College of Charleston SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

IN THE MIX: Connecting Students to Leaders in the Music Industry

IN THE MIXPresented by the Arts Management Program in the College of Charleston School of the Arts, “In the Mix: Music Industry Exchanges” returns this fall. The free, monthly series connects musicians and College of Charleston students to industry leaders through discussions on different music industry topics. The event is moderated by Mark Bryan, Adjunct Professor of Arts Management and member of Hootie & the Blowfish.

The fall 2016 series kicks off on Monday, September 19th with CHARLESTON: A SCENE ON THE RISE. Guest speakers Dan McCurry (director of the Charleston-based independent label Hearts & Plugs), Matthew Potter (Program Director at local radio stations 105.5 The Bridge and 98 Rock), and Charlie Walker (Partner at national promotion company C3 Presents) will discuss the growing music scene in Charleston—where does it stand, and where is it headed?

Future IN THE MIX sessions for fall 2016 will take place on Monday, October 17th (STREAMING MUSIC: THE NEW BUSINESS MODEL) and Monday, November 14th (DIGITAL MEDIA).

Each event will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Simons Center for the Arts (54 Saint Philip St). The sessions on September 19th and October 17th will be held in the Simons Center Recital Hall, while the November 14th session will be held in Room 309. All sessions will be free and open to students and the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

The 2016 Series is sponsored by Resound Media Group.


Dan McCurry is the director of Charleston, S.C.-based independent label Hearts & Plugs. Performing with numerous bands over the past decade, McCurry launched Hearts & Plugs in 2012 as a way to promote albums from the region that he felt strongly about. Since its humble start, Hearts & Plugs has released over 20 albums featuring some of the most exciting music coming out of the Carolinas.

After graduating from the University of South Carolina, Matthew Potter worked his way up the Rock Radio ladder to become Operations Manager and Program Director of 98 ROCK radio station, and the Triple A station 105.5 The Bridge, all while holding down “afternoon drive” on 98 ROCK for the past 10 years. New music discovery and showcasing, local artist development, and community relations and events involving music, arts, and local business are his and the radio stations’ specialties.

Charlie Walker has 21 years of experience in the entertainment industry, leading operations for numerous businesses in the talent and promotions arenas. As a Partner of C3 Presents, he leads company operations, drives corporate strategy, and heads the growing Artist Management division. With Walker on board, C3 has expanded its portfolio of events domestically and across the globe, including Landmark Music Festival (Washington, D.C.), Loufest (St. Louis), Shaky Knees, Shaky Boots and Music Midtown (Atlanta), Voodoo Music + Arts Experience (New Orleans), Chipotle’s Cultivate Music, Food, And Ideas Festival (multi-city tours), as well as Lollapalooza’s international expansion to Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Berlin.


Since spring 2014, IN THE MIX has connected over 600 students, musicians, music professionals, and alumni to music industry professionals and even a few moguls. The first season was inaugurated with guest speakers Darius Rucker of Hootie & the Blowfish and Cary Ann Hearst of Shovels & Rope.  [View a history of topics and speakers.]

 The College’s arts management majors who are aspiring musicians or interested in music management, can pursue a music industry concentration. Courses include Introduction to the Music Industry, Legal Aspects of the Entertainment Industry, Music in the Marketplace, History of the Recording Industry, and more. For information visit artsmgmt.cofc.edu or call (843) 953-6301.