Michelle Jones, Vinylinist
I'm not with the band - I'm in it! My website is an educational blog about my musical career and exp
10/12/2023
Tonight in Winter Park: Chanukah on the Park with Violectric and the famous Carol Stein 🎹🎶. Free and open to the public!!
Passion PR Communications Consulting
Michelle Jones, Vinylinist
Chabad of Greater Orlando
09/12/2023
Producer life on show day:
Wake up to a dozen emails/texts/messages related to the show today.
Think about all the stuff I didn’t finish last night before crashing, then try to organize those thoughts. Read show flow and schedule and checklist.
What on earth am I wearing today? Read show flow and schedule again.
What time do I need to be ready? Read show flow and schedule again.
Clean cat litter boxes.
Make coffee.
Play with kitty cats.
Remember to eat and drink lots of water.
Thank God for a beautiful day!
Send reminders about show.
What am I bringing? Read show checklist again.
Did I get enough merchandise for today?
Did I print setlists?
What do I need to review before tonight? Read show flow and schedule with setlist again.
Check weather. Decide on attire. Read show flow and schedule again.
Load van. What am I missing? Read show checklist again.
Arrive early at venue. Fight with people parking illegally in our reserved spots. Have security tow them immediately.
Unload van.
Greet venue crew and security.
Organize everything that came out of van from costumes to equipment to merchandise to green room snacks. Review show checklist again.
Set up stage. Are risers in correct place? Are set pieces in good spots? Did they remember the stairs?
Is the tent green room for students ready with chairs and tables?
Did everyone get to their assigned parking?
Are all of the musicians here?
Are all of the crew here?
Are all of the special guests here?
Where is my coordinator? He’s here-yay!
Turn all worries to him.
Put on your “performer hat.”
Change into full costume before sound check since filming promo early.
Play sound check and show.
Meet and greet and photos with fans after show - I love this part the most!
Reverse the list to strike and load out till I get home, including checklist to make sure nothing was left behind.
Eat something.
Plug in everything with a battery to recharge overnight. We use 20 rechargeable batteries for instrument lighting, 5 lasers with rechargeable batteries, 6 rechargeable stage lights, x iPads for controlling sound and lighting and break music (sometimes foot pedals) to recharge, plus restock non-rechargeable batteries for all the belt packs (16 packs x 2 batteries per pack = 32 AA batteries EACH show).
Wash off stage makeup, shower, reset hair, sleep, repeat for next day’s show.
Ahhhh, I love this life! ❤️🎻
Violectric 11th Annual Violectric Holiday Show Cosplay Records Violectric Education Programs Michelle Jones, Vinylinist Passion PR Communications Consulting City of Orlando - Government Music Performance Trust Fund Central Florida Musicians' Association Downtown Orlando
07/12/2023
30/11/2023
10/11/2023
Here are a few places I am performing this season. More dates being added at https://Violectric.net
Violectric
19/10/2023
Free education concert tonight at 7pm at Southwest Middle School. Hope to see you there!
Violectric Education Programs
Violectric
Passion PR Communications Consulting
Tonight at 7pm: Violectric joins with student orchestras of 130+ students from Southwest Middle School and Lake Buena Vista High School in a FREE concert at Southwest Middle School. Come here our favorite rock songs reimagined into instrumental-only classics where YOUR BRAIN engages on a higher level and adds the lyrics! Family friendly, free parking, free admission!
Concert made possible through a generous grant from Music Performance Trust Fund, AFM - American Federation of Musicians and Central Florida Musicians' Association. Special thanks to our partners in education at Orange County Public Schools.
Southwest Middle School
6450 Dr. Phillips Boulevard
Orlando, Fl 32819
Passion PR Communications Consulting
Violectric Education Programs
Michelle Jones, Vinylinist
MadHarpist
13/09/2023
Today’s friendly reminder to all who need to read this:
If you think it’s expensive to hire a trained, licensed professional, wait until you hire an amateur.
You are not paying for “just three songs” when hiring a musician. Your wedding or event is the ONE time that it must be perfect with no do-overs. One untrained musician or group can and likely will ruin your most memorable day..
When hiring a real professional (not a hobbyist), you are paying for their years of training, practice, lessons, instrument that looks and sounds like a “real” instrument, insurance for gig/instrument/person/liability, business licenses, vehicle and transportation costs to physically be at your event, amplification (if needed), union and/or professional membership, and every cost associated with their performance.
A trained, professional musician with experience can make or break your wedding or event. We know when to start playing, and when to stop. We know how to come to a logical ending without stopping abruptly or “fading out” like a DJ. We know when to engage the audience and when to remain in the background. We know how to entertain guests of all ages to help pass the time while waiting. We know how to work with planners and vendors to ensure a smooth flow in the timeline. We know how to do “guest recovery” when something goes wrong.
Most importantly, we know how to make every guest “feel” love when they are watching you as the wedding couple. ❤️
This is why we charge what we charge. It’s not “just an hour” or “just (fill in the blank).” Please respect the live musicians. 🎶🎻
Central Florida Musicians' Association Orlando Working Musicians Orlando Musicians Orlando Musicians United Orlando Musicians Guild Orlando Area Live Music Michelle Jones, Vinylinist Violectric Education Programs
Exciting scholarship opportunity for currently enrolled college students: https://grammymuseum.org/support/quinn-coleman/
Please share with anyone you think may qualify and be interested in this opportunity!
