Forging Allyship: JukeJoint Foundation Announces “Cocktails and Conversations” for Women in the Music Industry

When women of all colors join forces, they can prove the table is big enough for all. To get there, substantive, meaningful conversations and connections need to flourish among women, backed by a clear, data-driven understanding of allyship in the entertainment and music industries.

That’s why JukeJoint Foundation and A Seat at the Table, both projects led by music executive, entrepreneur, and researcher Janishia Jones, have launched allyship events, where women can come together, learn, and support each other in a shared quest for real change. After a successful event in LA, co-hosted by MAX&FRIENDS and sponsored by Stem, Jones and her fellow JukeJoint members are bringing the conversation to Nashville for a May 17th event at the JW Marriott designed to coincide with the Music Business Conference.

“So many are wanting to align themselves with allyship yet have no insight into meaningful ways to engage,” says Jones. “While most women share similar challenges in the workplace, many don’t realize how their connections and resources can support their sisters facing less than equitable systems. These events help build a bridge towards creating a safe space for all.”

Cocktails & Conversations will be more than a free-wheeling networking session, but will incorporate learning and structured conversation to ensure deeper connections. Jones will present this year’s results from A Seat at the Table, a research project capturing data and experiences of women of color in the music business, to support open discussion and to find common cause.

This event will be based on a model that has evolved in collaboration with allies such as Amanda Schupf, the founder of MAX Music Management & Consulting, a trusted advisor to leading businesses and creatives in the music business, bridging the gap between music talent & rights and music tech. Schupf regularly holds curated dinners called MAX&FRIENDS focused on meaningful community building in the music industry. For the third iteration of the series, Schupf joined forces with Jones and Stem Disintermedia to nurture real allyship.

The results were eye opening and inspiring for participants. “When I first started these dinners, I didn't know what impact I could have, but I knew I wanted to create spaces where everyone felt included and heard, and could make purposeful business connections. At this event, Janishia and I were able to have an impact collectively, and now we have a template to have an impact on the industry,” Schupf reflects. “We sat down in a circle and Janishia went through her findings. We talked through the points and talked about our experiences as women, both white and of color, in a much deeper way.”

"We were thrilled to be included as partners and to have the opportunity to participate in the conversation,” notes Kristin Graziani, President of Stem, which sponsored the LA event. “I find that small intimate gatherings like this are beneficial for more authentically understanding, learning and conceptualizing actions we can put into place and ways in which we can be allies to women of color in music and entertainment specifically."

“It felt validating to be in a room full of women who share the experiences and are dealing with the same barriers I've faced as a woman of color in the entertainment industry. It let me know that I am not alone or ‘in my head’ about the opposition I've faced while navigating this business,” reflects Timea Gaines of Love Life Media and SheROCKS. “It was also empowering to have so many women ready to lean in and have the hard conversations respectfully, while also offering solutions and the resources their privilege has afforded them. I am so grateful to JukeJoint Foundation and MAX for curating this safe space for women like me.”

About Janishia Jones

Janishia Jones has led a decade-long career working for some of the most revered music companies in the world including SRC / Universal Motown, eOne, Kobalt Music Publishing and EMPIRE. In 2019, Janishia founded Fresh 'N Sassy Productions, an ecosystem of safe-spaces for women of color in the music business. In 2022, Janishia launched ENCORE Music Tech Solutions, where she consults & develops rights management systems for music enterprises. She is also a member of the Recording Academy’s class of ‘22, a musician, singer-songwriter, activist and philanthropist.

About JukeJoint Foundation

JukeJoint Foundation was founded in 2022 as a community for women of color in the music industry to receive funding for scholarships, grants, and access to events across the music industry. The Foundation provides the music industry with access to a qualified diverse talent pool while also creating mentorship, networking, and job opportunities.