TAXI Road Rally 2008

"For those members that have yet to attend a Rally-don't be silly-it will change your life in one way or another."

-Ray Haapala, TAXI member

Photos by James DiModica

Legendary chart-topping, hit songwriter, producer and artist Lamont Dozier (left) during his
interview with TAXI's Michael Laskow in front of a packed house at TAXI's Road Rally 2008.

"The value of this event is outstanding. Since I joined TAXI I have more industry opportunities than I can keep up with. "

Lee Johnson
TAXI member

Mega hit songwriters, (left to right) Narada Michael Walden, Brian Howes, David Pack, TAXI CEO Michael Laskow and Walt Aldridge, pause for a group shot after their panel at this year's Road Rally.

TAXI members Ted Fox and Vikki Flawith receiving awards for Community Spirit Award and Community Leadership Award respectively. Ted and Vikki have been very instrumental in building the online community on TAXI's Forum.

"Those 4 days at the Rally were virtually life changing and inspirational for me."

Robby Lane

"I've been to many conventions and conferences throughout my career. The Rally was by far the most organized, educational and fun event that I have been to. "

Bob Mitchell

Nashville's top songplugger, Sherrill Blackman greeting a member after his panel. Fellow panelists Brian Howes (CEO of Van Howes/Interscope) and Tony Ferguson (V.P. of A&R-A&M Records) in background taking CDs from TAXI members.

Mega-hit songwriter Narada Michael Walden ("Vision of Love", "I Wanna Dance with Somebody", "Freeway of Love" and many more!) greeting some happy members and taking their CDs.

"I was amazed at how approachable the panelists were."

Barry French
TAXI member

"The information was eye opening and I really have an idea now of what it takes to succeed."

Marlin Fowler
TAXI member

Stars colliding! P.O.D. founding band member, Traa Daniels and Ambrosia founding band member David Pack trading CDs at the Rally. Miss Elliott (VP of Ryot Phoenix Music and Media) looks on.

Marko DeSantis from the hit band Sugarcult fields a question on his panel (Road Warriors).

"Your TAXI membership is woefully incomplete without actually taking advantage of the Rally experience."

Robert Klein
TAXI member

"The whole dad-gum thing was incredible!"

Patrick Baker
TAXI member

Hit Songwriter (has songs on three Grammy nominated albums which have sold more than 50 million units!) and best-selling author Jason Blume dishes some sage advice to a member during the One-to-One Mentoring session at the Rally.

This lucky TAXI member just won one of the great door prizes given away in the main ballroom. Think she's excited?

"There seemed to be something for everybody, regardless of your musical experience or the type of career you were looking for."

Barry French
TAXI member

"It is amazing how one man's vision...and his determination to carry it out has had such a HUGE impact on so many people."

Robby Lane
TAXI member

Hit Songwriter David Pack greeting members and taking CDs.

TAXI member Aub Delane (left) gets some career advice from veteran artist manager, Karl Louis.

"TAXI is (and its members are) the real deal. Anyone in attendance knows this."

Albert Di Cicco

"A TAXI Road Rally is NOT a once-in-a-lifetime event... it's something to do every year!"

Allen DeSomer
TAXI member

Capitol Records A&R executive Darius Jones cracking up during the major label A&R panel.

This lucky lady (whose name we can't figure out) just won a free copy of Robin Frederick's great new book, "Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting."

"I wanted to go just to get that kick in the butt of inspiration and drive that the Rally always provides."

Tim Wilsbach
TAXI member

"TAXI teaches us how to reach the bar that is set so high in this industry. Most companies would have rejected the vast majority of us long ago, rather than teach us how to reach the bar and be competitive in the industry. Thank you so much for giving us that training."

Kevin Mathie
TAXI member

TAXI's members take over the entire hotel during the Road Rally. No matter where you go, you'll always find jams happening. Official Road Rally photographer Jim DiModica is seen in this shot. Kind of makes us wonder who took this picture.

