Past Event Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival Panel Discussions

The Museum hosts three panels organized by RCJBF that aim to educate and energize Akron’s arts and culture enthusiasts. With acclaimed speakers in the field leading the conversations, each panel will highlight a compelling topic: revitalizing the creativity economy, psychedelics in music, and opportunities while traveling on tour. Cash bar. Registration requested. FREE.

Rochelle Riley, Director of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship for the City of Detroit, will deliver a compelling keynote on the crucial role of municipal support in revitalizing the arts and creative economy. Drawing from her extensive experience as an award-winning journalist and her current role in transforming Detroit’s cultural landscape, Riley will discuss innovative strategies for promoting and investing in the arts. She will highlight successful initiatives, such as the Detroit Mural Map and neighborhood revitalization projects, and advocate for treating artists as essential contributors to the economy. This keynote will charge municipal leaders, inspire artists, and inform community members to envision and implement transformative support for the arts in their own cities.

Join Dr. William C. Washington, a distinguished Licensed Professional Clinician and Clinical Hypnotherapist and Health Psychologist, as he delves into the intriguing relationship between psychedelics and music. With his extensive background in mental health counseling and unique therapeutic approach, Dr. Will will explore how psychedelics have historically influenced artistic creativity and innovation. Being certified in Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, MDMA-Assisted Therapy and being a nationwide Trip sitter has led a new journey for healing and trauma prevention. Drawing from his philosophical and postmodern counseling methods, he will discuss the potential benefits and risks of psychedelics in artistic expression, emphasizing the importance of mental health and safety. This keynote will provide a thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of psychedelics and music, challenging attendees to consider new dimensions of creativity. Dr. Will stated, “Healing is my art.”

This dynamic panel, featuring industry veterans Khirye Tyler, Walter Barnes Jr., and Al Parker III, moderated by the versatile Hip-Hop artist Floco Torres, will offer an inside look at the exhilarating yet challenging world of touring in live entertainment. From early career breakthroughs to life on the road with top artists, each panelist will share personal stories and professional insights. Topics will include preparing for the logistical, musical, and personal aspects of touring, as well as tips for aspiring musicians and producers. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how to navigate the touring landscape, prepare for opportunities, and sustain a successful career in the music industry.