The Sandspur

Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Every spring when students are graduating, schools are letting out, and big-box warehouses are stocked with beach balls and bathing suits, the four people at aXis Productions are diligently working away at one of Central Florida's largest music festivals, the Florida Music Festival and Conference. Taking place from May 14-17, FMF features over 250 bands, has over 200 industry from major and indie record labels come in, and expects over 25,000 fans to attend this year's festival.

FMF takes place all over Downtown Orlando amongst 15 outdoor and indoor stages. Venues include The Social, Backbooth, AKA Lounge, and Wall St. The panels, which feature music and industry-related topics and questions, are led by some of the top record labels of today and are held in the Downtown Marriott.

FMF started in 2002 as a small festival that hoped to expose local bands to major and indie record labels, sponsored by former UCF newspaper aXis Magazine. Over the years it has grown and labels like Atlantic (Paramore) and Epic (Michael Jackson, The Fray) have found some of their next talent there, like The Academy is (Atlantic) and Million Year Echo (Epic).

Other things featured at FMF are the Indie Film Jam and the Rock Walk. Both accept entries that are music-related or inspired and show in the City Arts Factory. The Indie Film Jam also accepts short films and judges them in their own category. Last year Flogging Molly premiered their documentary during the Indie Film Jam. Past winners for the Indie Film Jam have included "Mr. Mailiki Battles the Aeroplane" in the short film competition and The Heathen's "Dirty Jeans" music video.

FMF is accepting submissions for bands, solo artists, and musicians in general until March 10. All of the bands that submit are then juried by a varied and experienced panel that decides who will be showcasing and who will not. All bands that submit to FMF will receive two passes to the conferences, an entry to win a Gibson Les Paul, and an invitation to play the well-received open mic at Pine St. Bar & Grill. Bands can easily submit using their MySpace or PureVolume link at https:// www.secure-fmf.com.

More information on FMF can be found at www.floridamusicfestival.com.

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