Registration is currently open for the LGBT Music Fest, happening Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 on Nashville's Music Row. The fest is expected to host more than 400 performing artists, songwriters and industry professionals in an exciting mix of music entertainment, education and networking events.

“The LGBT Music Fest is actually the first of it's kind. It focuses on bringing together lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender music creators, industry and fans,” said Cornelius “Popcorn” Robertson, founder of the Nashville Song Writers Festival on Music Row. “It’s quite a historical happening; (a festival) featuring LGBT artists and songwriters.”

LGBT performing artists and songwriters of any genre are invited to take the stage from noon to midnight, Friday through Sunday for an “open call” performance on Nashville's Music Row at various entertainment venues including the Music Row Best Western Lounge. You are welcomed to introduce your best song by scheduling a performance or “open mic” on indoor stage locations in the vicinity of Demonbreun and Division Streets.

The Music Row Best Western is home base for the festival, and is holding several events including the music industry information tables and training sessions from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a casual Networking Mixer on Sunday. “It economically impacts recording studios, venues, and other industry service providers and tourism, but the real impact is Nashville stepping out and supporting all genres of music, not just Country Music,” Robertson said.

The educational portion of the festival, hosted by the Independent Music Association, will offer hands-on advice on topics including Product and Career Critiques, Recording, Publishing, Plugging and Distribution, among others, allowing attendees to “Speak to a Pro” in mentoring sessions designed to answer questions about “Music as a Business.”

The LBGT Music Fest will have a Pre-Fest Opening STIR party on Thursday, Jan. 31, night. Then get your party on again at the “Valentines Carnival” featuring an informal costume party with dancing on Feb. 2. from 6 p.m. to midnight.

“We have LGBT in all levels of the music industry yet in Nashville most must hide or risk losing their endorsements. Like Chely Wright, for example,” Robertson said. “So LGBT is nothing new to the shadows of Nashville's past movers and shakers.”

For more information about the LGBT Music Fest, visit www.lgbtmusicfest.org, send an email to info@lgbtmusicfest.org or call (615) 424-1491.