Meet the Music Advocate Programme Cohort of the Fayetteville AR Music Cities Convention
- Music Cities Events
- Sep 1
- 8 min read
On September 16th - 18th, 2025, the Music Cities Convention will be taking place in the vibrant creative hub of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Under the theme of the event's 10th anniversary, hundreds of music advocates will gather to explore and network around the best practices for using music to transform cities and ensure communities have thriving music ecosystems worldwide.
As part of the activities for this milestone event, we're hosting a Music Advocate Free Ticket Programme, through which Sound Diplomacy Events & Education and Experience Fayetteville are set to deliver free access and specialized networking opportunities for a handpicked group of 10 participants from the US and around the world.
This exciting group represents a dynamic fusion of music advocates, including city development specialists, international curators, artist managers, festival directors, and community radio leaders. Among them, you'll discover individuals who are actively using music to drive economic revitalization through cultural districts, promote gender equity in festival programming, foster international cultural exchange, support local artists and businesses through festival platforms, and empower the next generation of music industry talent through education and community radio.
We invite you to scroll down and dive into each of the profiles of this exciting group of music advocates. Get inspired by learning about their careers and projects and come join them at the Fayetteville AR Music Cities Convention 2025.
Daniella Cura, Freelance Cultural Manager, Curator and Feminist Music Researcher (@danicura)
For over a decade, Daniella Cura has worked as a cultural manager, curator, and researcher, using music to promote inclusion and social impact. She began her career at the Carnaval Internacional de las Artes in Barranquilla, where she recognized the power of festivals to amplify underrepresented voices. Since then, she has curated numerous musical events across Colombia, consistently advocating for gender equity in programming.
Her book, Esther Forero. La Caminadora, contributed significantly to discussions on music and gender in Latin America. As Artistic Curator of Jazz al Parque, one of South America’s most important jazz festivals, she collaborated with public institutions and international partners to elevate Bogotá’s global music presence. A landmark achievement under her leadership was the creation of Bogotá’s first Female Big Band in 2022, which dramatically increased female participation in the festival and provided a vital platform for women in jazz. That same year, she facilitated a partnership between the Bogotá Music Market and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, leading to Colombia being featured as a cultural exchange country at the 2024 Jazz Fest—an unprecedented milestone in cultural diplomacy.
Through her work, Daniella continues to leverage music as a tool for transformation, justice, and inclusion, fostering spaces where Latin American artists can thrive on the global stage.
Explain how do you use music to have a positive impact in your community. Share the most noteworthy milestones of this journey.
"I hope to develop new connections in public policy for music and with international organizations that can become collaborative partners for projects involving Colombia’s vast and diverse music ecosystem. My goal is to foster relationships that lead to tangible cultural exchange initiatives and policy innovations between Colombia and other countries.
I recently completed a Master’s degree in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management from Colorado State University, focusing on arts policy and advocacy, community engagement, and research methodologies for cultural management. This academic foundation, combined with my lifetime of grassroots cultural work, has equipped me to design and implement projects that address both local needs and global opportunities.
As I relocate back to Bogotá, I am eager to channel my international experience and cultural insight into this next professional chapter. The convention offers the perfect platform to exchange ideas, learn from successful models worldwide, and explore potential partnerships that can amplify Colombia’s role in the global music conversation."
Michael McCray, City of Pine Bluff (Delta Rhythm and Bayous Cultural District) (@explorepinebluff)
Music serves as the cornerstone of Michael McCray’s community development strategy in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. As a coordinator of the Delta Rhythm & Bayous (DRB) Cultural District, he leverages the region’s rich musical heritage to drive economic revitalization and cultural tourism.
Since 2016, McCray has helped develop music-centered infrastructure that positions Pine Bluff within the broader Delta blues corridor. Key projects include establishing Bobby Rush Way in 2018 and the DRB Blues & Wellness Plaza in 2024—a performance space integrating music and community wellness.
Through his role as Cultural Development Specialist, McCray has aligned Pine Bluff with all five Arkansas Tourism Department priorities, attracting state investment and strengthening the city’s position as a heritage tourism destination. Music-themed programming draws visitors, supports local businesses, and creates jobs in hospitality and retail.
Beyond economics, McCray emphasizes music’s role as a unifying force. The DRB Cultural District fosters local pride, supports artists and entrepreneurs, and connects heritage tourism with outdoor recreation—building a comprehensive cultural economy rooted in music.
Explain how do you use music to have a positive impact in your community. Share the most noteworthy milestones of this journey.
"As Cultural Development Specialist for Pine Bluff and someone who has successfully aligned our city with all five Arkansas Tourism Department priorities through the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District, the Arkansas Music Cities Convention represents a critical opportunity to advance our music-centered economic development strategy.
Strategic Learning: This largest global conference exploring music's transformational power for cities will provide cutting-edge insights into best practices I can directly apply to Pine Bluff's ongoing cultural initiatives. The international perspective will offer proven models for scaling our current DRB programs.
High-Level Networking: The diverse delegate mix—mayors, tourism directors, festival directors, economic development professionals, and music industry leaders—directly aligns with my stakeholder ecosystem. These connections could generate strategic partnerships, funding opportunities, and collaborative programming that benefit Pine Bluff's cultural development efforts.
