The Roots Music Association’s inaugural convention, radio seminar and music festival, originally slated to take place earlier this summer, has been rescheduled for the fall. Renamed the World United Music Festival and Radio Conference, the three-day event will take place November 14-16 at a 500-acre site in San Marcos, Texas, located between Austin and San Antonio.

Independent artists from a wide array of roots-based and influenced genres will showcase their talents on seven stages during the three-day festival, presented in conjunction with the United States Entertainment Force, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to the families of military men and women who are deployed overseas.  According to festival organizers, the event is designed to help further establish the RMA and its dedication to the development of “roots” music in all of its varied forms.

At the nearby Embassy Suites Convention Center, some conference panelists will discuss technological, academic and business aspects of the music industry of importance to independent artists – including how digital formats are changing the way business is and will be conducted in both the music and radio industries — while others will reflect on the traditions and history of the music that has shaped the industry and community today.  Live performances and networking opportunities with folks from radio stations and independent labels add to the daily mix.  An awards ceremony will close out the conference and recognize those who have sought to enable independent artists to be heard throughout the world, using new technology while embracing the traditional values of the pioneers of roots-based music.  Awards will presented for promoter of the year, label of the year, radio station of the year and artist of the year, among others. 

The Roots Music Association was created to promote, foster and cultivate the preservation, enjoyment, support and performance of “roots” music worldwide.  The association describes itself as a grassroots membership organization that is committed to providing a voice and forum for all roots-based music formats in an alliance that will strive for the advancement of independent artists and encourage radio stations to play music outside of mainstream Top 40 charts. 

More information on the Roots Music Association is available at www.rootsmusicassociation.org, while details on the World United Music Festival and Radio Conference may be found at www.worldunitedmusicfestival.com.