EARS (Engineering And Recording Society of Chicago)

08/08/2025

On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, members of EARS gathered at Joyride Studio to honor and celebrate the life of our dear friend, Blaise Barton, who left us far too soon.

We came together in the very space where Blaise worked his magic—Joyride Studio. It was here he crafted incredible records, earned Grammy Awards, received numerous industry accolades, and made the world a better place simply by being who he was. Blaise was a true force—creative, driven, and deeply inspiring.

As a longtime and influential president of the Engineering and Recording Society of Chicago, Blaise continually raised the bar for excellence in our field. He reached for the stars—and more often than not, he caught them.

It was an honor to serve alongside him in his relentless pursuit of greatness, and an even greater honor to call him my friend.

Rock on, Blaise Barton. Rest in peace.

Tag yourselves, R__d

07/15/2025

You're invited: Friends of Blaise EARS meeting at Joyride

Jul 22, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

06/26/2025

Chicago blues artist Dave Specter celebrated the release of his new record with a packed house at SPACE, filled with friends, fans, and members of the vibrant Chicago music community. Among the notable attendees was Julia A. Miller, president of EARS and Delmark Records, the label behind the release.

The evening began with a special discussion hosted by EARS, featuring legendary recording engineer Fred Breitberg, who shared his expertise and behind-the-scenes insights on how the outstanding live album was captured.

In addition to Dave, Julia, and Fred, many prominent figures from the Chicago music scene were in attendance, including Music direct's Rob Gillis, DJ Oliver Fade Torres, digital artist and music producer Maasai Amewa, DCASE Deputy Commissioner Sangini Brahmbhatt, and Kent Anderson, Founder and CEO of Csharp Consulting, among others.

A fantastic launch for a fantastic record—held in a great venue, SPACE, founded and owned by the artist himself, Dave Specter.

Tuesday June 24,2025
R__d

05/23/2025

https://www.ears-chicago.org/event-details/dave-specter-photo-show-closing-reception

05/23/2025

https://www.ears-chicago.org/event-details/andys-50th-w-jazz-at-noon-tribute

Drummer Joel Baer leading his Blueshift Big Band in presenting Barrett’ Deems Delmark big band album “How D’You Like It So Far”. FREE Delmark CD for EARS members!

04/30/2025

Some snap shots from the EARS (Engineering And Recording Society of Chicago) Networking party V2025 at pizzeria Serio Tuesday April 29, 2025. Hanging out with music industry friends and colleagues what was the old ACME recording studio on Belmont in Chicago and missing our dear friend and colleague Danny Leake who passed away 5 years ago to date.. Tag yourself. Photo by Lynn Orman

11/27/2024

Dear EARS family,

We depend on members to help produce informative and interesting events each month. We would not be here without your support! We appreciate your membership and we're wishing you and your loved ones a beautiful Thanksgiving holiday!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are not hosting an EARS event in November. It also tends to be a busy time for all. We will be having our annual holiday party after Christmas.

We are scheming right now on how to make it an evening filled with good company, yuletide and joy! Be on the lookout as we'll have more info on the festivities to come next year :)

10/24/2024

EARS presents an evening at VSOP studios with chief engineer and owner Matt Hennessy doing an in-depth presentation on Immersive audio mixing of " Tiny Garden by Jamila Woods" in 7.1.4. The playback of the control room needless to say was outstanding. Special thanks to our host Matt Hennessy and studio manager Ty Caughell. Photos by BlindPhotoMan with additional photos by Michael Freeman. THIS IS EARS

10/18/2024

ONLY TWO TICKETS LEFT FOR OUR EXCLUSIVE EARS EVENT THIS TUESDAY!
Mixing Immersive Audio with
Matt Hennessy

Tuesday, October 22nd

VSOP Studios 1552 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

7:00pm- 10:00pm

Visit this link to get your tickets:https://www.ears-chicago.org/event-list

THIS IS A MEMBERS ONLY EVENT YOU CAN BECOME A MEMBER BY VISTING OUR WEBSITE:https://www.ears-chicago.org/memberships?cid=68fb604d-d034-4652-b0ea-7ef137739e7e

08/10/2024

In September of 2014 EARS Presidents Blaise Barton and Reid Hyams along with EARS EARdrum Editor Francesca Allen-Leake and Lynn Orman presented Ella Jenkins the EARS Emerald Award. Designed by Fran

EARS in conjunction with Mayne Stage Theater, proudly presents One On One with Ella Jenkins! a Live conversation between the Grammy winner and Smithsonian Folkways artist – dubbed the First Lady of Children’s Music -- and Chicago’s Ralph Covert (creator of Ralph’s World), himself a noted maker of children’s music. Together, Ms. Ella and Ralph will discuss technological advances in recording for children, making a good children’s record, and arts education issues. They will be joined by local Children’s artist, Amy Lowe —- a Parents Choice Gold Award winner—and as Emcee, WVON Radio’s Art “Chat Daddy” Simms. Both are devotees and “adult kids” of Ms. Ella who began her recording career in the 50s – a time when few women were actually recording themselves! Additionally, the City of Chicago will pay homage to this energetic 90-year-old innovator & Wonder-Woman as it presents a special Resolution in her honor before an audience of EARS members and educators from arts programs within the Chicago Public Schools and other institutions!

Sound engineers, music aficionados and educators alike will delight in this Once in a Lifetime opportunity to see, hear, experience & talk to the 1st Lady of Children’s Music – Ms. Ella Jenkins — One on One !!!

08/07/2024

A Happy Belated Birthday to The "First Lady of Children's Music" Ella Jenkins who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday! In 2004 she received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and we honor her impact on music and culture!

Watch Ella Jenkins' performance of "Who Fed the Chickens?" from the Ella Jenkins Live at the Smithsonian DVD. Recorded with children from the Smithsonian Ins...

08/07/2024

Attention EARS Community!
We are looking for individuals who are interested in contributing to different aspects of the event. We are grateful to have a community of skilled and specialized professionals so we want to give you an opportunity to shine and truly make this event communal.

We've created sign-up sheets for each position we'll need to have an organized, successful and fun evening. This is completely optional and up to you! We're assembling a team to help with setup, logistics, live sound and grilling.

Support Team Sign Ups Forms


Logistics Coordinator Sign Up Form
https://forms.gle/FBJQEa1fBvfimiJX8

Live Sound/Tech Assistant Sign Up Form
https://forms.gle/b49Zw4EbTD6bJd467

Grill Master Sign Up Form
https://forms.gle/1vRhmdrbNF8LTnkU7

Event Photographer Sign Up Form
https://forms.gle/B31ynp2DU9jnnWR87

And of course just reminder if you plan to bring a dish to share, you can sign up here:
https://forms.gle/6v92Vv6a81jt7rLv6

This is your chance to share a dish that you're proud of, a family recipe, cultural traditional dish or specialty!