In celebration of this year’s Grammy Awards, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will present a special “Hitmakers” panel discussion on Saturday, February 7th, from 1:00pm–3:00pm at MI.

The panel features Grammy Award-winning artists/producers and some of today’s top songwriters; Johntá Austin (ASCAP’s Pop and Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, Songwriter of the Year in 2007), Ne-Yo (nominated for six Grammy Awards this year), Manuel Seal and Tricky Stewart.  This event is part of an ongoing ASCAP series of professional development programs that focus on the music creation process.  Moderated by Billboard Magazine’s Senior Editor/R&B Hip Hop, Gail Mitchell, the event is free and open to the public.  No RSVP is required, but it is first come, first served. For additional information, call the ASCAP automated hot line at 323-882-1414 (please do NOT call Musicians Institute).

The featured panelists will discuss their experience with the hit records they have written:

Johntá Austin
Songwriter:  “Be Without You” (Mary J. Blige), “Don’t Forget About Us” (Mariah Carey), “Poppin’” (Chris Brown) and “Shake It Off” (Mariah Carey).

Ne-Yo
Songwriter:  “Because of You,” “Closer,” nominated at the 2009 Grammy Awards for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, “Irreplaceable” (Beyonce), “Let Me Love You” (Mario), “Miss Independent,” nominated at the 2009 Grammy Awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B song, “Sexy Love,” “Take a Bow” (Rihanna) and “Unfaithful” (Rihanna).

Manuel Seal
Songwriter:  “Always Be My Baby” (Mariah Carey); “My Boo” (Usher), “My Way” (Usher) and “We Belong Together” (Mariah Carey) where he won a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Tricky Stewart
Producer:  “Me Against the Music” (Britney Spears featuring Madonna), “Umbrella” (Rihanna featuring Jay-Z), “Touch My Body” (Mariah Carey) and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” (Beyonce).