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Jonathan Slye is not your typical festival organizer. He has no experience promoting concerts. He hasn’t managed any bands or ever worked to secure corporate event sponsorships before. In fact, he’s still in high school. But this summer, Slye is organizing and promoting a large-scale music festival in his hometown in Virginia.

Why am I telling you this? Because no one told Jonathan that kids can’t throw rock shows. Armed only with a strong work ethic, an unwavering belief in a dream, and a lot of persistence, Slye appears to be on the verge of pulling it off. He’s enlisted the help of his community to provide catering for the bands, to help put together promotional flyers and promo videos, and even to set up portable toilets for attendees.

Let Slye’s story be a lesson. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something in your career – tour, put out a record, play a major festival, whatever.

Now, on to this issue. On our cover this month is an artist I’ve personally enjoyed for many years, Marc Broussard. I’ve seen him perform live a number of times, and there are no words to describe the magic of his live show. Equal parts Stevie Wonder and John Fogerty, a voice of unparalleled (and unexpected) strength and soul explodes from his small frame. His is a talent that comes along once in a generation, and we’re lucky enough to be here for it.

This month we’ve also got an expanded gear section, an intro to performing rights organizations, an interview with the head of Berkleemusic.com and lots of cool spotlights and reviews.

So sit back, relax and start reading.

-Benjamin Ricci

Editor

P.S. – So I jumped the gun in last month’s issue by promising the new website re-design by the first week of May. Needless to say, I learned my lesson not to jinx things by announcing them before everything’s 100% ready to go. Hopefully the new site will up and fully operation by the time this issue hits. In other news, look for the new Performer water park to open this July. Who’s ready for some splashtastic fun!

P.P.S. – If the Boston Bruins happen to lose in the Stanley Cup Playoffs again this year, I would appreciate some personal time to grieve. Thanks for understanding.