LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – February 3, 2009) – In celebration of this year’s Grammy
Awards, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
will present a special “Hitmakers” panel discussion on Saturday, February
7th, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood,
CA.

The panel features Grammy Award-winning songwriters and producers; Johntá
Austin (ASCAP’s Pop and Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, Songwriter of the Year
in 2007), Ne-Yo (nominated for six Grammy Awards this year), Manuel Seal
and Tricky Stewart. This event is part of an ongoing ASCAP series of
professional development programs that focus on the music creation process.
Moderated by Billboard Magazine’s Senior Editor/R&B Hip Hop, Gail Mitchell,
the event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required, but it is
first come, first served.

Commenting on this special event, ASCAP’s SVP Domestic Membership, Randy
Grimmett said: “ASCAP’s commitment to the songwriting community is
evidenced once again in the high-caliber programming of our ‘Hitmakers’
panel. On the eve of the Grammy Awards, ASCAP’s Rhythm & Soul Team has
gathered Johntá Austin, Tricky Stewart, Manuel Seal and Ne-Yo to discuss
the art and craft of songwriting and producing. This event is sure to fill
quickly and we are honored to be joined by such an esteemed group of ASCAP
members.”

The featured panelists will discuss their experience with the hit records
they have written:

Johntá Austin

Songwriter: “Be Without You” (Mary J. Blige), “Don’t Forget About Us”
(Mariah Carey), “Poppin'” (Chris Brown) and “Shake It Off” (Mariah Carey).

Ne-Yo

Songwriter: “Because of You,” “Closer,” nominated at the 2009 Grammy
Awards for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, “Irreplaceable” (Beyonce), “Let
Me Love You” (Mario), “Miss Independent,” nominated at the 2009 Grammy
Awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B song, “Sexy Love,”
“Take a Bow” (Rihanna) and “Unfaithful” (Rihanna).

Manuel Seal

Songwriter: “Always Be My Baby” (Mariah Carey); “My Boo” (Usher), “My Way”
(Usher) and “We Belong Together” (Mariah Carey).

Tricky Stewart

Producer: “Me Against the Music” (Britney Spears featuring Madonna),
“Umbrella” (Rihanna featuring Jay-Z), “Touch My Body” (Mariah Carey) and
“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” (Beyonce).

                    ASCAP PRESENTS... "THE HITMAKERS" PANEL
             Saturday, February 7th from 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
                        Free and open to the public

                            MUSICIANS INSTITUTE
                 6752 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028

For more information, call Briana @ Bobbi Marcus PR & Events (310)
889-9200.

Source: ASCAP