A first: UF to host law school music conference in october

September 17, 2002

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A student organization at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law hopes to build on the area’s reputation as an incubator for aspiring musicians by hosting what may be the nation’s first Music Law Conference on Oct. 4-5.

Leading American entertainment professionals and some of Florida’s most noted new bands will participate in two days of performances and panels.

“Discussion of Internet music issues will be critical,” said conference director and third-year law student Brian Mencher, 24, of the college’s Entertainment, Art and Sports Law Society. “A key topic will be exploration of protection of music online, and which entities will control online music distribution and, ultimately, money collection.”

Mencher, from West Palm Beach, is organizing the conference with second-year law student Jason Gordon. Mencher said Gainesville’s history as a launching pad for nationally known performers such as Sister Hazel, Less Than Jake and Tom Petty plus the law school faculty’s expertise in intellectual property and Internet law “make this a logical setting for this unique event.”

UF law Dean Jon Mills said the conference is especially timely.

“Certainly no other field of entertainment is now as legally involved as the music industry,” Mills said, “and we’re pleased our students have found an innovative, creative way to focus widespread attention on this important national topic.”

Confirmed speakers so far include keynoter Todd Brabec, executive vice president of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, or ASCAP; national entertainment lawyer Peter Laird; and producer Tony Bongiovi. Also featured will be Desta Meghoo-Peddie of the UF Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations and manager for Rita Marley, the wife of the late reggae star Bob Marley; and Louis Tertocha, chairman of the entertainment, art and sports law section of the Florida Bar, which is helping to coordinate the event.

Laird, of Los Angeles, represents acts including Bon Jovi, LeAnn Rimes, Prince, Dolly Parton, Bette Midler, The Blues Brothers and Little Richard. Brabec oversees ASCAP’s membership division and is co-author of “Music, Money and Success.” Bongiovi has contributed to more than 40 gold and platinum records for artists such as Aerosmith, Bon Jovi and Ozzy Ozborne.

More than 25 musical groups and soloists from across Florida will perform at multiple Gainesville clubs and locations during the two days.

A ticket to the conference covers admission to all shows, which include performances by Quick Shot Paulo of Tampa, Sarasota band Code Sunshine, DC-3 of Fort Lauderdale, and Gainesville area groups Agent 99, Time, Kitchens of Soul, the Chris McCarty band and solo artist Cris Williams. Admission is $40 for nonlegal professionals, $10 for UF students and $20 for all other students. The fee includes all panel discussions, two receptions, all band showcases and a luncheon.

Admission is $75 for attorneys, who can earn five continuing legal education credits.

For additional information or to register, visit www.law.ufl.edu/musiclawconference.