We can’t believe it’s already December — where did 2011 go? As we get ready for travel, tree trimming and taking some much-needed R&R, we wanted to fill you in on what’s been happening here in DC and give you the opportunity to support FMC’s important work on behalf of musicians.

Do you have your tickets for Future of Music Policy Summit 2011 on October 3-4, 2011 in Washington, DC? If you needed more convincing, we’ve got all of the fun extras about our Summit wrapped up in this email for your reading pleasure.

BREAKING NEWS: We’ve just confirmed a keynote address by Maria A. Pallante, Register of Copyrights and Director, U.S. Copyright Office, a keynote address by outgoing FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps, and a conversation with Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and members of Ozomatli, Ulises Bella and Raul Pacheco. Cheap Trick guitarist and songwriter Rick Nielsen and manager Dave Frey will reflect on the band’s storied career, as well as the recent spate of stage collapses and how to avoid future tragedies.

PLUS, we’ve been hard at work confirming a spectacular list of speakers. Check out the schedule here and all confirmed speakers here. 

We have a growing list of parties, music, educational opportunities, and chances to network that will make it possible to completely fill your dance card from Sunday to Tuesday. We’ll even be raffling off a guitar, courtesy of Gibson Guitars and Washington Music Center, and a Sonos Play:3! Check out the fun below and plan accordingly!

*Don’t forget to check out our other adventures at the end of this email.*

Special thanks to our co-host Georgetown University and our sponsors: Google, Sound Exchange, Consumer Electronics Association, Department of Performing Arts at Georgetown University, ThingLink, Free Press, Public Knowledge, Gibson, Bloodshot Records, Shocklee.com, ReverbNation, Topspin, NARM and DCWeek.

Hello from your friends at Future of Music Coalition! Is it the dog days of summer yet? What does that even mean, exactly? All we know is that it’s hot as hell here in D.C., and it isn’t because we’re close to one of Dante’s infernal rings. At least we don’t think that’s the reason. Despite the heat, we’ve been keeping busy: read on for all things FMC, including early-bird registration for Summit 2011!

Here at FMC HQ, we’re getting our summer vacations in now before we start producing the awesomeness that will be Policy Summit 11. In keeping with vacation mode, we’ve got a quick (really!) newsletter to keep you current on all things FMC.