Making Music History
Sold Out “Orlando Rocks” Concert Brings Local Talent to Main Stage
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Written by Blair Townley; Photos by Anthony Rao
One night your band could be performing during an open mic night at a local restaurant; the next thing you know you are performing before a sold-out crowd on the stage at Orlando’s House of Blues.
Local acts from around Central Florida were given that rare opportunity recently when they performed for the “Orlando Rocks” concert on July 17.
The concert marked the first time a show of local country acts was featured at the venue as well as one of the first main-stage concerts orchestrated by the efforts of SMS Productions and Jeff Hurst.
“‘Orlando Rocks’ is a show that singer/songwriter Jeff Hurst and House of Blues put together for [Eustis musician] Michael Ray to have his CD release party. Jeff also put together the other local acts to come in and open for Michael,” says Steve Ellis, the show’s stage manager and president of SMS Productions.
“We are hoping the show brings more notoriety on a local level that there are local acts that are just as talented as those on the national level,” Jeff Hurst says.
“A lot of people don’t have that opportunity and I think putting together a show like this opens that door for them.”
Firefighters turned Musical Innovators
One could say the “Orlando Rocks” concert, and the musical dreams of local artists, became a reality when Steve and Jeff joined forces in 2002.
Steve began his journey into the music industry after fellow Altoona firefighter and friend Jeff asked him to help behind the scenes for some of the local shows he played.
“I came out to see him [Jeff] perform at local establishments some nights and then he asked me to help with mixing background music during shows because he was doing everything by himself,” Steve recalls.
“I told him I didn’t know what I was doing but he said he didn’t either. Jeff progressed from there in shows, with me doing the sound after taking some classes [including one sitting in on a digital boards class with Yahama]. I decided I wanted to get more involved with other local artists and places around town as well, which is where SMS Productions started.”
Among the services SMS Productions have provided are those of production management and sound engineer, services used by recognized artists like the Oak Ridge Boys and “American Idol’s” Danny Gokey.
Jeff himself became more involved in music eight years ago and is currently a staff writer for Dan Hodges Music in Nashville. He has written country hits like “23rd Psalm” and “Any Given Afternoon.”
“I’ve been writing country songs for about six years and have five songs I wrote on Michael Ray’s new album. I’ve also been playing for almost eight years and am self-taught on the acoustic and electric guitars,” Jeff states
“I didn’t have help in the beginning and I had to learn everything the hard way. That’s why I’ve always been open to helping everybody because besides helping them, the hope is that they will pay it forward.
Part of that pay it forward mentality included putting together the “Orlando Rocks” show that allowed area musicians Whiskey Basin from DeLand, Patrick Gibson from Clermont, April Philips from Apopka and Michael Ray from Eustis the chance to musically shine.
Getting Music Out There
The success of the “Orlando Rocks” show has encouraged Jeff and Steve to seek out more opportunities for the up-and-coming talent in the area.
“‘Music is the Laughter of the Soul’ is one of the sayings we have [at SMS Productions] so we can get your music out there. It’s true that the soul comes out with music, and musicians and songwriters bring out the soul in their performances and music.” Steve says.
Jeff hopes to also start his own music publishing company to where he can work personally with enterprising singers and songwriters.
One way local talent and get their names out in the community is through participating in open mic nights, specifically those on Wednesday nights at Gator’s Dockside in Eustis and Sunday nights at Ruby Street Grille in Tavares. Both are regularly attended by Jeff and Steve.
“Don’t be afraid to play a place for free,” Jeff states. “You have to pay your dues but you have to go out there and try it.”
To learn of upcoming shows with Jeff Hurst and SMS Productions, visit SMS’s Web site, www.smspro75.com or visit Jeff’s MySpace page at www.myspace.com/jeffhurstmusic.
Photos taken in House of Blues Orlando
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