If you build it, they will strum

It's where A-list recording artists like Snoop Dogg come to lay down tracks, and it's practically in our own backyard.

Now, Jukasa Media Group in Ohsweken is reaching out to musicians in the Dunnville area to give them a shot at recording in a world-class studio.

Rob Lamothe, a name well-known in Dunnville's musical community both as a musician and a promoter of local talent, recently came onboard as Jukasa Media Group's general manager.

He wants musicians in this area to know that the Jukasa Media Group studio is opening its doors to up-and-coming bands and solo artists.

"It's almost been kind of a well-kept secret for the last two years," Lamothe says of Jukasa.

"The studio opened in 2009 but it's really just been used by high-profile artists with major label money behind them.

"I want to spread the word that we're interested in getting local artists."

Lamothe notes the chance to record in a studio that boasts the equipment, facilities and experienced staff Jukasa offers would normally be a pipe dream for most musicians.

But he says the studio is able to put that opportunity within reach for local talent.

"For starters, there is no tax charged on Six Nations land, so it's actually affordable for independent acts to work there," Lamothe explains.

"Plus there's the fact that we have an amazing world-class engineer, Nick Blagona, available that you don't pay extra for."

Blagona, a seasoned studio veteran, has engineered albums for Cat Stevens, Chicago, the Beegees, Nazarath, and Alexisonfire, among others.

Lamothe says his own involvement in Jukasa has been a personal thrill.

He learned about the studio from Stevie Salas, a longtime friend and musical collaborator. Salas, Jukasa's director of Aboriginal Development and U.S. Operations, also works as a consultant for American Idol and the Smithsonian.

The pair met as teenagers while playing in rival bands in San Diego's music scene.

While excited by the prospect of working with his old friend at a world-class studio, Lamothe wasn't about to give up his job running the emergency housing programs for Haldimand and Norfolk counties.

"When this studio sort of reared its head up the river, first of all I had to find out if I could do both jobs, because I love my job and I love the people I work with. I wanted to see if there was any way I could do both, so I talked with my manager here and the people at Jukasa," says Lamothe.

The San Diego County Fair 2011 | Fried Beer

Multi-platinum-selling rock band Third Day has played to millions of fans in numerous sold-out arenas around the world. It has garnered 25 No. 1 singles, and multiple Grammy® and Dove® Awards. Some of their biggest hits include “Nothing at All”, “My Hope is You” and “Call My Name.” Billboard magazine describes Third Day as “not only one of the best Christian bands of the ’90s but one of the best rock bands, period.” Joining Third Day in the Come Together Festival on the Heineken Grandstand Stage is Grammy-nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Dove Award winners MercyMe. The band first gained notice with its crossover hit, “I Can Only Imagine.” With 23 number-one songs, including “Word of God Speak,” MercyMe has sold over 6 million units in CD and DVD sales, while being one of few Contemporary Christian music groups to have had all of their recordings certified Gold or Platinum. Come Together 2011 at the San Diego County Fair is produced by Transparent Productions, an independent Christian concert promoter. Transparent Productions has partnered with all major concert promoters including Live Nation (Avalon Attractions), HOB Concerts, AEG and Goldenvoice to bring Christian music to venues across the country. They specialize in booking, marketing, production, ticketing, and every aspect of public events. To find out more about Transparent Productions, go to The theme for this year’s Fair is everything about cars, Cars, CARS! Southern California is a mecca for car clubs and car enthusiasts from around the world. There’s no better place to celebrate automotive history and car culture than at the San Diego County Fair! Featured throughout the Fair are exotic cars, luxury cars, “star” cars, muscle cars, low riders, Southern California car culture and lots more! And, true to the mission of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, the 2011 San Diego County Fair will highlight agriculture, farmers, 4H, FFA and Grange. Of course, the Fair will have more than 100 food vendors, great commercial exhibitors, thrill rides and attractions, the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower and Garden Show, a fun and educational Theme Exhibit, and a fantastic lineup of headliner entertainment with the Toyota Summer Concert Series on the Heineken Grandstand Stage, the Paddock Concert Series, The Solid Gold Series, the Chevrolet Del Mar Arena, and so much more! The 22nd District Agricultural Association is a State of California agency that owns and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Surfside Race Place, Horsepark Equestrian Center and the Del Mar Golf Center. The 22nd DAA produces five events each year: The San Diego County Fair, the Del Mar National Horse Show, Professional Bull Riding (PBR), The Scream Zone and Holiday of Lights. The Fairgrounds hosts more than 350 events annually, the largest of which is the live horse racing meet each summer, which is operated by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for the 22nd DAA and the State of California. For more information, visit Charlie deep fries lightly battered spare ribs and covers them with a spicy secret sauce.  Chicken Charlie’s other new treats include a Deep Fried Brownie, Deep Fried Girl Scout Cookies, and Deep Fried Kool-Aid.

Billboard

Billboard

Billboard

Who's who in California

Media/Impact, An Introduction to Mass Media