Explore the creative minds behind Michael Jackson’s landmark album with an industry veteran who was there.

What can today’s artists learn from the people who helped shape one of the most influential albums in music history?

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, The Artist Workshop brings Steven B. Ray to Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) for The Blueprint of a Legend: Michael Jackson and the Creative Minds Who Shaped an Era. Moderated by artist and entrepreneur Shyan Selah, this conversation offers musicians, aspiring entertainment professionals, and Michael Jackson fans a chance to hear from someone with firsthand experience behind the scenes of Thriller.

For Steven, that experience was part of a much larger journey. His career spans artist development, A&R, music publishing, film music supervision, and theater. At Capitol Records and Windswept Pacific Publishing, he worked on the business side of discovering and developing talent. At Windswept, he helped build the urban and pop music department, signing writers and producers including Manuel Seal and Quincy Jones III.

That combination of creative experience and industry knowledge makes his perspective especially valuable to artists building their own careers.

A Connection That Makes Seattle Special

Quincy Jones was Steven’s close friend and mentor. Bringing this conversation to Seattle, where Quincy spent formative years developing his musical gifts, gives the workshop a meaningful connection to the city’s own creative history.

Quincy’s legacy reaches across genres and generations. His work with Michael Jackson remains a powerful example of what can happen when exceptional talent meets collaboration, preparation, and creative vision. Steven’s experience offers a personal connection to that legacy and an opportunity to consider what it means for the next generation.

For the Fans. For the Creators.

If you love Michael Jackson’s music, this is an opportunity to explore the people and creative environment behind Thriller. If you make music or want to work in entertainment, it’s a chance to connect that history to your own ambitions.

Presented jointly by The Shyan Selah Foundation and Brave New World Enterprises, The Artist Workshop connects participants with experienced professionals for practical learning, industry insight, and creative development.

Join us for an afternoon of conversation about music, mentorship, and the work behind a lasting legacy.

Event: The Blueprint of a Legend: Michael Jackson and the Creative Minds Who Shaped an Era
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: Noon–3 p.m.
Location: Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Seattle
Admission: $40 general admission · $20 for current Artist Workshop members · Free with valid student ID

Reserve your place for The Blueprint of a Legend.

Washington State has always been a breeding ground for creative brilliance, with talented individuals emerging from the nooks and crannies of small towns and quiet suburbs. From painters to athletes to musicians whose songs become timeless, the Evergreen State boasts a rich tapestry of talent. Thanks to organizations like The Shyan Selah Foundation and Brave New World who created programs such as The Artist Workshop – in conjunction with the Washington State Department of Commerce –  the landscape for artists is evolving. The remarkable success of the first annual Artist Workshop Summer Showcase is proof of that.

The inaugural season of The Artist Workshop in 2022-2023 was nothing short of spectacular. It is abundantly clear that this initiative has left an indelible mark on Washington’s cultural scene. Speaking with the founder and creator, Shyan Selah, one can sense the palpable passion and dedication that went into crafting this event. Selah’s vision for this endeavor was nothing short of ambitious, and it was inspiring to hear him describe the inception of the project and its growth over the years. 

When asked how an event like this came to be, Selah thoughtfully responded “This event is the offspring of a lot of hard work and soulful intention to progress the industrial and commercial entertainment artistic talent in our community. To try and garner the same energy and respect around the arts community as there is, say sports. I wanted there to be an opportunity for young talent to show off the hard work and dedication it takes to be in this industry. Show up with some Federal Way spirit, and leave it all on the stage. I’m so proud of these artists for the progress they’ve shown over the past few months.”

Establishing the Artist Workshop program and the talent showcase required meticulous planning, securing adequate funding, and demonstrating the viability of such an event. Through Selah’s unwavering perseverance and belief in the community’s burgeoning stars, along with the joint production efforts of Brave New World and the Shyan Selah Foundation, we witnessed firsthand the resounding success of the talent showcase.

While most of the performers of the showcase had some kind of experience with being on stage already, when asked how it felt to perform in this showcase, their responses all shined light to the fact of how special an occasion this was. 

