Discounts of up to 50% on admission to CAMEO events

Notification by email or telephone of all CAMEO events and programs

Eligibility to vote for the winners of the CAMEO Music Awards 

Eligibility to elect the Directors of CAMEO or stand as a nominee for election to the Board of Directors

Eligibility to speak and vote at all general meetings on the important issues concerning CAMEO

Opportunity to network with other musicians, music lovers, and music industry professionals

Personal satisfaction of supporting a good cause and being a part of a positive organization that benefits your local artists, your young talent, and your community as a whole

Qualified artist members

First consideration for showcasing opportunities such as the CAMEO Music Festival and other large venue events*

Eligibility to win monthly awards of professional recording time*

Eligibility to be featured on CAMEO recording projects such as the "CAMEO Appearances" CD*

Eligibility to stand as a nominee for major professional awards such as the CAMEO Music Awards*

Promotion on the CAMEO web site (200,000 hits per month)*

*To inquire about participating in these programs, email Artistic Director Ron Hughes. 

Who benefits from the activities of CAMEO?

Truly talented emerging musicians who gain:

-- experience and exposure showcasing at our events

-- media coverage

-- promotional opportunities on the CAMEO website and on posters and flyers

-- opportunity to make career connections with other musicians, music lovers, and music industry professionals

-- an opportunity to develop a local fan base

Music lovers who get to know and enjoy the great talents of their own local artists at very reasonable prices in a friendly, safe, and enjoyable atmosphere

Experienced musicians who enjoy taking a part and lending a hand to help the next generation of artists develop and grow

Our volunteers who help to stage our events and gain useful experience, knowledge, and personal satisfaction in a musical environment

Our members who can help to launch promising careers by casting their votes for our major award winners

Our local community which can take pride in the excellent musical events that we host and also in the talents, achievements, and growth of their own artists

Industry professionals who have an opportunity to discover new talent and make connections through the CAMEO network

Our sponsors who are promoted at our events, on our web site and on posters and flyers

FAQ

See also:

Candid Comments

from the President of CAMEO

What's with all this talk about "music as a positive and creative force" ? Is CAMEO some kind of religious organization?

CAMEO is not a religious organization nor are we affiliated with any particular religion or church. However we do share --- and attempt to promote in our own way --- many of the ideals that have been taught for centuries by all the great religions of the world. Idealism and values such as honesty, respect, integrity, and cooperation give CAMEO reason to exist and to grow.

Is it true that CAMEO "censors" some songs? What's that all about?

Some call it censorship; we think of it as setting higher standards.

CAMEO does not support, sponsor or endorse music or musical projects whose content is considered to celebrate or glamorize and gratuitously deal with and promote, incite or instruct in matters of hard drug abuse, criminal violence, sexual violence, child abuse, incest, bestiality or other activities deemed abhorrent. For an in depth discussion of this matter in question and answer format, see "A CAMEO Controversy".

Do you have to be good to perform at a CAMEO event?

It depends on the event.

At our Singers Cafe events, all are welcome to participate and enjoy performing regardless of their talent level.

At our Showcase events, we strive to maintain a high standard of performance. They are not open mike events or gong shows. Typically, the artists who perform at these events are of professional or close to professional calibre. You don't have to be a superstar but you do have to be pretty good.

To be featured at major events such as the CAMEO Music Festival and the CAMEO Music Awards Showcase, you have to be very good.

Do I have to be a member to perform at a CAMEO event?

Again, that depends on the particular event.

CAMEO members receive first consideration for major showcasing opportunities, prime time scheduling, etc, at high profile events such as the CAMEO Music Festival. Nevertheless, the Artistic Director of CAMEO reserves the right to schedule artists and performers according to what best fulfills the artistic and/or other requirements of the event.

Do I have to be a member to be featured on CAMEO recording projects or to qualify to win CAMEO awards?

Yes. Membership does have its privileges.

Why do I have to be a member to win CAMEO awards or be featured on CAMEO recording projects?

The answer to this question seems obvious but it's been asked enough times to make this FAQ list. The members of CAMEO are the ones who make all these good things possible by

--- paying their dues, and

--- signifying their support by putting their names on a membership application.

The annual dues paid by CAMEO members help to cover some of the costs of the many events and programs that CAMEO sponsors.

Also, a large membership increases our chances of gaining the support from government agencies, foundations, and corporate sponsors that we need to have bigger and better programs and events in the future. Perhaps a little wisdom from Aesop's fables is appropriate here. Should those who won't help bake the bread expect to eat it when its done? Ask the little red hen!

Other than paying my annual membership dues, are there any obligations involved in becoming a member of CAMEO?

The only obligations assumed by all members of CAMEO are:

--- to uphold the constitution and bylaws of CAMEO

--- to observe all rules of conduct in place at CAMEO events

---to honor the agreement they make when they sign up:

"I understand that the musical network of which I am becoming part can only succeed if it is based on the principles of --- and conducted in the spirit of --- mutual respect, honesty, helpfulness, and integrity. I pledge to treat others as I myself would like to be treated at all CAMEO events. Furthermore, in all my dealings with other CAMEO members, I pledge to act with honesty and integrity."

If I become a member of CAMEO, will I be expected to attend a lot of boring meetings?

We have far more musical/social events than official "meetings". In a typical year, 2-3 general membership meetings might be called --- and they are never boring! You are under no obligation as a member to attend a single meeting.*

Naturally, we encourage all our members to be part of the process of making important decisions that concern their Association. Please note: We feel that those who are not interested in participating in that process or influencing those decisions shouldn't complain too loudly about the outcome. Fair enough?

* For obvious reasons, members who wish to participate in specific projects may be required from time to time to attend meetings or events held in connection with those projects.