Anna Kline Email & Phone Number

Anna has extensive experience both on stage and behind the scenes. She comes to IBMA with over 10 concentrated years as a full-time songwriter and musician, and 20 years of experience as a freelance writer and project coordinator in the culture and heritage tourism and music industries.Originally from Hernando, Mississippi, raised on a steady diet of hymns, harmonies, and Memphis soul, Anna went on to study music business and mass media at the University of Memphis. She worked for Southern soul label Malaco Records in Jackson, Mississippi, focusing on copyright and licensing for their famed collection of soul, gospel, and blues publishing catalogs. Following her time at Malaco, Anna was a special projects officer at the Mississippi Development Authority, Division of Tourism, and the Mississippi Film Office, writing the content for the Mississippi Culinary Trail, co-coordinated film industry workshops, spent time as a location scout, and organized the first Mississippi music showcase for SXSW.Her acoustic roots duo, Grits & Soul, is a former World of Bluegrass showcase artist; they were also featured performers on Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern and have featured songs on John T. Edge's True South TV. The duo toured the Southeast U.S. and Europe appearing at festivals such as MerleFest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, Suwannee Springfest, and Country Festival in Belgium. They have also opened for Jim Lauderdale and Ben Sollee. Her electric band, Swift Silver, released their debut album in 2021 and will have more music coming out in 2024.Anna is a Kentucky Arts Council Community Scholar and a member of the KAC Performing Artists Directory. She is a regularly featured speaker and instructor for both youth and adult workshops on vocal harmonies, songwriting, and festival programming; and, she continues to coordinate music showcases and community folklife events. Anna currently lives in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky with her husband and songwriting partner, John Looney, who plays mandolin and guitar.At IBMA, Kline is responsible for overseeing all sponsors and World of Bluegrass exhibitors. She develops new business opportunities through partnerships, programs, and grants. In addition, she takes the lead in fostering a giving-back spirit within the community by sharing the gift of music and finding new opportunities for the bluegrass industry.

Listed skills include Editing, Fundraising, Public Relations, Public Speaking, and 6 others.

• 

  The University Of Memphis

  Music Business, Film, Mass Media, Music Licensing