Riverland Community College Music Department is again collaborating with the Minnesota Music Coalition and the Paramount Theatre to offer an afternoon of free performances, workshops, and networking opportunities for musicians interested in “making it” in the music industry Friday, Sept. 26. These events are open to the public.

This event will feature free artist workshops, networking opportunities and an evening concert by singer-songwriter sensation John Mark Nelson’s new band, Minneapolis’ popular blues outfit Alex Rossi & Root City and local Austin duo Bracken & Stowell. Sponsored by 89.3 “The Current,” the concert will be hosted by Minnesota Public Radio’s Bill DeVille. Besides Twin Cities musicians and industry specialists, former Riverland students Joshua Whalen and James Bracken are also involved.

The afternoon performances and workshops begin at Riverland’s Austin Campus in the East Building’s newly renovated Room E102 and include:

—12:30 p.m.: Lunch with performance and Q & A by Joshua Whalen & Friends
Enjoy free food and a performance by former Riverland student Joshua Whalen. Joshua is a regional and national touring artist and is currently recording a new album.

—2 to 3 p.m.: Conversation with John Mark Nelson, hosted by MPR’s Bill DeVille of 89.3 “The Current”

—3 to 4 p.m.: Making your music a business. A panel with artists and industry professionals on how to make a musical living, get funding for your work and market your music.

A social hour and networking session with the panelists, top industry professionals and musicians follows the afternoon workshops at Dusty’s Bar, 422 N. Main St. at 5 p.m. The event concludes with evening performances at the Paramount Theatre starting at 7 p.m.

The afternoon workshops and social hour are free, but tickets to the evening concert are $10 and are available in advance through the Paramount Theatre: (507) 434-0934 or www.paramounttheatre.org. All Caravan du Nord events are open to all ages.

The Caravan du Nord, an ongoing project of The Minnesota Music Coalition creates partnerships between independent musicians (who are not traditionally viewed as members of the fine arts community) and presenters who are excited to engage new audiences with the artists. At the same time, the program includes education for developing artists with workshops that fit the needs for each town.

The Minnesota Music Coalition’s fourth Annual Caravan du Nord is a traveling showcase of Minnesota music made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

For more on the Caravan du Nord and John Mark Nelson, check out the Sunday, Sept. 21, Spotlight section or visit www.austindailyherald.com/?p=622671