HOC Dance Club - Sarnia and Forest, Ontario

Welcome To The HOC Dance Club with two locations in Sarnia, ON. and Forest, ON.

My friend Hana owns and operates this local dance studio which is open to participants ages 2 1/2 to adult.

Group Dance Classes are offered for the following programs:

At the end of each dance class session, participants get to perform in a ballet/dance recital show that is held at the Sarnia Library Theatre. That is I where I come in. My job is as sound and lighting technician for each recital show. Recital shows are usually held on Sunday afternoons to allow all the parents and grandparents and friends of the students to attend the show. The next ballet/dance recital show is scheduled for Sunday, December 11th. at the Sarnia Library Theatre in downtown Sarnia. I have worked a few, previous shows and I am looking forward to once again helping out my friend Hana with her upcoming show.

Freelance Sound Technician Looking For A Gig

Finally after a couple of months, I am now getting a some more sound gigs over the summer. I have one booked in July on a river boat cruise and the other is at the local bandshell at the beach park. I am happy to work these gigs however, I wish I could find even more gigs to add to the list.

In my local area of Sarnia, ON. many bands are mixing their own sound for their gigs and either don't require a sound tech or just don't want to pay for one. It likely goes hand in hand with the lack of money most bands get to play the gigs in the first place. Still, I believe that most bands require a competent and experienced sound tech to mix their shows. It is one less thing the band has to worry about during a show.

For some reason in my city, there seems to be a less cheapness that comes with the idea of hiring a sound tech and renting a PA system for a show. I would guess that every would like to sound their best and would be willing to hire a sound tech to make that happen. In this city, it seems that everyone wants to cheap out on the sound tech guy.... Too bad because, I have been to some events and shows where the sound was lacking and could have used the expertise of a trained sound tech.

In my city, many clients do not want to pay the cost for a rental sound system and an experienced sound technician. Many people don't even include those costs into their show budgets and expect the sound techs to work for very little or for free. In mu opinion, I am worth the cost of hiring me to do the job. I charge a rate per hour with a minimum flat rate if I am only required for a short period of time. Everything I do is by contract so, I have the ability to adjust my rate depending upon the gig.

In my earlier years, I used to work with the local community theatre groups as a theatre technician for free because, those groups are all non-paying shows. Those days are long gone. I don't work theatre shows from free anymore. I always ask for pay if the groups are offering me work. To me it is no longer just a hobby, it is another form of a paid gig. Needless to say, I have worked many theatre gigs for a number of years.

One-off shows are something that I have been able to work and for those shows I usually set a flat rate for the whole day to make things easier for the client. It works out best for all parties and I have been getting the call to do the same show again the following year or season. Fashion shows and dance recital shows have become part of my portfolio and are guaranteed paid gigs!

With my current presence on the internet with things like Facebook, Linked In, and Blogger, I am starting to get more inquiries about my sound tech services. Word of mouth is also still a viable form of networking. Artists, bands, groups, etc. who I have worked with usually spread the word that I am an available and experienced freelance sound technician looking for work.

http://ronbehro.blogspot.ca/



So, if you are in the Sarnia, Ontario area and require a sound technician for your show or event, please contact me directly for details. Use contact information below:

Current Sound System At My Old High School SCI&TS Auditorium

Recently, I was able to go back to my old high school Sarnia Collegiate and Technical School (SCI&TS) to get a look current sound system installed in the auditorium. I arranged to meet up with the Head of the Drama Department, Mr. Dan White. He allowed me to come in so that I could take some pictures of the current sound system to compare it to what used to be there back in the mid 80s when I attended my school.

The auditorium has changed quite a bit since my time there. The gear has also changed drastically.

Back in my school days, we had a pretty basic sound system to use which was located in a small box room that was on the third floor overlooking the balcony level of the auditorium. The gear consisted of a Yamaha 1204 mixing console, a Yamaha dual 31 band EQ, a Yamaha single 31 band EQ, 2x Yamaha power amps, 1 pair of JBL speakers for mains and 1 pair of Yamaha speakers for foldback monitors.

Here are pictures to illustrate:

This is the original Yamaha MC1204 Mixing

This the original rack unit with Yamaha graphic EQs and power amps

Now compare some pics of the current setup at my old high school. 

They relocated the mix area to main floor of auditorium under the balcony at centre line:

They have a new, Presonus digital mixing console:

They have two racks with all the power amps, signal processors, and wireless mic receivers:

(Furman, Shure, Yorkville Sound, Yamaha, DOD, Aphex)

There is a left - right hang of Yorkville Sound loudspeakers:

There is a newly added centre cluster hang of Yamaha loudspeakers:

There is even Yorkville subwoofers mounted underneath the stage! (never had those when I was there!):

Here is a view looking from Front Of House towards the stage:

It was so great to go back to the auditorium where I learned to be a theatre technician and learned how to mix sound on an analog mixing console. I left feeling very nostalgic for the rest of the day...

