Previous Events

by THE ARTISTS FORUM

PROGRAM HISTORY: 1998 – 2016

This section covers our organizational programming from 1998 to 2016, including our inaugural event at the United Nations, artists showcases and panels, networking events, legal symposiums, health initiatives, seasonal outings, exclusive special events, and the first of our annual film festivals. Current event information can be found within the other sections of our site.

HISTORY QUICK LINKS: // 2016 // 2015 // 2008 // 2007 // 2006 // 2005 // 2004 // 2003 // 2002 // 2001 // 2000 // 1999 // 1998

  • Event #41
  • SEPTEMBER 14, 2016
    SPEED NETWORKING EVENT

Guest Speaker: Rahti Gorfien, PCC, ACCG is a professionally certified Life and ADHD Coach.  She is dedicated to helping creative entrepreneurs turn their passion into profit by becoming more efficient, productive, and smart about what they’re doing since 2003.
Space Donation: Bamboo 52 Restaurant – 344 West 52nd St, NYC
Websites: creativecallingcoaching.com

  • Event #40
  • JULY 6 – 7, 2016
  • 1st ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL
  • The Artists Forum Festival of the Moving Image: 2016
    Location: The Cell – 338 West 23rd St, NYC
  • Websites: thecelltheatre.org

  • Event #39
  • JUNE 15, 2016
    SUMMER NETWORKING EVENT
  • Space Donation: Bamboo 52 Restaurant – 344 West 52nd St, NYC
  • Event #38
  • APRIL 06, 2016
  • SPRING NETWORKING EVENT
  • Space Donation: Bamboo 52 Restaurant – 344 West 52nd St, NYC
  • Event #37
  • OCTOBER 8, 2015
    LEGAL 101:
    Knowing Your Rights as an Artistic Creator
  • Moderator:  Amos White V
  • Panelists:  Betsy Dale, Esq. (VLA, NY)
  • Christopher J.P. Mitchell, Esq. (The Law Offices of, PLLC)
  • Location:  Le Poisson Rogue: 158 Bleeker Street, NYC
  • Live Music Showcase: Maritri Garrett
  • Websites: vlany.org, cjpmlawoffices.com, lpr.com

