Tuesday, May 1---------The 2007 Tribeca/ASCAP Music Lounge opens today with a glittering array of music industry veterans and up-and-coming stars in a mix of music and movies that is unique to this sprawling event. Musical festivities take place at the Canal Room through Friday, May 4th. The Lounge is produced by ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, the trade organization that protects the rights and collects the royalty fees for members of the music industry. In 2005, the Tribeca Film Festival and ASCAP created the Music Lounge as a place for filmmakers to interact with composers and songwriters, encouraging collaboration.  “The Music Lounge is part of the Festival’s continuing commitment to bringing filmmakers and musicians together in a creative environment,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival. 

Musicians to be highlighted during the four day series include: Jon Auer, Donovan, Mary Gauthier, Goo Goo Dolls, Glen Hansard, Kenna, Cass McCombs, Rhett Miller, Adam Schlesinger and Mike Viola, Alice Smith, The Slip, Martha Wainwright, Jimmy Webb, Matt White and Yerba Buena. Some of the concert highlights include: renowned sixties folk-pop performer Donovan (whose songs were prominently featured in David Fincher's ZODIAC),  Rhett Miller (THE BREAK UP), Irish singer/songwriter Glen Hansard (ONCE), songwriter/composer Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne (MUSIC AND LYRICS), Mike Viola of The Candy Butchers (THAT THING YOU DO) and legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb (UP UP AND AWAY) will give a special performance.

Sandy Mandelberger, Festival Online Dailies Editor