this one
Paul Moffett

Down On The Corner
By Paul Moffett

• The U of L School of Music will sponsor the 7th Annual African American Music Heritage Institute on February 10 and 11 on the Belknap Campus with concerts, clinics, lectures and workshops. This year's theme is "African American Composers in the Classical Realm." The guest artist this year will be Dr. Ronnie Wooten, director of bands at Northern Illinois University, who is an expert on the wind music of African Americna composers. The coordinator for the Institute is Jerry Tolson. For more information, call 852-6972.

• The Pride of Kentucky Chorus will be doing their usual Valentine's Day fund raiser, delivering Singing Valentines by Barbershop Quartet. This is a fairly unusual gift, especially given that a number of the women in the Chorus and the quartets have won regional and national contest with their singing. The price is right, as well - $50. Call 502-368-SONG to place an order. Surprise your sweety no end, too. Sure beats flowers.

• Here in America, we whine, complain and fight about copyright laws and the associated fees nightclubs and bars have to pay, but take heart - you could be in the United Kingdom, where a Licensing Law was recently proposed that would require anyone performing pretty much anywhere, including in a private residence, to get a license from the British government. Needless to say, there is some uproar about this. Stay tuned...

• .Hilary Rosen plans to leave her position as chairman, CEO and chief lobbyist for the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), positions she has held since 1998, at the end of 2003. Rosen's term was marked by a battle with and subsequent vanquishing of Napster. She represented the major record labels in their disputes over recording contracts with groups like the Recording Artists Coalition, which includes Don Henley, No Doubt, Beck and others.

• CMT Editorial Director Chet Flippo got tired of hearing about how bad the record business is and offers up his solutions in an online article at www.cmt.com.

• In the deep, dark cold heart of February, it's a good idea to look ahead somewhat to warmer times. On that note, take note that the Atlantis Music Conference in Atlanta is set for July 30-August 2, by which time we'll all be crying about how hot it is. You can get on their list or find out more at www.atlantismusicnews.net.

• Elvis fans, attention!. Ms. Bobbie Ann Mason has written a book about Elvis called, appropriately, Elvis Presley, and she'll be reading selections and signing copies at Hawley-Cooke Booksellers on Shelbyville Road on February 6 at 7 p.m. Get your copy now or then.

Codas

Earlwin "Kid Pete" Thompson, 69, died in Louisville on January 11 in Louisville. He was a musician and director of the Kid Pete Band. Read Keith Clements' B"I've Got A Mind to Ramble" column on page 10 for more about Kid Pete.