  • Event #36
  • MARCH 28, 2008
  • ARTIST NETWORKING EVENT
  • Space Donation: Sugar – 311 Church Street, NYC
  • Event #35
  • OCTOBER 17, 2007
  • ARTIST NETWORKING EVENT
  • Space Donation: Sugar – 311 Church Street, NYC
  • Event #34
  • MARCH 31, 2006
    BREAST & CERVICAL HEALTH SCREENING
  • In honor of Women’s History Month
  • The Breast & Cervical Health Initiative is a free medical screening produced in partnership with the American Cancer Society to benefit uninsured and under-insured women artists. The screening seeks to promote cancer awareness, early detection, and education, and is conducted by the Manhattan Breast Health Partnership (MBHP).
  • Women aged 40 and older are eligible for a free Clinical Breast Exam (CBE), and  mammogram.  Women aged 18 and older are eligible for a free referral for a pap smear. A nurse practitioner will perform the Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) after which the patient will receive their same-day mammogram.  Participants will also be referred for a free pap test at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital.
  • SPECIAL THANKS:  Event made possible by Patrizia Bernard (MBHP) & Susan Lacina NP (St. Lukes/Roosevelt)
  • Location: American Cancer Society – 19 West 56th Street, NYC
  • Websites: www.cancer.org
  • Event #33
  • NOVEMBER 2, 2005
    LEGAL 101
    @ ASCAP:
  • Copyright and Intellectual Property Issues
  • Moderator:  Amos White V
  • Panelists:  Margaret Spoddig (Director of Membership, ASCAP), Christos P. Badavas (V.P. & Sr Counsel, The Harry Fox Agency), Adrienne R. Fields (Associate Counsel, Artists Rights Society), Ben Goldman (President, United Visual Arts)
  • Special Thanks to:  Dr. Theodore H. Feder (ARS), Laurie Jakobsen (Harry Fox), Erin Donnelly (LMCC), Margaret Spoddig (ASCAP) 
  • Volunteers: Frank J. Boros, Lourdes Morales, Henry S. Kanegsberg
  • Space Donation: Margaret Spoddig (ASCAP)
  • Websites: ascap.com, arsny.com, harryfox.com, bengoldmanart.com, unitedvisualarts.com   
  • Event #32
  • SEPTEMBER 21, 2005 
  • EYE HEALTH SCREENING 8 
  • Event #31
  • APRIL 20, 2005
  • EYE HEALTH SCREENING 7 
  • Event #30
  • DECEMBER 2, 2004
  • 6TH ANNIVERSARY @ BMI 
  • An Evening of with Great Networking, Refreshments, Artists Showcases, and Prizes! 
  • Featured Guests: Elli Fordyce (jazz), Helen Evans Ramsaran (sculpture), Elliot Torres (poetry), Eunjung Hwang (animation), Quinn Lemley (cabaret) 
  • Gift Bags: Capitol Records, Sephora, Backstage Magazine, HERE Arts Center, BMI, ASCAP  
  • Raffle Items: HERE Arts Center, and The French Culinary Institute/Le’Cole Restaurant 
  • Volunteers: Marsha Tonkins and Rosita Adams (registration)
  • Special Thanks: Samantha Cox (BMI), Kristin Marting and Mike Lonardo (HERE Arts Center), Scott Luetgenau (Le’Cole Restaurant) and Carole Cleaver & Associates (wine donation)
  • Space Donation: Samantha Cox (BMI, NYC)
  • Websites: bmi.com, ascap.com, here.org, frenchculinary.com, capitolrecords.comquinnlemley.com, elliottorres.com 
  • Event #29
  • SEPTEMBER 29, 2004
    LEGAL 101
    @ BMI:
  • What Artists Need to Know Before Contracting Legal Services
  • Moderator: Gary Roth, Esq. (BMI) 
  • Panelists: Nubiaa Shabaka, Esq. (Proskauer Rose LLP), Vladimir Favilukis, Esq. (Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA), Frank J. Boros (Multi-Media Artist)
  • Special Thanks to: Samantha Cox (Sr. Director, Writer/Publisher Relations-BMI), Elena M. Paul (Executive Director, VLA)
  • Volunteers: Elli Fordyce, Val Ciancimino, Jim Green, Randy Morey, Daphne White, Henry S. Kanegsberg, and Kenichiro Motoyama
  • Space Donation: Samantha Cox (BMI, NYC)
  • Websites: bmi.com, proskauer.com, vlany.org   
  • Event #28
  • JULY 21, 2004 
  • EYE HEALTH SCREENING 6
  • Event #27
  • NOVEMBER 13, 2003
  • 5TH ANNIVERSARY @ BMI 
  • An Evening of Great Networking, Refreshments, Special Guest Speakers, Artists Showcases & Prizes! (6PM – 9PM) 
  • Featured Guests: Registration & Networking Hour  w/ Visual Art Displays by AFTV (video photo collage with music by Paul Manchin) and a video by Julie Mardin
  • Presentations & Special Guests: Samantha Cox (BMI), Erin Donnelly (Associate Director of Visual & Media Arts, LMCC), Margaret Spoddig (ASCAP), and a performance by Elli Fordyce. Plus HERE and Film/Video Arts (FVA) Membership Raffles.   
