Congressman Fitzgerald and Senator Klobuchar Receive First Annual “Masters of the MIC” Awards

Washington, D.C., June 29, 2022 — Recently, the MIC (pronounced “Mike,” as in “microphone”) Coalition, a group of associations whose members provide music over the nation’s airwaves, through the internet and venues throughout the country, held its fourth annual Open MIC night at Pearl Street Warehouse at the DC wharf.

Back by popular demand, the Coalition’s Open MIC Night is an evening focused on karaoke and a historically popular night among Congressional staff. This year’s karaoke night was all about bringing out your inner musician in a celebration of music openness.

The event promoted a music policy landscape that is open and allows consumers to enjoy music while out and about. It encouraged policymakers to be open to innovation as new services and technologies continue to disrupt the status quo and make music better. And lastly, policies that are open to live music and that encourage consumers to enjoy new and upcoming artists at local venues, like Pearl Street Warehouse

At the event and for the first time, the MIC Coalition presented its “Master of the MIC” awards to two of the MIC Coalition’s Congressional champions, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Scott Fitzgerald, both of whom have been strong voices for positive change and greater balance and transparency in music licensing. Senator Klobuchar has long championed MIC issues, specifically serving as a strong advocate for industry consent decrees.

While only a Freshman, Congressman Fitzgerald represents a district that has been historically active on behalf of the industry, and he has been a proactive ally in his first term. The MIC Coalition appreciated the opportunity to recognize both legislators for their strong advocacy of music licensing issues.

Their commitment to retail establishments, hotels, restaurants, bars, wineries, and taverns has helped ensure customers have continued access to music across a variety of platforms, venues, and services.

Doug Calidas, Chief of Staff for Senator Klobuchar and Rob Wagener, Legislative Director for Representative Fitzgerald were on-hand to accept the “Master of the MIC” awards for their respective bosses.