Production Manager, Lighting & Sound Engineer, Jon Delaire, has a unique perspective when it comes to music.
By Morgan James
While the audience enjoys the show from their seats, musicians working their magic from the stage, Jon has carefully prepared the environment for the ultimate audio experience, creating “the canvas” for each show. From a musical family, Jon’s interest in music was peaked and through education and training that he pursued, Jon has become a respective expert in his field, working with celebrities from Frenchie Davis (The Voice) to Adam West (the original Batman) to Jerry Weintraub (Manager for Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra). I met with Jon at an impressive studio he works with, Rancho Mirage Music People, and spoke with him about his career highlights thus far.
MJ: Tell me about your background, education and what inspired your career in music?
JD: “MY very first experiences in the entertainment industry were from my parents. My mother Angela Delaire, who is a singer, had a band, and my father Dr. Ronald Delaire, did sound for her. I would remember him setting up gigs for her, and watch in amazement as she performed. I also vaguely remember the studio that they had built for her band. These memories and impressions carried on with me until I was interested enough to pursue my own career in entertainment.
In my early teens I started to DJ with Blake Williams who is my cousin. This slowly got me interested in live sound, and eventually led to building a basic recording studio. I then, shortly after high school, attended the LA Recording School where my skills and abilities advanced rapidly.”
MJ: Tell me about your previous work experiences and what tasks you are performing now?
JD: “After my course at LARS I was referred to Leon Becken’s Studio, Rancho Mirage Music People in 2007. During my beginning at the studio I was his A1 and apprentice. I was taught proper studio etiquette and production techniques. I am now one of the in house Lead Engineers for the facility.
Nov. 2010 I was hired at The Date Shed at Empire Polo Field. I took on the responsibilities of Production Manager, Sound Engineer and Lighting Director.
Feb. 2014 I was hired at COPA Night Club as Production Manager, Lighting and Sound Engineer. Both places I had to take on the tasks of soundcheck, Light Design and operations for Local, National/Internationally known acts.”
MJ: Who are some of the most memorable people you have worked with during your career so far?
JD: “Some of the most memorial people I have worked with have been Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real, Linda Perry’s Deep Dark Robot, The Atari’s, Tribal Seeds, AfroMan, and Bone Thugs N Harmony. This list could go on due to the hundreds of shows done at the Date Shed. One of the fondest memories was going in to Willie Nelson’s old tour bus, used by Lukas Nelson, and sitting at the table where the famous chess set was. I was even shown where the “Stash” spot was.
At RMMP I had the honor of working with Adam West, Tony Robbins, Kitty Kelly, and Jerry Weintraub, and many more. One of the things I remember about the famous producer Jerry Weintraub was how he started from nothing, and through the growth of his life and network was able to work with Elvis and become a great Movie Producer. He mentioned Elvis would not play to any empty seats, so in turn if there were any he would order the stage crew to remove them. I guess that’s one way to play to a full house!
At COPA Night Club I have had the honor to work with Melinda Doolittle (American Idol), Frenchie Davis (The Voice), Lisa Loeb and more. Thanks to Dave Morgan at Reaction Entertainment for booking these great artists. One of the things I remember most about these artists is their professionalism and the ability to make a show work on the grandest stage or at a smaller venue such as the COPA, it has been a humbling experience and I look forward to working with them again.”
MJ: Tell me what goals you are striving for and what shape you would like your career to take in the future?
JD: “Some of the things I look forward to in the future is to expand my network and to eventually grow into large scale Productions. My long term goals includes owning a pre/post production studio, as well as, Audio/Lighting/Visual install consultation, and Acoustic Design for Music Venues, Nightclubs, Home Theater, Restaurants, public places such as Schools, Airports and Convention centers. The list could go on due to the fact that sound is around us everywhere we go. I am currently working at the COPA nightclub and appreciate the experience, growth and knowledge that I acquire every night I am on the job.”
MJ: Who is responsible for helping to shape your career that you would like to thank?
JD: “I would like to Thank Leon Becken at RMMP, Alex Haagen IV, Kristen Reinhagen Ortiz, Jeanette Molina at The Date Shed. The owners of COPA Nightclub: Tony, Ranz, and Rob. Dominic Scharff (Mr.Miami) the Clubs General Manager and Promoter, and the entire staff at each one of these facilities.
I would like also to include a Thank You to Coachella Valley Weekly, all the music facilities, and every one of the Local Artists for keeping the music alive in our community. You are the source, and I humbly prepare the canvas for your audience. It’s a mutual relationship and I appreciate all of you!”
MJ: How can our readers contact you for services and more information?
JD: “My website for services is CVProductionPeople.com.”
You can also check out RanchoMirageMusicPeople.com, DateShedMusic.com, and COPAPalmSprings.com.
