Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik L. Jones.
Erik, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started by creating a music podcast that showcased the music I was truly interested in but didn’t hear on the radio. I decided to call the podcast Sound Voyage this helped me to envision what I wanted the music to express a multi-genre theme of music from Jazz to World Music. I then had several interesting music opportunities all via Craiglist ad posts. I ran across an ad that was looking for people to host their own internet radio show so I joined Party 934 as a volunteer host for one year. This really had me hooked as I had a show that was live every Wednesday for one hour, being accountable, creativity and ready month after month with no pay but just the love of the music and opportunity to push me forward. After hosting the Sound Voyage show I took a small break and discovered a new café in Englewood called Kusanya. The uniqueness of the space and the mission of the organization was a perfect fit to start a music series where more art and culture experiences were needed.
In January of 2017, the lunch hour music series was born and we did two shows a month and it ran for five months. We featured local Chicago artists some I already knew but others I did not. This was a great moment to build my database of talented performers. In May at the end of the lunch series, I started the Art & Music showcase to bring an adult intimate evening affair to Englewood. I hosted this at Kusanya Café also, we featured an artists (Painter or Photographer) exhibit alongside an evening performance. This was a successful venture but I was only able to showcase it every couple of months. During the start of the art show I met Lamar Harvey at the time the Specialty team leader for Whole Foods Market Englewood store, he was interested in having live music for the 5 after 5 wine tasting they hosted weekly. This partnership proved that the community wanted to have experiences that other neighborhoods have on a regular basis for entertainment choices. We successfully hosted over 20+ shows to the end of 2017. Continuing into 2018 and to bring the tasting with music to another WFM south side store.
As all this whirlwind was happening I still did not have a solid blueprint to run or grow my business. While working in Englewood I discovered so many resources to help this plan take shape. The most important one was Operation Hopes 12 week business planning program lead by Mr. Bruce Montgomery. In the fall of 2017 I enrolled in the program and also had the opportunity to submit my plan to the 2nd annual Englewood business plan competition. Out of 140+ entries I was chosen alongside eleven other businesses to advance to the final pitch. 2017 was crazy to say the least I was on to something here and I was not going to let up. From this I’ve been able to work for some amazing corporate and nonprofit clients to help create amazing experiences with live music. To all the artists I’ve worked with thank you so much for being a part of my vision and allowing me to present your amazing gifts.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No smooth road for me, I actually didn’t make a profit until the consistency of shows for the 5 after 5 wine tasting in the fall of 2017. I face other obstacles such as time management between my day to day things to keep life moving and my business dreams going. I let a few things fall through the cracks and took on more multi-tasking objectives then I really ever had before. So yes I was a bit unbearable at times, I’m no saint but I have fantastic support that keeps me in line. Team building was a big obstacle and I still face challenges with this in 2018 I’ve added to the structure but now I need to have challenging goals for them to take the company and their involvement to higher levels. It’s tough!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Blue Sapphire Experience – what should we know?
The company is most known for its leading brand called Sound Voyage. This name really encompasses my passion for music, that always takes me on a voyage and I like for others to experience that feeling too.
The Blue Sapphire Experience is a production and specialty booking company that showcases Chicago’s established and rising musicians in unique locations by creating a dynamic experience through live music entertainment that touches on music genres foreign and familiar.
We specialize in presenting and curating live music productions that help event management to have one place to find music talent for their curated events allowing the managers and staff to concentrate on other elements that shape their special events. We provide that peace of mind from artist selection, booking, invoicing, and reliability.
I’m most proud that I have made some amazing friendships through this journey, meeting Facebook supporters to die-hard Sound Voyage listeners and great talented artists here in Chicago.
I truly think what sets us apart is that we don’t promote the artist we present them. This allows the co. to concentrate on what unique situation I can create for the client, artist and the listeners. How can we do this in a way that brings value to the overall experience? It’s a very challenging continuous task and we love it.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
This idea started with me but it’s not built on just me. My growth is fueled by the thoughtful relationships, not the can you help me kind but the how can I go further kind. I discovered this when I was in the real estate industry and It’s been my number one asset to a strong foundation.
I hope I don’t miss anyone:
Jozel Owens, my love who puts up with a lot and helps keep me focused on the dream.
Felecia Slaton-Young who really inspired in me to dig deeper about my plans for music in Englewood and beyond
Phil Spika thank you, Brother, for the opportunity to showcase this idea in an amazing space that you and Lauren have created for the community.
Bruce Montgomery your motivation and straightforwardness cut through the BS and said your time is now!
Lamar Harvey and Peter Aliu for allowing me the incredible opportunity to grow under a great brand.
Michelle E Lanaux Merritt who I really didn’t know well but helped with opportunities and resources from the heart
Jim Harbin thanks for the input during the competition and the guidance afterward
Sam Brown thank you for your energy and passion to also want to present the best for Sound Voyage
To all the great artists I’ve had the pleasure to present: Sam Trump, Shawnee Dez, Luciano Antonio, Sylvie Grace, Phil Seed, Ed Burton, Rhea the Second, Tiaybe, Derrick Tate, Mz Philly, Alysha Monique, Cecy Santana, Larry Brown Jr, Sam Rodriguez, Park N Ride, Nola Ade, Justin Boyd, Gem Tree, DJ Pep Parte, Cyrs & Co.,
Leftridge and The Jones’, Isaiah Collier, DJ-DC, Butterfly & the Kool as Ice band, Attack the Sound, Spqher: Stephstaa & Wizdom, v11vt, Squeak Pivot, Chainsaw DuPont, New Black Renaissance Band, DJ Dapper, Sean Alvarez, SharmonJarmon!, DJ ShamPain Wishes, Jeff Swanson, and Jackson Shepard
Contact Info:
- Address: Chicago IL 60620
- Website: www.sound-voyage.com
- Phone: 312-880-7355
- Email: Erik@sound-voyage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysoundvoyage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebluesapphireexperience
- Other: Text the word “soundvoyage to 33222 to stay updated on What’s Next for SV
Image Credit:
Jeron Thompson for J Terre Imaging
Erik Jones
Jozel Owens
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