“It was amazing!” musician and vocalist Gavi beamed. “I had tons of support at the show from my family, who’s never been to any of my shows before and it was surreal. And getting to know so many new people and carrying their words of encouragement around has been an uplifting experience and I can’t wait till someone out of this group makes it big!” 

Shaflo couldn’t contain the smile on her face while she replied, “It was breathtaking to feel the energy in the room and be amongst the few who worked hard and made it through the process! I did a lot of performances but this one was one that set my heart on fire and gave me a feeling that I’ve never felt before.” 

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this event was the genuine camaraderie and support that permeated every corner of the venue. Despite the stakes being high, with the prize being a professionally recorded song produced by an accredited producer, every participant displayed a remarkable spirit of encouragement for their fellow artists. 

Backstage and in the hallways, the air was thick with mutual support and enthusiasm. Tazz Enrico spoke to this fact when asked what the best part of participating in the Showcase was and his reply came without hesitation: “Definitely the artists. You could tell that everybody was there for the same reason and had the same purpose and it was so beautiful to watch.” 

Midnite Blu held a similar sentiment for the best part of being in the showcase. “The best part for me was the Artist Workshop Rehearsal. Getting to know each other and being comfortable showcasing our talents in front of each other!”

This sense of unity was a testament to the exceptional character of the young artists and their commitment to fostering a thriving artistic community.

A huge round of applause goes out to everyone who helped make the Showcase the success that it was. To the performers, Ayana, CAZZI, Gavi, Jade, Midnite Blu, O.Z., Pure Art, Sahanie Shell, Shaflo, Shayla Jasmin, Tazz Enrico and Yung Shaedy; your performances were impactful and memorable to a wide array of guests.  Congratulations on being a part of something so pivotal to your local arts community!

The 2022-2023 Summer Showcase demonstrated the profound impact that dedication, community support, and a belief in local talent can have. This showcase not only celebrated the diverse and extraordinary talents of Washington, but also served as a point of inspiration for aspiring artists everywhere – a point that looks to be underscored with Season two of The Artist Workshop program for Washington State’s artistic community.

Last weekend, a captivating Artist Workshop on music publishing and licensing took place, offering aspiring musicians an invaluable opportunity to deepen their understanding of these crucial aspects of the music industry. Attendees were exposed to a wealth of knowledge and practical insights, equipping them with the tools necessary to navigate the complex world of music publishing and licensing. Let’s recap the highlights of this empowering event and the key takeaways that participants gained from their immersive experience.

The workshop kicked off with an introduction of special guests: Alonzo Robinson, Sr. Vice President of A&R at SS Global Entertainment who’s also formerly served as the Sr. VP at Royalty Exchange and Sr. Director of Black Music West Coast for ASCAP in Los Angeles;  as well as Charles Newman: musician, producer, and founder of Mother West Records and Studios out of New York City. 

Participants were introduced to the history and importance of music publishing in protecting and monetizing musical compositions. Key concepts such as copyright basics, the rights of songwriters and composers, and the vital role of performing rights organizations (PROs) in collecting royalties were covered in detail. Understanding these fundamentals laid the groundwork for artists to effectively protect their creative works and capitalize on their potential.

Unlocking the World of Music Licensing

One of the workshop’s focal points was music licensing, a gateway for artists to have their music featured in diverse media platforms. Through real-life case studies and interactive sessions, artists learned how to navigate licensing opportunities in films, TV shows, advertisements, and video games. The workshop emphasized the significance of building relationships with music supervisors, licensing agencies, and other industry professionals to maximize exposure and revenue generation. Practical tips were shared on how to negotiate licensing deals in the digital realm and navigate the complexities of digital royalties and monetization, as well as how much an artist can earn from these types of deals.

The Artist Workshop on Music Publishing and Licensing one of our most favorite types of workshops to present because it underscores the fact that artists don’t have to “starve” for their art. This is the business behind the music industry that provides a steady stream of income if you know how to navigate it right. Armed with newfound knowledge, practical insights, and industry connections, participants left the workshop empowered to navigate the complexities of music publishing and licensing and elevate their careers to new heights.