Musical tastemakers to convene at RB Inn
Michele Clark’s Sunset Sessions, now in its 13th year, will be held Feb. 18-20 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn.
The convention is an industry-only event meant for radio programmers and music supervisors — who choose music for shows and movies and commercials — to hear new talent and established acts.
A total of 37 musicians — including Melissa Etheridge and Jason Mraz — will perform short sets (20 to 30 minutes) during the course of the event.
The focus is on music that fits the Adult Album Alternative format, such as local station KPRI 102.1, which is an event sponsor and will be broadcasting portions of the event to the public.
Clark, who spent 20 years as an independent music promoter, created the conference. Three years ago, she quit to focus on the Sunset Sessions, she said in a phone interview.
Clark said the convention started out small, with only 100 people and 10 bands. She said she created it as an alternative to other conventions in which radio station representatives weren’t able to see the bands play.
Clark said past performers have gone on to great success. She noted that a performer last year was the Zac Brown Band, which won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.
She also noted that San Diegan Mraz made an earlier appearance long before his hit single “I’m Yours” became a hit.
“Every year we go into the Sunset Sessions thinking: Who are the artists that are on the verge of blowing up?” said Clark.
Past performers include Jack Johnson, Chris Isaak, Jewel, Joss Stone, Third Eye Blind, Roseanne Cash, Rick Springfield, Five for Fighting, Ryan Adams, Pete Yorn and Ziggy Marley.
This year, performers include the John Butler Trio, One EskimO, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals’ Nikki & Rich, NEEDTOBREATHE, Tyler Hinton and Susan Justice.
San Diego-based performers include Sara Petite and Holding Air Hostage.
Etheridge will provide a sneak preview of her upcoming album, “Fearless Love,” which will be released April 27.
This is the first time that the RB Inn hosts the conference, which has been held in St. Thomas, Maui, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun, though it’s been held in San Diego County for four years.
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