As past Summit attendees know, our annual policy conference isn’t just about fact inundation. This being the music industry, we like to celebrate too — and this year we have a pretty great reason to do so. The Future of Music Coalition is turning 15 years old, so we’re having a Quinceañera shindig on Monday night, October 26, at Gypsy Sally’s (3401 Water Street NW). Part concert and part birthday hoedown, Summit speakers Erin McKeown, Art Sorority for Girls, Anna Vozelgang, Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, Melvin Gibbs and Shelly Peiken. Rumor has it they’ll be playing their favorite songs from back when they were 15. Plus, Merrill Garbus from tUnE-yArDs will do a DJ set. We can also promise cake, balloons and rump-shaking.

That’s exciting enough, but fret not: we haven’t forsaken Ye Olde Summit Traditions like the Sunday night pho dinner and the All Songs Considered listening party! On Sunday October 25 from 7-9 PM, Metro over to Columbia Heights and join us at Pho 14 (1436 Park Road NW) for our traditional kickoff meal. Before the madness of Summit begins in earnest, sit down with your fellow conference-goers for warm soup and friendly conversation. Vegetarian options are available, and pho is the greatest food on earth, so you have no excuse not to go.

Finally, on Tuesday night, October 27, we’re ending Summit in style with an NPR-sponsored All Songs Considered listening party. Held in Smithsonian country at the Gibson Showroom (709 G Street NW), this is your chance to show off your encyclopedic music knowledge and emerge victorious from two packed days of networking. Hosted by Bob Boilen and other fabulous NPR folks, the bash will let you listen to the newest releases and see some neat live performances. Plus, of course, complimentary drinks and snacks.

The full Summit schedule can be found on our site, but here’s the party scene at a glance:

Sunday 10/25: Welcome Pho Dinner, 7-9 PM, Pho 14 (1436 Park Road NW)

Monday 10/26: Quinceañera, 8:30 PM-onwards, Gypsy Sally’s (3401 Water Street NW)

Tuesday 10/27: All Songs Considered Listening Party, 7-9 PM, Gibson Showroom (709 G Street NW)

Registration for all of Summit, plus Monday and Tuesday separately, is still open. We know you’re a party animal — so hop to it!

Thanks to Berklee Online and Metro Music Source for sponsoring our Quinceañera & to MailChimp for sponsoring Tuesday night!

Image via shutterstock.com