Went out to see Triple Whip last night. They has a little cake at midnight for Holly’s birthday. That got me to thinking about my start in music. I didn’t grow up liking music. I listened to some thing, but I wasn’t really into anything. My first introduction to local music came from Holly Rushakoff. Three years ago or so Holly sat down and gave a little overview of what was happening in the Champaign music scene. I used this information when I went out and started seeing shows. She was my first liaison at shows. She introduced me to many people who are now like her my good friends.

Mark Rubel was another man that I learned from. His class is legendary in this town. Everyone who works in audio production has taken this class. By learning to record music I was learning to listen to music. This was the first time that I was critically listening to how a recording was made, how the different parts fit together, and how all that created the emotion that was the finished song. It changed the direction in my life. I look back and remember fearing the audio board when I first started at WILL. Things have changed.

Paul Wienke took my education a step further. I worked for six years on his Second Sunday concerts. I not only learned about recording, but also about classical music. It was also the time that I was introduced to Jazz. I still have a lot to learn about that, but it was a start.

Alison Davis Wood and Chris Green worked with me on Video Diner. I remember how Alison was shocked at my lack of knowledge about music history. She and Chris still teach me about music. Video Diner was a great source of new music. I am still learning about what is happening out there.

My life now would not be where it is now if not for these people. I am glad that they were around to change my life for the better. It wasn’t where I thought that I would be, but I am so glad that this is where I am at. So here is to a little pre-thanks for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving holiday.