RAMI (Rockford Area Music Industry) Musicians’ Organization Meeting will be held Sunday November 4, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hoffman House, 7550 E. State Street.  Musicians of all ages and genres as well as venue operators are welcome to attend.  Membership can be purchased at the door, but not required to attend the meeting.  Membership dues are $10.00 for one year, $15.00 for two years.

The guest speakers for this event are Christina Kalk from Barnes & Noble and Amy Byrne for the Rockford Public Library.  Barnes & Noble will have a music area in their new store opening at the Cherryvale Mall.  Christina will explain what this means for local area musicians.  Amy will give details about The Rockford Public Library developing a “RAMI Local Music Collection”.

This will be the kick off for Nominations in all categories.  Nominations Forms for Musician/Group, Recording and Technicians will be available.  You must be a member of the Musicians Organization to nominate and vote in the Technician Categories.  Nominees should bring a CD with at least one song, picture and bio for the website.  Nominations deadline is December 1, 2007 and can be made on line www.ramiawards.com, mailed to RAMI, P.O. Box 4128, Rockford, IL 61110, or delivered in an envelope marked RAMI to the Rock River Times, 128 N. Church Street.  Voting will start January 1, 2008 and end March 15, 2008.  The 17th Annual Awards Ceremony will be held April 10, 2008 at the Tebala Shrine.

YOUTH CHARITY JAM

The RAMI’S will be hosting the Youth Charity Jam in the spring of 2008.  Two or three audition nights will be scheduled prior to the special concert held March 28, 2008.  The event is planned and worked by the youth from “In Youth We Trust” facilitated by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.  This will give young adults through out the region an opportunity to become involved in their community as well as providing young musicians with an occasion to play in front of a large audience in a professional setting while supporting charity. All bands interested in applying for this event can mail a letter of intent to RAMI, P.O. Box 4128, Rockford, IL 61110 and an application will be mailed to you.  One lucky band will be asked to perform at the 17th Annual Awards Ceremony.  Proceeds from this event will be applied to the Gary S. Wilmer Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.  Donations can be sent to the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, 946 N. Second Street, Rockford, IL  61107.  Your check should be made out to the CFNI/RAMI.

10th Annual Spring Benefit

The 10th Annual Spring Benefit will be held Saturday March 15th, 2008 a the Tebala Shrine Temple, 7910 Newburg Road.  Four – five bands from the Rockford Community will be performing and will be announced at a later date.  During the evening there will be food, fun, dancing and door prizes.  Proceeds will be applied to the Gary S. Wilmer Memorial Scholarship Fund.  More information on any of these events can be obtained by calling Dan at (815) 546-3021.