Weekly Gathering Kicks Off with Art, Music, and Flavors

Music Nation Copyrights Management in the United Arab Emirates has gained formal approval to license, collect, and distribute royalties for public performance and neighboring rights, marking a significant step for music rights holders. Partnering with BMI and SoundExchange, Music Nation becomes the first organization in the region capable of collecting performance, mechanical, and neighboring rights. This initiative supports the UAE's goal of fostering a vibrant music ecosystem, protecting creators' rights, and promoting cultural heritage. With over 2 million songwriters, composers, publishers, and artists represented, Music Nation aims to ensure fair compensation and transparency. The UAE, part of the rapidly growing MENA music market, saw a 22.8% revenue increase in 2024. Leaders from BMI and SoundExchange expressed enthusiasm about empowering regional creators and establishing a premier collective management system.

The Fondulac District Library is reviving its popular Music in the Park series at Levee Park in East Peoria. This free outdoor concert series will occur on the first and third Thursdays of June through August, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., showcasing a variety of Central Illinois musicians. Community members are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks while enjoying performances. The event encourages support for local businesses and restaurants. Laura Warren-Roberts, Adult Services Manager and Event Coordinator, highlights excitement over utilizing the new stage at Levee Park. Featuring diverse musical genres, the series starts June 5 with Emily the Band and concludes August 21 with Now and Zen.

Masi Asare, an award-winning composer, lyricist, and scholar, has been appointed as the new artistic director of Northwestern University’s American Music Theatre Project (AMTP). Asare will lead AMTP's mission to develop new musicals, support emerging talent, and provide educational experiences for students, emphasizing inclusive storytelling and interdisciplinary collaboration. She plans to launch a Chicago Musical Theatre Writers Workshop this fall to foster local talent. With a Tony nomination for "Paradise Square" and extensive experience in musical creation, Asare aims to solidify AMTP’s role in nurturing the next generation of musical theatre makers. Her scholarly work includes research on vocal sound and race in musical theatre history, further enriching her contributions to the field.

Drew Sidora addressed her drama with "Real Housewives of Atlanta" co-star Porsha Williams and Williams' ex, Dennis McKinley, on Page Six Radio. Sidora claimed Williams was aware of her and McKinley's music collaboration as it happened, contradicting Williams’ statements. While Williams had explicitly told McKinley not to film with Sidora, Sidora insists they discussed the project with Williams over calls. Sidora revealed she has evidence ("receipts") ready for Andy Cohen, highlighting that Williams was traveling internationally during this period. Despite prior positive conversations, tension arose when Williams acted surprised at Shamea Morton’s birthday party, aired in Season 16. The situation remains a focal point as new episodes continue on Bravo.

UK-born, LA-based producer and songwriter Joe Reeves has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing. Known for collaborating with artists like Charlie Handsome, Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, and Morgan Wallen, Reeves has contributed to several hits, including "Broadway Girls" by Morgan Wallen and Lil Durk, and tracks from Post Malone’s No. 1 album *F-1 Trillion*. Recently, he worked on Morgan Wallen’s album *I’m The Problem*. Reeves credits Sony Music Publishing's creative team for their support since his move to the U.S. Sony’s Clark Adler praises Reeves for his significant cross-genre impact and anticipates greater success in his upcoming projects.