Music Conference
Join us in Lawrence Public Library 10am - 5pm Sunday March 29 for the 13th annual MixMaster Music Conference.
Panels, discussion and networking in the Main Auditorium, production workshops in Sound + Vision Studio, free headshots for artists, and free custom earplug fitting in the meeting rooms.
Topics include a keynote discussion on Music Cities, panels on music festivals, media, collaboration, music production, copyright, and demo dip.
Presented by the Lawrence Music Alliance with support from the City of Lawrence, the Kansas Arts Commission, Lawrence Public Library and Midwest Music Foundation.
Get Involved
Besides the great info in our panels and workshops, there are lots of other ways to get involved at MixMaster2026! Sign up for a free headshot, join a music production workshop in the Sound + Vision Studio, get free custom earplugs from Midwest Music Foundation, or submit a demo for real time feedback from a panel of experts. Make the most of MixMaster2026 and do more with your music!
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Sponsors
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Conference Schedule
10:15am, Library Auditorium
Registration Opens
Join us in the Lawrence Public Library for the 13th edition of our MixMaster Music Conference
Tickets: mixmaster2026.eventbrite.com
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11:00am, Library Auditorium
What Makes A Music City?
What Makes a Music City? How can artists, community leaders, non-profits and government support initiatives to understand, measure and support the music ecosystem at the city level? This opening panel discussion explores the collaboration, research and grassroots efforts that ensure music communities are supported and connected, supporting vibrant economic and creative ecosystems.
Panelists
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Don Pitts - Sound Music Cities
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Jennifer Roe - Folk Alliance
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Diane Scott - Mid-America Arts Alliance
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Nick Carswell - Lawrence Music Alliance
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Michelle Bacon (moderator) - The Bridge 90.9
12:00pm, Library Auditorium
Lunch: YelloSub Lawrence
A selection of sub sandwiches including veggie options, plus salad, condiments and more from the Lawrence staple sandwich shop!
Thanks YelloSub!
1814 W 23rd St, Lawrence, KS 66046, USA
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12:15pm, Library Auditorium
Organization Minishares
While enjoying lunch provided by YelloSub, organizations supporting and sponsoring MixMaster2026 will each share mini presentations about their work supporting artists and the music community.
Participants:
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Explore Lawrence
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KKFI 90.1FM
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KJHK
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Heartland Song Network
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Manor Records
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Blue Collar Press
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1pm, Library Auditorium
Support Systems for Musicians
Numerous organizations, non-profits and government entities exist in our region to support musicians and the creative industry. This panel will highlight the work of some individuals and organizations that can provide resources, tools and support, including how to get involved and how to be ready to make the most of these in order to advance your music career.
Panelists
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Shaun Crowley, Manor Records
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Debbie Vilchis, Heartland Song Network
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Kate Van Steenhuyse, Kansas Arts Commission
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Aaron Fowler, American Federation of Musicians
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Elexa Dawson (moderator), FARM
1pm, Sound+Vision Studio
Production Workshop with Miki P
Experienced session musician, producer and songwriter with The Swallowtails, Katy Guillen & The Drive and more.
Topics
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Songwriting
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Arrangement
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Pre-production
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Crowd-funding
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Studio performance
2pm, Library Auditorium
Navigating Music Festivals
A panel of key individuals share their insights behind some of the most innovative community-based music festivals in our region. How can artists get the attention of festival bookers? When are you ready to play to festival crowds? What does a good festival band look and sound like? Learn the answers to these questions and more
Panelists
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Aimee Riegel - Lovegrass Music Festival Association (LMFA)
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Hank Osterhout - Halfway to Everywhere Music and Arts Festival
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Mike Logan - Kaw River Roots Festival
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Max Paley (moderator) - Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championships
2pm, Sound+Vision Studio
Production Workshop with Braden Young
Performer, producer, experimental recording artist behind Hello Biplane, Alien Hellbop & more
Topics
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Pre-production
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Getting the most out of quick sessions in the Sound+Vision studios
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Album production
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Release strategies
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3pm, Library Auditorium
Music Release Strategies & Collaboration
What are some of the best strategies to release music in 2026? A panel of artists who have recently released or are in the midst of the process share their experience about fundraising, fan engagement, tour booking, media and more.
