Donio: Music Biz 2016 Will Go On In Nashville, Yet Slams Discriminatory Legislation

Music Biz 2016: The Show Goes On ... This Year

MUSIC BIZ 2016 will go on as scheduled in NASHVILLE on MAY 16th through 18th despite pending discriminatory TENNESSEE legislation, although MUSIC BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Pres. JAMES DONIO had some sharp words for the state government. He issued the following statement:

“When we decided to bring MUSIC BIZ back to NASHVILLE in 2016, the troubling bills now before the governor were not in discussion. If these bills become law in TENNESSEE, they will allow discrimination against people for what they believe, how they live, or who they are -- and especially penalize transgender youth at a time when they should be getting support. We urge GOVERNOR HASLAM to use his veto power to put a stop to this harmful legislation.

“We strongly support the city of NASHVILLE that has been so welcoming to MUSIC BIZ, and applaud MAYOR BARRY’s fierce opposition to this legislation.

“We will proceed with our MAY 16th-18th convention at the RENAISSANCE HOTEL. In fact, our event provides a perfect forum to highlight that music serves as a unifying force around the world. It brings people together regardless of who they are. We will use our convention as an opportunity to discuss the need to celebrate diversity -- rather than advancing or sanctioning discrimination -- and how our business can be a positive force for fostering acceptance and understanding.

“MUSIC BIZ’s goal is to hold its convention in a place that embraces diversity in its fullest form, and we want to see TENNESSEE be true to that ideal.”

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