Category Archives: networking events

A Week in NOLA: The Official Vlogumentary (Produced by NuRenaissance)

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If you’ve been following our journey around here, you’re probably well aware that we took the UnderDogs on down to New Orleans to participate in this year’s NOLA MusiCon. We had a wonderful time connecting with the creatives in this vibrant community, and we look forward to spending a lot more time together in the months and years ahead.

We were also fortunate to have Nicolas Soul with us. In addition to being an UnderDog and NEXT2RISE artist, Nicolas documented the entire trip through his media company, NuRenaissance. He caught all of the action — from time spent at the conference, to the diverse talent on display during its showcases, to after-hours hangs from the studio to Bourbon St.

It’s an incredibly fun watch — one which illustrates what it means to be an UnderDog by providing a genuine view into the joy of the experience. Sit back and enjoy!

Thanks to NOLA MusiCon for having us, DAWn Audio for being our NOLA-based family, and our sponsors at Guidance Whiskey and Ether Nashville for their support.

Everything You Need to Know About Tonight’s UMC Events in Nashville

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October and the home stretch of 2025 are set to begin with a bang tonight, right here in Nashville.

We’ll be back at Helping Our Music Evolve (615 Main St., Suite G1, Nashville) this evening for a double dose of fun with the UnderDogs, beginning at 6 p.m. with a live taping of our Have You Met…? interview series. Join host Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess as she welcomes outstanding UnderDogs and special guests to share about their projects, processes, and the ways life informs the creative journey. Tonight’s lineup includes:

  • Hip hop artist, producer, and 1/2 of Da’ Healerz Foundation Mecca
  • DJ, sound engineer, producer, and songwriter Agie Gee
  • Revolutionary hip hop artist and industry educator T.R.A.N.E. Spitta

Speaking of industry education, you’ll want to stick around after Have You Met…? concludes, as we offer a special, FREE presentation of our Building Your Authentic Artist Brand workshop. This workshop — as experienced at SXSW 2025, and soon to be experienced at Confluence Carolinas and NOLA MusiCon later this month — guides musicians (and other creatives) through the steps of developing a purpose-driven, values-based creative ecosystem. Building Your Authentic Artist Brand is designed to help artists identify the unique “why” behind their work; learn best practices for attracting their true audience across three key segments (fans, collaborators, and business partners); and build a sustainable, profitable creative business on their own terms.

Want the inside track on all of these opportunities and more? Consider checking out the buttons below!

BECOME AN UNDERDOG!
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NASHVILLE: ‘Building Your Authentic Artist Brand’ Returns October 1!

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We’re gearing up for an action-packed October, with events happening all over the Southeastern U.S. — including our debut at Confluence Carolinas, and an exciting, expanded collaboration with NOLA MusiCon.

(More details on NOLA are coming soon, we promise — and they’ll definitely be worth the wait!)

Of course, it all starts from a solid foundation at home. That’s why we’re kicking off the month by bringing our popular Building Your Authentic Artist Brand workshop back to Nashville!

Join us at Helping Our Music Evolve (615 Main St., Suite G1, Nashville) on Wednesday, October 1 from 7-9 p.m. This interactive workshop — as experienced during SXSW 2025 — guides musicians (and other creatives) through the steps of developing a purpose-driven, values-based creative ecosystem. Building Your Authentic Artist Brand is designed to help artists identify the unique “why” behind their work; learn best practices for attracting their true audience across three key segments (fans, collaborators, and business partners); and build a sustainable, profitable creative business on their own terms.

Building Your Authentic Artist Brand is free to attend, and it’s all part of the work we do to educate and connect artistpreneurs through the UMC Academy. You can learn more about what we offer here!

UMC, NOLA MusiCon Partner on 2025 Music Showcases

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Our return to the Big Easy this October’s NOLA MusiCon just got a whole lot sweeter!

We’re proud to announce that we are partnering with NOLA MusiCon alongside our friends at DAWn Audio and Tunetrax to present this year’s official showcases. The team is currently putting the finishing touches on two spectacular lineups — one set for Tuesday, October 28 at Cafe Istanbul, and another on Wednesday, October 29 at The Rabbit Hole — which will showcase talent from across the musical spectrum and geographic borders.

We’ll be announcing full lineup and event details shortly. In the meantime, we’re looking for a few good partners to support us in making this year’s NOLA MusiCon one to remember! Your organization can sponsor these incredible showcase events, and we’ve provided a few informational slides below.

For individuals, you can always support our UnderDogs Across Borders campaign — and we’ll be putting every penny raised between now and the conference toward these two extraordinary showcases!

Oh, and one more thing: you can get 25% off your NOLA MusiCon passes by using the code UMC25 at checkout. Register now!

Coming to NOLA MusiCon? Enjoy 25% OFF Courtesy of UMC!

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In case you couldn’t tell, we’re already more than a little excited to be back in the Big Easy for this year’s edition of NOLA MusiCon, taking place October 28-30 at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center in New Orleans, LA.