  • Special Thanks: Samantha Cox (BMI) 
  • Gift Bags: Dolores Gonzolez (Sephora), Arif Mardin and Evan Adler (Manhattan/Angel Records), Sherry Eaker (Backstage), Elena M. Paul and Hilary Burt (VLA, NY), Brian Riley (Kidrobot), Lourdes Morales 
  • Raffle Items: Kristin Marting and Mike Lonardo (HERE Arts Center), Eileen Newman and Duana Butler (FVA)
  • Special Guest Speakers: Samantha Cox (BMI), Margaret Spoddig (ASCAP), Erin Donnelly (LMCC)
  • Volunteers: Alexis Howard (The Essential Provider, LLC.), Steve Skladany (flyer design w/ photo by Amos White V), Ann Rendon and Val Ciancimino (registration)
  • Space Donation: Samantha Cox (BMI, NYC)
  • Websites: bmi.com, here.org, backstage.com, fva.com, kidrobot.com, emi.com
  • Event #26
  • OCTOBER 1, 2003
  • EYE HEALTH SCREENING 5
  • Event #25
  • APRIL 2, 2003 
  • EYE HEALTH SCREENING 4
  • Event #24
  • DECEMBER 10, 2002
  • 4TH ANNIVERSARY @ MNN STUDIOS 
  • An Evening of Great Networking, Refreshments, Special Guest Speakers, and Artists Showcases. The event included an AFTV studio taping with Special Guests: MNN Non-Linear instructor Devorah Hill, actor Tirlok Malik, with performances by pianist/singer/songwriter Maritri, flutist Sean Schluch, and vocalist Elli Fordyce. 
  • Host: by Amos White V with opening remarks by AFTV host Shelita Birchett
  • Special Thanks: Volunteers: Val Ciancimino, Long Tran, and Brian Lau
  • Refreshments: Tirlock Malik and Om Bansal @ Ayurveda Cafe (94th & B’way)
  • Space Donation: Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) Studios, NYC
  • Websites: mnn.org
  • Event #23
  • NOVEMBER 29, 2001
  • 3RD ANNIVERSARY @ BMI
  • An Evening of Great Networking, Refreshments, Special Guest Speakers, and Artists Showcases.  
  • Featured Guests: American Renaissance Theatre Company w/ Dick Sabol + Fran Handman & friends (drama), Ellie Fordyce (jazz, AFTV), Kim Kalesti (jazz), Maiya (healing), Maritri (soul-folk music), Miss Mellie aka Melony McGrant (spoken word), Ronen Murad (poetry, flute), Rachel Stone (music) and Marguerite Ruscito (visual artist).
  • Special Thanks: Shelita Birchett as AFTV camera person. 
  • Space Donation: BMI, NYC
  • Websites: bmi.com, kimkalesti.com
  • Event #22
  • NOVEMBER 8, 2001  
  • EYE HEALTH SCREENING 3
  • Event #21
  • OCTOBER 16, 2001
    MUSIC SHOWCASE @ STEINWAY HALL 
  • Special guest pianists: Maritri Garrett, Lee Musiker + duet w/ jazz vocalist Elli Fordyce
  • Speakers: Arif Mardin (EMI), Brook Primont (BMI), Margaret Spoddig (ASCAP) & Betsy E. Hirsch (Steinway & Sons) w/ Amos White V (THE ARTISTS FORUM). Refreshments & networking. 
  • Space Donation: Betsy E. Hirsch (Steinway & Sons, 109 West 57th St, NYC). 
  • Websites: steinway.com, ascap.com, bmi.com
  • Event #20
  • OCTOBER 1, 2001 
  • AN INVITATION TO HEAL
  • A therapeutic response to 9/11 attack held at the historic Marble Collegiate Church in NYC, this event was talent-packed and extremely uplifting! Special thanks to Mario E. Sprouse,  Dr. Ronald Patterson (space donators) &  The Marble Collegiate Church Arts Fellowship (a non-partisan arts group), the folks at WBAI-NYC Radio and all the other groups and artists who helped to spread the word. New Yorkers are STRONG! The service also included a firefighters’ fundraiser.
  • Featured Artists: Jay Albrech, Elli Fordyce, Brenda Ferry, Molly Keeler, Junko MacBride, Melony McGant, Ronen Murad, Rick Novalis, Maiyah Olivas, Julia Schell, Shiffie, Mary Beth Stone, Rachel Stone. 
  • Hosts/Co-Sponsors: Mario E. Sprouse (Director, Marble Collegiate Church Arts Fellowship) & Amos White V (President & Founder, The Artists Forum) 
  • Refreshments: Mario E. Sprouse and the Marble Collegiate Church
  • Location: Marble Collegiate Church – 1 West 29th St. @ 5th Ave, NYC
  • Websites: Marble Collegiate Church
  • Event #19
  • APRIL 12, 2001 
  • EYE HEALTH SCREENING 2
  • Event #18
  • NOVEMBER 30, 2000
  • 2ND ANNIVERSARY @ BMI
  • A Night Complete with Fine Art, Refreshments, Networking and Great Music! (6:00PM – 9:30PM)
  • Featured Guests: Marguerite  Ruscito (photography), Mooney (alt. hip-hop), Maritri (soul-folk), Joi Veer (rock-pop), Anne Fizzard & Co. (Comedy Sketches), American Renaissance Theatre Co. (Short Play & Actor/Playwright Outreach)