Panelists
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Nick Spacek, The Pitch
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Matt Pryor
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Miki P, The Swallowtails
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Ben Wendt, Land Lion
3pm, Sound+Vision Studio
Production Workshop with Approach
Hip-hop producer, rapper and recording artist, the creative force behind Datura Records.
Topics
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Hip hop production
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Samples and beats
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Recording rap vocals
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Mixing & mastering
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4pm, Library Auditorium
Demo Dip
Have you ever wondered what happens to all that music you’ve submitted to festival bookers, venues managers or radio stations once you’ve hit send? At the Demo Dip, you get a chance to peel back the curtain and experience how the folks on the receiving end of your submissions sift through the tons of music submissions they receive. The Demo Dip is a fun and constructive process, focused on helping artists understand how their sound is perceived, and to share feedback on production, booking and future avenues to explore.
Panelists
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Michelle Bacon, 909 The Bridge
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Sarah Fay and Bryce Davis, KJHK
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Fally Afani, I Heart Local Music
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Nick Spacek, The Pitch
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Chris Haghirian
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Mark Manning, KKFI
Custom Earplugs
Provided by Midwest Music Foundation
**SOLD OUT** Please check with MixMaster team member in case of cancellations or openings on the day of the event
Returning as part of MixMaster2026, our friends at Midwest Music Foundation are providing free custom earplugs to the first 12 qualified musicians/music industry personnel to apply. Impressions will be done by AudioGirl Consulting.
To sign up for a spot, email rhonda@midwestmusicfound.org
Sign-ups are first come, first served with limited spots available.
Thanks to MMF for sponsoring and for all their great work supporting the music community in and around Kansas City.
Demo Dip
Showcase your tracks. Get feedback!
Have you ever wondered what happens to all that music you’ve submitted to festival bookers, venues managers or radio stations once you’ve hit send? At the Demo Dip, you get a chance to peel back the curtain and experience how the folks on the receiving end of your submissions sift through the tons of music submissions they receive.
You may learn about some other successful artists that our panelists are reminded of, or perhaps a venue or audience that they feel could respond well to your sound. You may find out whether a radio DJ would play the track on their show, or if a promoter or talent buyer will be interested in hearing more or seeing a live show.
The Demo Dip is a fun and constructive process, focused on helping artists understand how their sound is perceived, and to share feedback on production, booking and future avenues to explore.
Production Workshops
in the Sound + Vision Studio
Every MixMaster conference includes time in Lawrence Public Library's excellent recording facilities in the Sound + Vision Studio. Workshops are offered by practicing artists in a variety of genres, utilizing numerous resources that the library offers for free to the community. Hear some music, learn some skills!
Studio Sessions are first-come, first-served running 12pm - 4pm in the Sound + Vision Studios in the Lower Level of Lawrence Public lIbrary.
Free Headshots
with photographer Lillian Hammer
Photographer Lillian Hammer is offering free band shots or polaroid photos for artists. In this quick 5 minute session, you can expect 1-2 digital artist headshots or one Polaroid photo.
5 minute slots are offered between 12 noon and 2pm on Sunday March 29th. Photos take place in the Sound+Vision Studios in the Lower Level of Lawrence Public Library.
Offered in partnership with KU's Music Industry Club.
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About Lillian Hammer
Lillian Hammer is a 19-year-old published music photographer based in Lawrence, Kansas. She is currently attending the University of Kansas and would love to pursue her passion full-time in the future. She is a contributor for Off The Record Press, Zany Waves, KJHK 90.7, and Televised Magazine. She focuses mainly on live show coverage and pre-show portraits, but also enjoys creative portraiture and shooting musician promo material.
See photos and more at https://lillianhammer.myportfolio.com/
About
The Lawrence Music Alliance presents the 13th annual MixMaster Music Conference, a music community event that brings local artists and music industry professionals from across the region together to share information, learn from each other, and support our music ecosystem.
Empowering musicians through collaborative programs and conversations, MXM2026 offers panels, workshops and networking opportunities accessible to all in a unique one-day music conference.
