It Takes This Village

Dear Respected Community Members,

We need your help.

We stand at a pivotal moment, where our collective support can ignite transformative change. The DC Music Summit (DCMS) is thrilled to announce our partnership with Anacostia High School for the 6th Annual DC Music Summit 2024 Conference, and we urgently need your help to make it a resounding success.

Scheduled for March 22nd and 23rd, this conference is not just an event; it's a beacon of hope and opportunity for our community. It begins with a spirited Pep Rally on the evening of the 22nd, from 7-9:30 pm, leading into a daylong conference on the 23rd, running from 8 am-8 pm.

As a 501c nonprofit, DCMS is committed to empowering our industry with music business education, with a particular focus on uplifting people of color, underserved communities, and women. But our mission cannot thrive without the generosity and support of individuals like you, as well as donations, grants, and local businesses. This year, we are blessed to have the backing of community supporters such as PieShop, Chuck Levins, Levine Music, and the DC Arts Commission.

The conference boasts a lineup of influential figures from the DMV music scene, including DJ Heat, the official DJ of the Washington Wizards and Mystics, who will serve as our keynote speaker. Hosts like WKYS Bacon Bear, along with performances by America’s Got Talent's Malik Dope Drummer and The Experience Band, will grace our stage. Furthermore, the conference will offer invaluable resources and workshops for artists and industry professionals, covering topics from copyrighting to understanding local laws affecting musicians.

We are especially thrilled to extend our reach to Anacostia High School and Duke Ellington School of the Arts High School students and staff, offering them free admission and exclusive opportunities to learn from industry experts. By deliberately choosing Anacostia High School, situated in an underserved area, we aim to strengthen cultural ties and foster intergenerational connections within our community.

However, we have encountered an unexpected hurdle—a bill of over $8,000 to cover security and custodial costs associated with our Building Use Agreement. While we anticipated a partnership with Anacostia High School, this additional expense has strained our already limited budget. Yet, we refuse to allow financial obstacles to thwart this vital community engagement. We need your support, now more than ever.

We urgently appeal to you, our cherished community, to help us bridge this gap so that we can forge ahead with this much-needed event. The success of the conference is not just a matter of pride; it is a lifeline for local artists and organizations, generating jobs, creating opportunities, and amplifying our creative landscape. Your support is priceless, and we humbly request your contributions by our deadline of March 1st.

Please consider contributing! Together, let's ensure the success of the 6th Annual DC Music Summit Conference and continue empowering our community through the unparalleled power of music.

In solidarity and with profound gratitude,

DCMS Team