Have you ever wanted to meet me and punch me in the jaw then run away as I crumble to the ground in a pool of tears talk about music? Well my friend, now is your chance.

On Saturday, March 29th, the Musicians Union is hosting a “Meet with the Press” Q&A where you can say hello to Portland’s best music critics—Luciana Lopez (Oregonian), Amy McCullough (Willamette Week), Barbara Mitchell (Portland Tribune)—along with myself, “Portland’s Ninth Best Music Critic With a Beard Who Is Named Ezra.”

The event is an ideal opportunity to speak about the relationship between local bands and the media, get an outside perspective on how to better pitch your music to the press, and I’m sure we will cover all sorts of other issues as well.

Sadly, the Musicians Union rejected my idea of adding a battle royal to the death (“Four critics enter, only one lives to blog about it…”) at the end of the event. Then again, that’s probably a good thing.

Full press release below…

Ever wanted to Meet with the Press?

The Musicians Union, Local 99 is hosting 4 of our esteemed local
music writers for an afternoon presentation and Q & A about their
jobs, press releases, what they like to see, and how you might help
yourself get some press.

Present at the event will be:
Luciana Lopez Pop Music Critic-Oregonian
Amy McCullough Music Editor-Willamette Week
Ezra A. Caraeff Music Editor-Portland Mercury
Barbara Mitchell Music Critic-Portland Tribune

Saturday, March 29, 2008
2-4 PM

Musicians Union Hall
325 NE 20th
Portland, OR

The event is free to all, though we are suggesting a $5, tax
deductible, donation to the Music Education Assistance Project, a
non-profit organization that provides support for Public School Music Programs.