Policy Integration: I'm interested in learning replication models for expanding our initiatives and positioning Pine Bluff as a regional cultural and economic hub."
Stephanie White, City of Keo and Arkansas Pecan Festival (@cityofkeo)
In Keo, Stephanie White uses music as a bridge—connecting generations, celebrating culture, and bringing people together. Through the Arkansas Pecan Festival, she has hosted local musicians, including students from England High School, creating a stage for emerging talent and community pride. Music remains central to these events, fostering joy, unity, and belonging. Her efforts have contributed to Keo being recognized as a Volunteer Community of the Year and receiving multiple Trendsetter Award honorable mentions.
Explain how do you use music to have a positive impact in your community. Share the most noteworthy milestones of this journey.
"At the Music Cities Convention in Fayetteville, I’m hoping to bring home ideas and inspiration for how small towns like Keo can use music as a real driver of community and economic development. We’ve already seen the power of music through the Arkansas Pecan Festival, where local and student musicians help create a sense of connection and pride. I’m especially interested in learning how other places support youth talent, build music-friendly policies, and turn creative events into long-term impact.
I’d love to explore how we might honor Keo native Elmon “Driftin’ Slim” Mickle and grow our efforts into something like a Delta Blues & BBQ celebration. I’m also looking forward to connecting with other city leaders and creative thinkers—folks who understand that music is more than entertainment; it’s a tool for healing, tourism, and bringing people together. I want to leave Fayetteville with ideas we can actually put into action in Keo."
Mary-Megan Imhoff, iHeartMedia (@iheartmediaofficial)
Mary-Megan Imhoff leads a team of local professionals passionate about community and music. Representing Northwest Arkansas’ top four broadcast radio stations, her team promotes local events—with a special focus on supporting and amplifying music events across the region.
Explain how do you use music to have a positive impact in your community. Share the most noteworthy milestones of this journey.
"I look forward to connecting with the music community to find ways to promote new acts, events and small businesses. I am also interested in taking what I learn to the other leadership within the company to help their understanding of the music community as well".
Antonis Stylianou, URBACT - Cities After Dark (@vjtonysteel)
Antonis Stylianou works as a DJ teacher and advocate dedicated to elevating the skills of local DJs through seminars and community building. He founded a DJ association to help unite and professionalize the local scene. By organizing music festivals in public spaces across Nicosia, he attracts visitors who support local businesses like restaurants and bars—effectively using music to drive tourism and economic activity in the city.
Explain how do you use music to have a positive impact in your community. Share the most noteworthy milestones of this journey.
"First thing is the public relations . I want to meet music professionals and share my ideas. Of course I will find out what other cities do about music policies, etc."
Apryl Peredo, Music Bridge Tokyo (Festival and Conference) (@musicbridgetokyo)
Through Inter Idoru Artist Management, Apryl Peredo uses music as a vehicle for positive community impact in Tokyo. Her agency focuses on artist development, sustainable touring, and international cultural exchange—bringing overseas artists to Japan while showcasing local independent talent. She partners with venues to host inclusive, all-ages events and offers career and wellness workshops for both artists and the public. By organizing festivals and educational programs, she ensures music remains accessible, empowering, and rooted in community connection.
Explain how do you use music to have a positive impact in your community. Share the most noteworthy milestones of this journey.
"Attending the Fayetteville Music Cities Convention represents an exciting opportunity to connect with like‑minded professionals committed to building strong, inclusive music ecosystems. I aim to meet potential partners—festival directors, venue operators, cultural planners, and independent music advocates—to explore collaborations on international touring and community‑driven music programming.
Fayetteville’s ethos aligns with my philosophy: champions of independent and small‑label artists, support for grassroots venues, and music as a daily, accessible “third space” for people of all ages—rather than just major label or stadium tours. I’m particularly inspired by commitments to creative placemaking and equitable music access.
I look forward to attending presentations and workshops on sustainable venue development, free public concerts, and creative city planning, as well as connecting with festival and touring professionals who share my focus on artist development from the ground up. Ultimately, I hope to forge partnerships that bring more curated tours, wellness workshops, and music‑driven events back to Tokyo—and strengthen community through music at every level."
About the Music Cities Convention:
On 16 - 18 September, 2025, the Music Cities Convention will be travelling to Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The event will feature presentations, panels, and roundtables to showcase the latest best practices exploring the use and importance of music in the development of cities all around the world. All of the above will be combined with several live music events and exciting networking opportunities.
The three-day event will build upon Fayetteville's rich musical legacy, which is home to one of the oldest and longest-running live music venues in Arkansas—George's Majestic Lounge, founded in 1927. Hosted in partnership with Experience Fayetteville, the convention will be a place to discuss how music can be used to transform cities and to connect with like-minded people interested in ensuring communities have thriving music ecosystems worldwide. During the convention days, we’ll discuss topics such as global music city policies, music for economic and social development, music and health, music and technology, music and education, the role of music in future cities, night time economy, city and place branding, music tourism, music and real estate, and music for community building.
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