Independent musicians from around the world will gather in the hills of Central Texas in November to make music, to discuss the issues facing the industry and, for many, to take part in a special radio conference to learn how they might win the favor of broadcast programmers in the years ahead. The United States Entertainment Force and Roots Music Association are staging the festival, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, which dedicates their resources to the troop and Veterans programs. The festival is scheduled for Nov. 14-16 at a 500-acre festival site behind the Outlet Malls at San Marcos. Over 150 global musicians are participating and performing at the festival. Many are from the Austin-San Marcos area. Many other have traveled from other parts of the state and nation to attend the fest. A few have traveled from as far away as Europe and the Far East. In addition to continuos live music, a special radio conference is being staged concurrent to the event just a few miles away. The RMA Radio and Music Industry Convention will be held in the brand new Embassy Suites Convention Center located just minutes away from the beautiful 500 acre festival site. The conference will include not only informational panels that will address the technological, academic and business aspects of the music business that independent artists must utilize to be successful, but also serve as a reflection of the traditions and history of the music that has shaped the music business and community as we know it today. There will also be a technology portion of this panel-styled presentation that will address all of the new technology for recording and performance that are available to an artist today. All of this, coupled with live performances by the artists and networking opportunities with radio station personalities from around the world as well as independent record labels, will make this annual conclave a valuable experience for manufacturers, musicians, engineers, performers and radio personalities alike. Speakers will include industry professionals noted for their achievements in their field discussing the future of the Radio and Music Industry as new technology impacts the business of both industries. New markets are being created through satellite and internet radio - digital formats are changing the way businesses will be done in the music industry. Discussions will include talks on how radio and music industry's can adjust and make changes to capture these new markets. The festival lineup includes a diverse group of both Texas and world musicians, performers and songwriters. Musical genres range from folk/Americana to rock, country, blues, jazz, roots, reggae, world, Soca and Latin beat. TIcket prices range from $40 for a single day pass to $80 for a three day pass. For more information, visit the Web site.