BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Media outlets are invited to the Indiana University Mellencamp Symposium on March 3, when legendary musician, artist and activist John Mellencamp will be joined by music industry leaders and scholars to discuss the cultural and social impact of Mellencamp’s body of work. Among the scheduled events, Mellencamp will participate in an on-stage interview with IU alumnus and Rolling Stone journalist Anthony DeCurtis.
The interview between longtime friends Mellencamp and DeCurtis will cover the singer-songwriter’s life and influences, including stories of his experiences in the studio and on the road. Mellencamp’s artistry, including his songwriting process, musical philosophy and successes in painting, filmmaking and musical theater, will be topics of discussion.
Mellencamp’s closest music industry colleagues will provide an intimate look at one of the nation’s greatest singer-songwriters, discussing a career that continues to define the way music and art shape America. The panel includes Rob Light, partner and managing director of Creative Artists Agency; Monte Lipman, founder and chief operating officer of Republic Records; and Bruce Resnikoff, president and chief operating officer of Universal Music Enterprises. The panel also includes industry professionals from FarmAid, Sacks & Co. and iHeartMedia.
- What: Music industry leaders and scholars will participate in panel discussions throughout the day. Anthony DeCurtis will interview John Mellencamp onstage.
- When: 9 to 5:30 p.m. March 3.
- Where: Presidents Hall, within Franklin Hall, 601 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington.
- RSVP: Those interested in attending are asked to register on site on March 3.
Mellencamp, a Bloomington resident, kicked off his extensive Live and In Person 2023 North American tour at Indiana University Auditorium. His music career spans more than four decades. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member has garnered a Grammy Award, the Woody Guthrie and John Steinbeck awards, and the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting.
Mellencamp’s critically acclaimed studio album, “Strictly a One-Eyed Jack,” was released last year and received praise from The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal and more, also reaching the No. 1 Best Selling Album upon release week. A deluxe edition reissue of his beloved seminal album “Scarecrow” followed, featuring a large collection of bonus tracks, rarities and more never previously shared material.
“Legends of Rock: John Mellencamp,” a new permanent exhibition, opened last year at the storied Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum.
In addition to his illustrious music career, Mellencamp is a longtime social justice activist and a painter, drawing inspiration for his artwork from the German Expressionism movement of the 20th century. His works of art have been featured in gallery exhibitions across the nation. Mellencamp’s gallery Antiquated Fine Arts is located in Bloomington. A coffee table art book titled “John Mellencamp: American Paintings and Assemblages,” was recently released with Rizzoli New York.
