Special to Metromix
Iowatix founders Kathryn Dickel and Heather Hansen.
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12/03/2008 email this print this
In 2006 Iowatix founders Kathryn Dickel and Heather Hansen started the Crossroads Conference, an event designed to unite the varying aspects of the entertainment industry in Des Moines. That first year attracted around 100 attendees at the Vaudeville Mews, then last year the conference ballooned to nearly 700 people at multiple venues.
This weekend's installment will be spread out over two days across even more downtown locations.
"We started this because we noticed a lot of our Iowatix clients talked to each other," Dickel said. "We saw a need for them to have an opportunity to get together and start identifying themselves as being part of an entertainment industry, not just the music or art scene."
The most obvious comparison for Crossroads would be South by Southwest, though Dickel says Crossroads is intended to be much more localized. She hopes that the Des Moines event can become a hub for the Midwestern entertainment industry to come together and make connections.
Looking to the future, Dickel hopes to get local sports teams involved. The ultimate goal is to get people thinking about the city as an entertainment destination, with Crossroads acting as an introduction to Des Moines for performers from other cities.
"We feel liked we've built an event that can grab people's attention in other markets," Dickel said. "So far it's exceeded our wildest dreams."
Crossroads Conference and Seminars
When, where: Wednesday and Thursday in the Court Avenue District.
Cost: Most events free with registration, music and visual arts showcase $10.
More info: iowatix.com
EVENTS:
Vertical Productions seminar
What it is: "Caucus! The Musical" creator Robert John Ford discusses events to build your production or event around.
When: 9 a.m. Wednesday
Where: Fourth Street Theatre, 216 Fourth St.
Real Help for the Creative Professional seminar
What it is: New York organization Fractured Atlas discusses its insurance and development programs.
When: 11 a.m. Wednesday
Where: Fourth Street Theatre
Mastering Social Networking seminar
What it is: Lava Row founder Nathan Wright introduces the online networking opportunities and how they can fit into a marketing plan.
When: 3 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth St.
Launch Your Film seminar
What it is: 48 Hour Film Project producer Sam Tuomi speaks about entry strategies and using new media to promote your film.
When: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Vaudeville Mews.
Film & Theatre Showcase
What it is: Short films and plays
When and where: "Jacked" (short film) 6 p.m., Vaudeville Mews. "The Watery Holiday of Trumble," (play), 7:15 p.m. Fourth Street Theatre. 48 Hour Film Project presentation, 8:30 p.m., Vaudeville Mews. "Americana Absurdum Act. 1," (play), Fourth Street Theatre. Short films collection, 10:45 p.m., Vaudeville Mews.
Film Geeks seminar
What it is: Rick Admundson of ScreenScape Studios gives an overview of modern filmmaking technology.
When: 9 a.m. Thursday.
Where: Vaudeville Mews.
"If You Build it, They Will Come ... Or Will They?" seminar
What is it: Architects and event organizers discuss event and convention centers.
When: 11 a.m. Thursday.
Where: Vaudeville Mews.
The Ins and Outs of Multi-Day Festivals seminar
What it is: Organizers for 80/35, Wakarusa, The Des Moines Art Festival and others discuss the events.
When: 1 p.m. Thursday.
Where: Vaudeville Mews.
Crossroads Songwriters Workshop
What it is: Jason Walsmith of The Nadas helps songwriters develop their craft.
When: 1 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Lift, 222 Fourth St.
The ABCs of Releasing a CD
What it is: Des Moines Music Coalition Music University event covering recording, production and distribution.
When: 3 p.m. Thursday.
Where: Vaudeville Mews.
Music & Visual Arts Showcase
What it is: Thirteen acts, including local artists and regional performers, local artists, food and beverages.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday.
Where: Court Center Building, 216 Court Ave.
Another opportunity for musicians: Def Jam Showcase
Bo James wants to see a Des Moines band signed to a major label. And he's hoping it will happen this weekend.
James, CEO of Launchpad Entertainment and a member of the Des Moines Music Commission, spends a lot of time traveling to seminars and conferences around the country. He rarely sees Iowa acts at showcase events, so he decided to bring the showcase to Iowa.
On Saturday Shalik Berry, the senior A&R executive for Def Jam Records, will listen to local unsigned acts for four hours at the House of Bricks. Berry has worked with rappers like Jay-Z and Cam'ron, but James is reaching out to artists of all genres for the showcase.
"He's especially interested in pop and rock," James said. "But this isn't an either or thing or a talent contest. If he likes 10 bands, he might sign 10 bands. If he doesn't like anyone, Des Moines might not get another look."
James says he's always believed in Iowa's talent, which is why he's never moved on to other markets. He just isn't sure Iowa is as ready to believe.
"I think Iowa has been convinced that is isn't up to par and doesn't deserve a shot at the majors," James said. "If we didn't have talent, this wouldn't be happening. We just need to step up and show the major labels what we've got."
When: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday.
Where: The House of Bricks, 525 E. Grand Ave.
Cost: $5.
Info: thehouseofbricks.com. For information on performing, contact Bo James, 729-7671.
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