, 2004  Oscar and Grammy award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz has been elected a Director by the Board of Directors of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), it was announced today by ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman. Mr. Schwartz will complete the term of musical theater great Cy Coleman, who passed away last month. Coleman, who was Writer Vice Chairman of the ASCAP Board at the time of his death, had served 38 consecutive years as an ASCAP Board member.

ASCAP AUDIO PORTRAITS

ASCAP Audio Portraits is an audio streaming feature on ASCAP's website highlighting ASCAP members and their latest recordings.  Produced by BEHINDtheBEAT, ASCAP Audio Portraits allow artists to express themselves in a personal way about their music, providing the listener with amazing insight into the art and craft of lyric writing and the ideas behind the songs.  It not only helps artists create an emotional link with fans, it also brings tremendous educational value to other aspiring songwriters and artists.

New to ASCAP Audio Portraits is Jon Hammond (Late Rent) http://www.ascap.com/audioportraits/jonhammond.html    

Jon Hammond says "the fingers are the singers.'" The latest CD from this exceptional and soulful Hammond organist is the proof. Late Rent draws on decades of great recording sessions and top live performances to showcase his own playing and many top jazz and funk artists. It shows why the Hammond organ is one of the most enduring electric instruments and why Hammond is one of its best players.