On a side note: My old high school is actually on the chopping block this year to be closed by the board of education. They want to close it down and send all the students to another high school after it gets renovated and expanded. There are some local people trying to stop it from happening because, SCI&TS high school is the oldest school in our city with the most character and the most amenities. We are all hoping that the school doesn't end up closing down but, the board is still set on their idea. More to follow......

What Was The First Mixing Console That You Ever Used?

Flashback to my high school days...I joined the drama club in 1986 so that I could work behind the scenes as a theatre technician. Once I discovered the sound and lighting gear in the auditorium, I was hooked on learning how to use all of it. 

The sound system consisted of a Yamaha MC1204 Mixing Console, Yamaha Graphic EQs, Yamaha Power Amplifiers and JBL loudspeakers and JBL foldback monitors. We used Realistic and Shure branded vocal microphones and for music playback usually a dual cassette deck and portable CD player.

We had a small sound/lighting booth on the 3rd floor up above the balcony level of the auditorium. It used to be a janitor's closest and was about 8ft square in size. There was a 4ft x 4ft opening in the concrete wall that served as the only viewing point to the stage from FOH. There was a raised floor pad about 4ft off the ground that elevated the sound and lighting system up to the height of the window opening in the wall. (Sorry no pictures.)

We had no booth monitors and sound check involved sticking your head out the opening in the wall to hear whatever you could. Still we managed to put on some really great drama club productions with the gear we had!

So here you go...The Yamaha MC1204 Mixing Console...the first mixing console I ever used and learned to mix on: (note: the battery powered, portable, mini speakers that we used as monitors!)

Next we have the FOH EQ and Power Rack: (150ft the approximate length of the cables running from the power amps to the loudspeakers)

...And next we have a picture of the lighting console sitting in the window box with a view of the auditorium looking towards the stage..note the speaker mounted straight onto the proscenium wall)

...and finally we have a current day picture of a Yamaha MC2404 that is currently for sale in my city for $600.00 CDN. It was taken out of a church install and appears to be very and excellent shape considering its age...

There is still life in this old mixer! Digital mixers may be the norm now but, analog still rules! This would be a perfect mixer for a smaller theatre, or community hall or band rehearsal space or even a home studio. Here is a link to the Kijiji Classifieds Ad for this console for sale. Check it out.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-pro-audio-recording/sarnia/yamaha-mixer/1048623899?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

New owner of Rustic has plans to bring big name bands to former historic nightclub

In the current issue of The Sarnia Journal paper is an article about a local Sarnia man who has purchased the Rustic bar on Campbell St. in Sarnia, ON. The new owner has plans to bring big name bands to Sarnia by turning the club into a concert hall.

Here is the link to the article: http://thesarniajournal.ca/new-club-owner-plans-to-bring-in-big-name-acts/

It will be nice to have a concert venue where we can see more kinds of bands and artists play locally. Good luck to Stuart Manchee and all his ambitious plans for the former Campbell Street Station.

Here is a picture of new owner Stuart Manchee standing in front of the Rustic club on Campbell Street.

The Industry Theatre - Sarnia, ON - FOR SALE

The Industry Theatre in downtown Sarnia, Ontario is currently on the market FOR SALE. Asking price for the former movie theatre turned night club is $289 900.00. It has a size of 10,000 Square Ft. and is zoned for many different uses.

Click on this link to view information about this property on the ICX.ca Commercial Real Estate web site:

http://www.icx.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=15319587&PidKey=866337256

The Last Record Store - Cheeky Monkey Documentary

Here in Sarnia, Ontario we have only one real record store to buy music, movies and stuff at. It is called "Cheeky Monkey Music Store" located in downtown Sarnia, ON.

Local musician and filmmaker Dwayne Cloes has put together a really excellent documentary about the Cheeky Monkey Record Store owned and operated by husband and wife team of Roland and Mary Anne Peloza. Roland and Mary Anne are great supporters or our wonderful local music scene in Sarnia/Lambton. They sell all the products of local band and artists in their store and on their web site.

We love Cheeky Monkey Music Store and we wish many more years of great business in the community!

Now check out the documentary feature here:

Record Store Day Canada April 19, 2014

Here is a post describing my next live sound gig for Record Store Day April 19th, 2014 at The Cheeky Monkey in Sarnia, ON. Featured in-store entertainment provided by local area bands and artists. I will be mixing the sound for the performances. It is going to be another great Record Store Day once again!

Here is the lineup of entertainers for the day:

11am - BORDERLITE TRIO
1pm - VIRGINIA PLAIN
2pm - ERIKA & SARA

Click here to check out the link at the Cheeky Monkey website for details:
http://www.cheekymonkeysarnia.ca/2014-record-store-day/

My Public Profile on LinkedIn.com

Today, I have just finished updating my profile page on LinkedIn.com and I have decided to post the link here to share it with everyone. I have the basic LinkedIn account and it works well for my particular use.

If you are on LinkedIn and would like to connect with me, please click on the following to view my public profile page.

My Public Profile on LinkedIn.com

Borderline - Live At The Dow People Place, Sarnia, ON.