  • Special Thanks: Charlie Feldman (Vice President Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI), Brooke Primont (BMI), & Samantha Cox (BMI) 
  • Space Donation: Brooke Primont (BMI)
  • Websites: bmi.com
  • Event #17
  • OCTOBER 12, 200
  • EYE HEALTH SCREENING 1
  • Event #16
  • AUGUST 27, 2000 
  • SUNDAY SUMMER PICNIC & MUSIC FEST 
  • A Special Event: “Harlem Meer Performance Festival,” held at Central Park’s Harlem Meer Boat House during the Central Park Conservancy’s “Music In The Park” celebration.   Our picnic was from 2PM to 6PM, with the festival going from 4PM-6PM at The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. This event featured the music of Yosvany Terry Quinteto: “In the rich tradition of Afro-Cuban rhythms and melodies, Yosvany Terry Quienteto performs contemporary compositions.”   The Conservatory Gardens were very nearby, so some of us went to visit them and witness vows exchanged at a summer wedding in progress around the 5PM intermission. After the festival ended, a few of us took a nature walk and talked about our vacations and plans for the next quarter. Thanks for all  who attended, especially singer/songwriter Paul Christian and Essential Provider’s Alexis Howard. 
  • Websites: centralparknyc.org
  • Event #15
  • AUGUST 19, 2000 
  • GREAT JAZZ ON THE GREAT HILL 
  •  
  • A Special Event: What a great, sunny Saturday! Central Park Conservancy’s “Great Jazz on the Great Hill” featured the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, and the Machito Orchestra, presented by the Central Park Conservancy, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Time Warner, Inc.  Special Thanks to  Kim Kalesti.
  • Websites: centralparknyc.org
  • Event #14
  • JUNE 29, 2000 
  • DANCE MUSIC SHOWCASE 
  • An evening filled with live dance music from NY artists MJ White, Jade Elektra (both signed w/ UK labels), and Canadian artist Paul Manchin. Plus, free counseling services from The Essential Provider, LLC. 
  • DJ: Adam (Warped Records)
  • Host: Maureen Campbell
  • Space Donation: Float Nightclub – 240 W 52nd St, NYC
  • Websites: mnn.org  
  • Event #13
  • MAY 25, 2000  
  • DIGITAL WORLD: MUSIC & VIDEO  
  • Featured industry insights from Grammy Nominee Steve Skinner (Bette Midler) & Producer Robert Kinkel (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) with performances from Antfactor (electronic music), and Buck from Feedbuck Galore, a visual art company. Counseling sessions with The Essential Provider, LLC.
  • Host: Maureen Campbell and Amos White V
  • Media Sponsor: Artbyte Magazine 
  • Space Donation: Float Nightclub – 240 W 52nd St, NYC
  • Websites: Artbyte Magazine, missygalore.com  
  • Event #12
  • APRIL 27, 2000     
  • PREMIERE NIGHT AT FLOAT  
  • THE ARTISTS FORUM proudly presented the first solo photographic exhibition for Marguerite Ruscito – Director of Education at Film/Video Arts (FVA), who shared her work taken on sabbatical in Benin, Africa. The Program also included a live musical performance by International New Age/Spirit Duo Bowers & Samay featuring selected works from their United Nations debut. Surprise guest Paul Christian wowed the audience with a special song. The event included a Bon Voyage Party for AFTV host Lucky Nunez, bound for sunny Florida.
  • Space Donation: Float Nightclub – 240 W 52nd St, NYC
  • Event #11
  • MARCH 27, 2000
  • MENTAL FITNESS FOR ARTISTS PROGRAM 
  • Guest Speaker: DuJardin Bonet from The Essential Provider, LLC. spoke about the relation between stress, anxiety artistic productivity, and overcoming these mental hurdles by obtaining the correct method of therapy (plus free on-site counseling  w/ Alex Howard). Personal Trainer Sharon Kringle spoke about the import relationship between physical fitness and mental health. Lectures followed by Q&A.
  • Guest Artists: Amelia’s Dream (Alt. Pop), photographer Erique Ford’s “Urban Zen” series in the Zanzibar Atrium, plus video presentation of AFTV Episode 3 from 7:30-8:00PM. 
  • Host: Maureen Campbell
  • Space Donation: Zanzibar Restaurant – 645 9th Ave, NYC
  • Websites: ameliasdream.com, mnn.org 