Their smiles are enough to make your face hurt! Narada Michael Walden greeting the obviously elated Annie and Debra Dingwall.

"The "domino effect" of the Rally experience is far-reaching in that has impacted and changed the lives of so many TAXI members. "

Robby Lane
TAXI member

"The 2008 Road Rally was, by far, the best ever and I have been to eight of them. "

Chris Clayborne

A well-deserved standing ovation as Lamont Dozier arrived on stage.

The always gracious Lamont Dozier taking time to some sign autographs after receiving his Living Legend Award.

"I could hardly stop the tears several times for pure heartfelt gratitude. Yeah. These Rallys ROCK."

Raags
TAXI member

"I'm still dazed from all the valuable information I was hit with during the entire weekend."

Roy Zrinsky
TAXI member

And the Best Hair award goes to...

TAXI members Bill Gordon and Nomi Yah surprise Michael Laskow with an award for, "Creating Community and Changing Lives" at the end of the Rally. The award was given by a group of grateful members, but nobody was more grateful than the 'ole TAXIBOSS himself. Looking on in the background are hit producers Steve Lindsey (Chris Botti, Aaron Neville, Celine Dion, Guster, Elton John, Peter Gabriel)- Rob Chiarelli (Will Smith, Quincy Jones, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Jesse McCartney, LeAnn Rimes, Janet Jackson, Ray Charles)...

"I am so very pleased at what I found; one of friendliest, most supportive groups of aspiring professionals I've ever mingled with. "

Pete Kehoe
TAXI member

"We've been going to the TAXI Road Rally since 2001, and this was definitely the best Rally yet. "

Tracey Marino
TAXI member

Yes, we own this classic Checker cab. We pull it out of mothballs just once a year for the Road Rally. It symbolizes what TAXI does best - getting you from where you are, to where you need to go.

Member Emi Hart upon hearing that several of the producers on the Producers Looking for Hits panel want to meet her after the Rally because they loved her song, "Nerdy Boys" when it was played during the listening session. She was one of several fortunate members who lives were changed on the spot during the Rally. Best of luck Emi!

"The Road Rally filled my tank. Now I can take my music where it wants to go."

Jeff Greeleaf
TAXI member

"Joining TAXI was the best musical move I have ever made in my career."

Catnip Pat
TAXI member

Legendary record producer (more than 100 gold and platinum records to his credit) Michael Lloyd is obviously surprised during the Producers Looking for Hits panel. He is flanked by hit producer, Steve Lindsey, who seems to be taking it all in stride.

Lamont Dozier and Michael Laskow having a light moment as Lamont autographs the first copy of Robin Frederick's book to come off the press.

"I was so impressed that there aren't really adequate words for it!"

Brock Walters
TAXI member

"I have never seen so many deals go down at a Rally!"

Ray Haapala
TAXI member

This lucky gent is enjoying more than some great advice while at the Mentor Luncheon. Wanna bet that he prints this photo and hangs it on his wall? ;-)

The Road Rally is different things to different people! These two love birds are obviously a matched pair, so don't you worry, spouses of Rally attendees ;-)

"I was amazed at how approachable the panelists were. I talked to a few of them and they were all very gracious with their time."

Val Zanolle
TAXI member

"The one thing that everyone agreed upon was that everybody at the Rally was positive, and more importantly, nice."

Pete Kehoe
TAXI member

"It's great to see faithful TAXI members having success year after year and hearing their amazing stories on the panels. "

Tracey and Vance Marino

"I have spent my life playing and singing in bands and this is the most real thing I have ever seen."

— Dwight Nichols,
TAXI Member

"I was cynical at first, but my wife convinced me to join and I'm very impressed."

— L.A. Van Fleet,
TAXI Member

"Nothing bad can come from belonging to this unbelievable organization that has definitely allowed my songs to be stronger than ever."