Last night, Thursday, June 7th,  I was mixing sound for the band "Borderline" at the Dow People Place - Centennial Park - Sarnia, ON. It was great summer weather and a big crowd came out for the music. After a minor technical issue was solved, the show went on. Two quick songs for a soundcheck and we were off and running!

Looking forward to the next Borderline gig at the DPP on Thursday, July 5th at 7:30pm. For all of you Sarnia/Lambton folks, why not come on down to the DPP for an evening of great music with Borderline.
Admission only costs a Loonie to get it the gates. Hope to see you there next month.

Cheers!
Ron

The Fashion Palace Show April 29, 2012

After working sound for a fashion show back in November 2011, I have been asked to work again on the upcoming fashion show on Sunday, April 29, 2012. "The Fashion Palace" is the name of the group and the show will be held at The Dante Club, 1330 London Road, Sarnia, ON.


Tickets are $20.00 each

Doors open at 6:30pm - Fashion Show at 7:30pm

Live entertainment with Mike Cervini

http://modelsatfashionpalace.com/

Campbell Street Station Reunion

Coming up on Feb. 26th, 2011 will be the "Campbell Street Station Reunion". It is being held at The Stubborn Mule bar (formerly the Campbell Street Station). Tickets were sold out very quickly so don't even think about getting any now. The Reunion show is to feature local bands from Sarnia who used to play at "The Station" back in the 90's. The bands are:

Ten Seconds Over Tokyo

Streets

The 88's

Lucky me, will be in attendance as I will be working the lighting for the shows while Steve Loxton of Great Big Sound handles the live sound mixes. It is a capacity crowd that night and sure to be a fun time for all in attendance. I am taking my camera to document the event that night. I will be sure to post some candid shots on my page.

Cheers!

Ron

Jazz & Blues In The Village September 17 & 18, 2010

Hello Sarnia! Are there any jazz and blues music fans in our city??? Have you all heard of the annual "Jazz and Blues In The Village" music event? This event is an annual charity fundraiser for the Sarnia Organ Donor's Awareness Group. 2010 will mark the 7th year of this event. It is held in McGibbon Park right in the heart of the city adjacent to the Kiwanis Centre. The event is spread out over two days Friday, Sept. 17th and Saturday, Sept 18th. This year's featured artists/bands are:

Friday, Sept 17th: One Bald Tire, Julian Fauth (Blues Night)

Saturday, Sept 18th: Dominant Seven Jazz Band, Dave Bennett's "Tribute to Benny Goodman",
Dave Reddoch and the Johnny Bond Quartet - (Saturday Afternoon Jazz)

Saturday, Sept 18th: Lit'l Chicago, Dave Rotundo Band - (Saturday Evening Blues)

For tickets and all the information about the event please check out the official website at the following link: http://www.jazzinthevillage.com/

Working More Sound Gigs This Year

Last weekend I finally had a chance to work a sound gig out in Camlachie Community Centre. It was really good show even if the audience count was low. The event featured "Borderline" and "Mike Mulligan as Roy Orbison - a tribute show". The show went well and I had good time mixing the gig.

Then yesterday I got a phone call to work a show at The Stubborn on June 5th. The band is "Scott Manery and the Barnburners". This is band I have worked with a number of time before and I always have a fun time mixing sound for them. I am looking forward to gig.

Then on June 10th I will be down on the Sarnia waterfront at the Dow People Place mixing a show for "Borderline" on the outdoor stage. I like working the outdoor shows when I can get one. I am actually the exclusive sound tech for "Borderline" and I have been working with them now for 5 years. Every summer they place a gig each month during the summer months at the Dow People Place and I am there for every gig.

In August I mix sound for the "Hot August Nights" gig put on by the Sarnia Street Machines group. The event features "Borderline" and "The Barnburners". This event is a fundraiser where the money raised goes to purchase new hospital equipment for our local community. It is full house every year!

So, as you can see I am getting more sound gigs to work at in my free time. Hey, if there is anyone out there who requires a sound technician for an upcoming gig, please feel free to contact me directly. Take note of my business card below.

Cheers Everyone!

Ron

Rik Emmett Playing Sarnia Ribfest July 24, 2010

Recently found out the Rik Emmett is playing a free concert at this year's Sarnia Ribfest on July 24th, 2010. Rik Emmett has always been one of my most favourite guitarists and I am looking forward to the free concert and a night out with my friends. Last time Rik Emmett played in Sarnia was for a guitar clinic show at The Lazy Duck Lounge back in Feb. 2007. It was the best $5.00 ticket I ever bought for a show. The venue was a small room upstairs with capacity for 200 people only and I got front seats for the show. It was so awesome to watch the guitar fretwork of Mr. E.! Afterwards, Rik stuck around to autograph posters for each member of the audience and a chance to talk to one of my favourite Canadian musicians. The concert this summer is going to be such a blast!

Check out Rik Emmett's web site at www.rikemmett.com for more information
Also check out the Sarnia Ribfest web site for the entire lineup of entertainment for Ribfest 2010
www.sarniaribfest.com