  • Event #10
  • FEBRUARY 28, 2000
  • SALUTE TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH 
  • Guest Speaker: artist/educator Gail Shaw-Clemons spoke about her work as an African American artist; complete with select work samples and slide presentations of her art. Lecture followed by Q&A. 
  • Guest Artists: Ramona & Christopher (R&B/ Adult Contemporary), Mooney (Atl. Hip-Hop), plus selected works by artist Jimmy Black 
  • Host: Maureen Campbell
  • Space Donation: Zanzibar Restaurant – 645 9th Ave, NYC
  • Websites: christopherhoyle.com, mnn.org 
  • Event #9
  • JANUARY 24, 2000
  • MUSIC MARKETING IN THE MILLENNIUM PANEL  
  • Guest Panelists: journalists/ entrepreneurs Dan Kassell and Chris Smith spoke about marketing techniques for musicians – from press kit and booking tips to how to sell yourself over the phone. Panel followed by Q&A plus videothe presentation of AFTV Episode 1. 
  • Musical Guest: BlakeMattingly (Alt./Pop)
  • Host & Panel Moderator: Maureen Campbell 
  • Space Donation: Zanzibar Restaurant – 645 9th Ave, NYC
  • Websites: mnn.org
  • Event #8
  • DECEMBER 6, 1999
  • 1ST ANNIVERSARY @ ZANZIBAR

