Often behind great bands you will find a great team. Throughout R.E.M.’s decades-long career, Bertis Downs acted as the band’s lawyer, manager, and advisor. There from the beginning, until they wrapped it up on a high note, Bertis continues to work with the band’s legacy. His management style has served as a template for many bands that came after R.E.M. Additionally, Bertis is involved with advocacy work, particularly as it relates to equal access to quality public education.
The format for this presentation will be conversational, between Downs and Alex Maiolo. Maiolo is a musician, arts advocate, and music writer who has contributed to Reverb, Tape Op, The Quietus, Louder Than War, as well as books on musical instruments and recording history.
Participants are encouraged to show up early to submit questions in advance so they can be stitched into the conversation, rather than tacked onto the end.