To celebrate the first round of official speaker announcements — where you just might see a familiar face appear — we’re here to bring you in on the fun at an exclusive rate!

From now through the conference, enjoy 25% off your conference badge when you enter the coupon code UMC25 at checkout. We’re grateful to NOLA MusiCon for offering this special deal to our UnderDogs and all those close to the UMC community, and we look forward to hanging out with you in New Orleans this spooky season!

REGISTER NOW

Beyond the Music: What’s Happening at Gussapolooza 2025?

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Gussapolooza Music and Arts Festival is turning up the volume—and the vibes—for 2025, with even more to experience beyond the stage. Taking place August 22–24, 2025, this year’s festival invites attendees to discover more than music, featuring an expanded Wellness Zone, an even bigger Kids Zone, and unforgettable outdoor camping fun for all ages.

Now in its biggest year yet, Gussapolooza continues to grow as one of Canada’s most exciting emerging festivals, spotlighting indie artists while building a creative, inclusive, and family-friendly environment. In addition to its stacked musical lineup, the 2025 event offers unique attractions for every kind of festivalgoer.

Expanded for 2025: The Wellness Zone

Back by popular demand, the Health & Wellness Zone returns with even more ways to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Guests can enjoy yoga and meditation sessions, breathwork classes, sound baths, healing arts practitioners, and wellness-focused vendors offering services and education in a peaceful outdoor setting.

The Kids Zone Returns—Bigger Than Ever!

Families are welcome at Gussapolooza! The enhanced Kids Zone includes crafts, face painting, music lessons, games, and child-friendly performances, making it easy for parents and little ones to enjoy the festival together.

Camping Adventures + After Dark Fun

Weekend passes include free tent camping, with upgraded RV and power site options available. Campers can enjoy the community vibe with a late-night fire, spontaneous jams, and exclusive after-hours sets on the legendary Rebel Stage—where surprises and secret sets keep the music going long after the main stage wraps.

“Gussapolooza has always been about creativity, discovery, and community,” says Festival Director Valerie Robson. “This year, we’re expanding what a music festival can offer—creating an experience where you can dance, learn, relax, connect, and explore, all in one place.”

Whether you’re a music lover, wellness seeker, parent, or just looking for a weekend escape, Gussapolooza 2025 has something for everyone.

Tickets are on sale now! Early Bird passes sold out quickly, but general admission and camping upgrades are still available at gussapolooza.com.

NASHVILLE: Come to Our Ugly Sweater Holiday Mixer Dec. 12

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LET’S GET TOGETHER AND HANG THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

For the first time ever, we’re hosting a fun, casual Ugly Sweater Holiday Mixer on Thursday, December 12 from 7-10 p.m. Join us at Never Never Nashville (413 Houston St.) to celebrate the season and the year that has been, before we all break for the holidays.

It’s nothing super serious — just a good time with the community! Ugly sweaters encouraged. Good vibes required.

NASHVILLE: Weekly Sunday Funday 90s Brunch Begins Sept. 8

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Sunday brunch is a Nashville tradition, almost as important to Music City’s culture as the music itself.

The Sunday Funday Crew — a creative collective bridging Nashville’s musical and cultural gaps — is bringing new life to the tradition, with a weekly event at Flavor 90s Bar (1526 Demonbreun St.).

The Sunday Funday Crew 90s Brunch Extravaganza begins this Sunday, September 8. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy unique menu items created by Flavor 90s Bar, a revealing game of ‘Never Have I Ever,’ and opportunities to connect with Nashville’s creative community. There might even be some line dancing… but you’ll have to find out when you get there.

The weekly 90s Brunch Extravaganza takes place every Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. It’s free to enter! Why don’t you spend your Sundays with us?

JULY 24: Learn How to Use Data to Build Your Audience

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Ender Bowen is a Nashville-based musician, author, podcaster, husband, father, and Aspiring Compassionist. Ender is using his creative ecosystem to foster and build a community of “little lights,” in an effort to create a more compassionate world.

Join us for this live conversation, as we dive into the ways Ender Bowen uses data to understand his growing audience, and deliver more of the content and experiences they want. This is a must-attend for ANYONE looking to build a thriving creative enterprise!

RSVP HERE

This conversation is being offered to the public for FREE by the UMC Academy. For more educational content and connections, consider joining the Academy today: https://umcworldwide.com/academy.

JULY 15: Monday Night Mastermind Community Kickoff

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Join us on Monday, July 15 for the return of our Monday Night Mastermind virtual meetup!

RSVP HERE

The Monday Night Mastermind is an opportunity for musicians and creatives to connect, learn, and grow together. These meetups are a great opportunity to share your successes, work through challenges, and find new ways to collaborate with the creatives in our community.

Our return Monday Night Mastermind will be open to the public, to celebrate the launch of our new UMC Academy community! This serves as a chance to connect with members of our community, and get an inside look at the ways the UMC Academy can help you grow your artist platform into a sustainable, values-driven creative ecosystem.

Learn more about the UMC Academy: https://umcworldwide.com/academy

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