  • Guest Speaker: Margaret Spoddig (ASCAP) Margaret toasts THE ARTISTS FORUM. Quick chat about ASCAP, plus Alumni performances.
  • Hosts: Maureen Campbell and Lucky Nunez
  • Space Donation: Zanzibar Restaurant – 645 9th Ave, NYC
  • Websitesascap.com
  • Event #7
  • NOVEMBER 16, 1999
  • JIMMY BLACK: Psychedelic Aftrocentrism 
  • THE ARTISTS FORUM’s first visual artist showcase: Incredible work with incredible people and an incredible vibe! Jimmy’s medium: acrylic on canvas + special event light box series.  Jimmy’s style: pop/commercial. 
  • DJ’s: Johnny Juice, Richard Maitland, Timmy Richardson, and Ricardo Padillo
  • Catering: Chef Timothy Dean (Palladin Restaurant) 
  • Special Thanks: Juan C. Torres, Trace Magazine, Von Dutch Jeans, and Perilous Shirts. 
  • Space Donation: NV Nightclub – 289 Spring St @ Hudson, NYC
  • Event #6
  • SEPTEMBER 29, 1999
    MUSIC COPYRIGHT LAW SESSION
     
  • Guest Speaker: Alvin Deutsch, Esq. (Deutsch, Klagsburn & Blasband) spoke about the how’s and why’s of copyrighting for music songwriting in film, theater, and all recorded formats. Lecture followed by Q&A. 
  • Guest Artists: Kathleen Manstream (Folk), Babs Winn (Country), Myrick (Classic Soul), Greg Douglass (Alt./Folk/Pop). 
  • DJ: Raphix
  • Host: Maureen Campbell
  • Space Donation: NV Nightclub – 289 Spring St @ Hudson, NYC
  • Websites: babswinn.com 
  • Event #5
  • JULY 29, 1999
  • THE SHOWDOWN! ASCAP/BMI/SESAC Face Off  
  • Guest Speakers: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC representatives spoke about the how’s and why’s of joining their respective organizations, what they offer their members and how they differ from one another. Attendees were encouraged to come find out  which one is best suited to serve their needs, or if already a member, get  more answers to their performing rights questions. 
  • Panelists: Marcy Drexler: Sr. Director of Membership (ASCAP), Charlie Feldman: Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations (BMI), Kevin McManus: Director of Writer/Publisher Relations (SESAC) 
  • Panel Moderator: Lucky Nunez
  • Guest Artist: Frank Glaz (social satire music)
  • DJ: Raphix
  • Host: Maureen Campbell
  • Space Donation: NV Nightclub – 289 Spring St @ Hudson, NYC
  • Websites: ascap.com, bmi.com, sesac.com
  • Event #4
  • JUNE 30, 1999
  • MUSIC, THE INTERNET & YOU featuring Richard Gottehrer
  • Guest Speaker: Richard Gottehrer – Songwriter: “I Want Candy”, ” My Boyfriends Back”; Producer: The Go-Go’s, Joan Armatrading, Blondie; Co-founder of Sire Records; CEO of  The Orchard.com: (one of the world’s fastest growing distributors of downloadable music). 
  • Richard was on hand to speak and answer questions regarding his career in music, his internet pioneering and the bridges that unite the two, with a special focus on utilizing the world wide web to enhance musician exposure. Additional topics included controversies surrounding mp3 technology, copyright  infringement and safeguarding artists works online. 
  • Guest Artists: Hermania Glenn (R&B), Peter Sabla (alt. rock), Kim Kalesti (jazz), Joi Veer (rock), Mary Beth Stone (country), Andre (euro-dance) 
  • Space Donation: NV Nightclub – 289 Spring St @ Hudson, NYC
  • Websites: theorchard.com, kimkalesti.com
  • Event #3
  • MAY 26, 1999
  • THE ARTISTS FORUM
  • featuring Kahil Shkymba
  • Guest Speaker: Kahil Shkymba (Hook or Crook Productions) spoke about and answered questions regarding his provocative film, Isolated Incidents. The filmmaker accepted and reviewed music submissions for the soundtrack  and score. 
  • Guest Artists: Hue (soul-folk), Zonna (folk), Renee Cologne (orchestral pop), The Insaints (Reggae+)
  • DJ: Raphix
  • Host: Lucky Nunez  
  • Space Donation: NV Nightclub – 289 Spring St @ Hudson, NYC
  • Websites: Maritri Garrett, Zonna tribute page, reneecologne.com 
  • Event #2
  • APRIL 28, 1999 
  • THE ARTISTS FORUM
  • Our first public event
  • Speaker: Amos White V – President/Founder, THE ARTISTS FORUM: Introducing THE ARTISTS FORUM.
  • Musical Guests: Chris Rebles of Champagne Reign (rock), Shawn Lucas w/ Gail Lou (R&B), John Joseph Nolis aka JJ Nolis (folk), Marla Lewis (children’s), Ranjeet Saxena & Warren Vollaro w/ Jennifer Karr (pop), Anthony Galante aka Antfactor (dance)
  • DJ: Raphix (Rafael Ortiz) 
  • Host: Lucky Nunez and Iris Nunez 
  • Space Donation: NV Nightclub – 289 Spring St @ Hudson, NYC
  • Websites: JJ Nolis on Spotify
  • Event #1
  • NOVEMBER 18, 1998
  • INAUGURAL VENTURE 
  •  
  • THE ARTISTS FORUM’s inaugural venture came in the fall of 1998 during the gala ceremony at the United Nations for the Cast The Sleeping Elephant Trust, held Wednesday, November 18, 1998 at the United Nations Complex in New York City. United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan presided over the event, along with international dignitaries and American legends Isaac Hayes, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. During the outdoor ceremony, a life-sized bronze elephant cast, created by sculptor Mihail, was dedicated to the United Nations from the Republics of Kenya, Namibia, and the Kingdom of Nepal, and was installed in the UN Garden. International new age duo, Bowers & Samay were invited to perform during the reception.   In honor of the event, Bowers & Samay, with invited special guests, dedicated and performed their latest song entitled “Let’s Try It Again,” – a selection from their work-in-progress album, Future Vision.  Acting as publicist and A&R for Bowers & Samay, THE ARTISTS FORUM produced their CD package (illustrated by Rafael Ortiz), and compiled a special VIP guest list for the occasion.
  • Websites: bowersandsamay.com, Cast the Sleeping Elephant