— Justine Kaye,
TAXI Member

"It is most certainly my honor to be a member of TAXI. Thank you again."

— Sharon Weinbrum,
TAXI Member

"The Road Rally is worth at least 4 times the cost of my TAXI membership, and it's free!"

— Dale Gustavson,
TAXI Member

"TAXI provided real access to a nearly inaccessible industry."

— John Mendoza,
TAXI Member

"I've been to tons of music seminars put on by reputable companies. None of them have ever come close to the Road Rally."

— Stuart Ridgway,
TAXI Member

"The dedication you have to your members is apparent."

— Tom Kovacs,
TAXI Member

"You are making an incredible difference in the lives of musicians and artists trying to break into the business!"

— Rob Khurana,
TAXI Member

"I would like to thank Taxi for helping me and my partner and become more polished writers."

— Liz Aday,
TAXI Member

"My writing and production skills have improved 200%! Although some credit belongs to me for such hard work, a lot belongs to you!"

— Chris Musulin,
TAXI Member

"Thanks again for everything that TAXI does. It's helping me to be a better writer."

— Chet Nichols,
TAXI Member

"The critques I've gotten back are really so encouraging. You listen so closely you spot all my weak spots, but also give me the feeling you really enjoy my music. I thank you."

— Willie McCulloch,
TAXI Member

"I recently got my first deal as a result of a submission to TAXI! I'm very excited to see that this actually works!"

— George Leverett,
TAXI Member

"We appreciate all that you do and try to do to help us struggling songwriters!"

— Pat Harris,
TAXI Member

"I would like to thank Taxi for helping me and my partner and become more polished writers."

— Liz Aday,
TAXI Member

"My advice to anyone planning to go to the Road Rally for the first time is: Go! It's addictive, it's the best opportunity you'll ever get, and it's fun, friendly and free!"

— Mike Fitzsimons,
TAXI Member

"I can't thank you guys enough for everything you do."

— Peter Elakis,
TAXI Member

"Thanks for your constant support of my work — I'm running out of compliments for you guys!"

— James Day,
TAXI Member

"It's refreshing to find an organization such as yours."

— Tom Wasinger,
TAXI Member

"In this competitive field you need all the help you can get and with TAXI, you've got a friend in the music business."

— Richard Scotti,
TAXI Member

"Laura Becker has already gotten interest in two of my songs. You guys know the best (and nicest) people in the industry."

— James Day,
TAXI Member

"Entrain got three songs in "Cutaway" (starring Stephen Baldwin and Tom Berenger). One of the songs, "All One," is the feature song of the movie! "

— Brian Alex (Entrain),
TAXI Member

"My band "Jake" just got three songs placed in a film called "Lady In The Box." Thanks so much for forwarding us!"

— Jessie Lee Montague,
TAXI Member

"Getting all these critques in the mail is encouraging and instructive as well. Thanks for your help!"

— Lisa Knouse,
TAXI Member

"One of my tunes, "Rumba Azul," was licensed to a TV show, and I'm expecting a check very soon."

— Wayne Wesley Johnson,
TAXI Member

"I got a call back from Capitol Records — Thanks!"

— Pete Masitti,
TAXI Member

"My only regret is that I didn't join TAXI years ago — but it's never too late to make up for lost time."

— Richard Scotti,
TAXI Member

"I'm really enjoying being a Taxi member, and appreciate all the critiques . . . especially the nice ones!"

— Carole Nelson,
TAXI Member

"Thanks for creating and maintaining this great organization!"

— Angie Peckham,
TAXI Member

"The critiques are awesome."

— Lole Usoalii,
TAXI Member

"I signed a publishing deal this month for my song "Downward." Last year I signed two publishing deals with another publisher."

— Mike Newman,
TAXI Member

"Listen to what the critiquer is saying . . . they're usually on the money. Most important of all: don't give up."

— Jimmy Clark,
TAXI Member