Recording Academy / GRAMMYs GRAMMY Museum RA - Florida Chapter
Quinn Coleman Memorial Fund – GRAMMY Museum Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship Quinn Coleman was a loving son, brother, cousin and friend, a passionate DJ and an A&R executive with a bright future ahead of him who passed away at the age of 31. At his family’s request, the GRAMMY Museum is honored to establish the Quinn Coleman Scholarship, ...
Success happens when opportunity meets preparedness.
There are NO shortcuts. One must do the work required. “Good enough” is hardly adequate.
Tip number % #|>€:
Find a mentor or teacher. Offer your services freely to those who are creating the opportunities and can help make the introductions on your behalf. People do know when you’re “using” them, so don’t be that person. It has to be mutually beneficial, or you must pay them for their time. They have knowledge you want and that has value.
Barter or pay. Don’t “use” people. Tell them what you can do for them in exchange, then prove it.
The best relationship is shared knowledge where you help each other succeed. These relationships are rare, and should be celebrated and nurtured ❤️
Violectric Education Programs
09/08/2023
Supporting Walk to End Alzheimer's Greater Orlando with Violectric. 💜 Hugs again to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings 🥰
Yamilet Trujillo and Michelle Jones, Vinylinist with Bridge Violins Limited Violuminescence and CodaBow International LaserBows
Darla Harrison thank you so much for asking us to be involved.
Always a privilege and pleasure seeing Tico Perez, Dick Batchelor, and so many wonderful friends!
Fretless Rock
05/08/2023
I am so excited and honored to be a part of this very special project with Chris Redding! Ms. Meka Nism created beautiful vocals and sounds, and I was able to add some droning strings and solo features.
Neurodivergent: differing in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or normal (frequently used with reference to autistic spectrum disorders); not neurotypical
Affirming chants, perfect intervals, droning fifths, pentatonic scales, and repetitive motifs. These calm the mind, body and spirit for neurodivergence.
This album by Chris Redding specifically includes all of these elements in a pleasing way. Plus, we can dance to it! Thank you, Chris, for asking us to be a part of this beautiful project! 🥰
https://www.top40charts.news/mnews.php?nid=182514
💙🦋
Cosplay Records Passion PR Communications Consulting Violectric Education Programs Jerry Jones
Top40-Charts.com Music News
"Chris Redding Celebrates Neurodiversity In His Highly Anticipated Album "Visions Of Sounds" Acclaimed recording artist, songwriter, and producer Chris Redding, known for his eclectic fusion sound, recently unveiled his upcoming third studio album, Visions of Sounds. Set to be released in late August 2023, this ethereal exploration into th...
01/08/2023
What a perfect birthday today! I spent the day doing my favorite thing: playing music with friends! 🎻🎶. Walt Disney World string trio for a private event with Adventures by Disney and guests, featuring Robert Kerr as leader/arranger/violin virtuoso, myself on violin and viola, and Yamilet Trujillo on her very first Disney gig as an official 🎻💕. Congratulations, Yamilet! Special thanks to Chris Stout for being an excellent entertainment manager and for taking the group pics!
I came home to several lovely floral arrangements, cards and gifts from friends all around the world. Disney Floral & Gifts even gave me a beautiful arrangement to take home for my birthday. 🌹🌷🌻🌸
It truly has been a magical day! My heart is so full. Thank you, all! 🥰
Michelle Jones, Vinylinist Robert Kerr Music Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons Central Florida Musicians' Association
15/07/2023
Two more days to vote! Voting ends July 17.
Violectric as Best Chamber Group
Cosplay Records as Best Local Record Label
Thank you!
Orlando Weekly Passion PR Communications Consulting Violuminescence Violectric Education Programs Fretless Rock LaserBows
08/07/2023
Enjoying some fabulous jazz with the Mike Jones Duo before the show! ❤️🎶🎹🎻
Penn & Teller Penn Jillette Las Vegas, Nevada Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
11/06/2023
I love my Violectric family ❤️
27/03/2023
For information purposes only regarding Recording Academy / GRAMMYs Chapter Boards.
If you have ever wondered about the process for voting for chapter boards, here is a public link provided by the Recording Academy.
I encourage all who are eligible to participate in their respective chapters. Voting ends March 30, 2023.
https://www.recordingacademy.com/news/2023-chapter-board-elections-how-vote
Everything You Need To Know About The Recording Academy's 2023 Chapter Board Elections Open March 24-30, the Recording Academy's Chapter Board Elections offer members an opportunity to shape a class of leaders that reflects the rich diversity of their local Chapter's music community. Freshen up on the election process and learn how to vote.
20/03/2023
There is a course definitely needed in the music business: ETHICS.
I have lost gigs due to being ethical. But I can sleep at night knowing I did right by every agent, producer, promoter, meeting planner, wedding planner, musician and technician who has ever worked with me. Even when we had to part ways, I made sure they were compensated.
I have lost gigs by not accepting work from competing clients/agents.
Let’s translate: I have LOST MONEY 💰 because I hold dates for the first contact. I redirect client back to first contact. Then client “goes another direction.”
I am open and honest. “Too honest” I’ve been told. Well, that’s my policy.
Client A calls me about a date. We tentatively mark it on the calendar and I secure musicians. Another competing Client B calls about same date. I find out it’s the same gig. I explain I’m already holding for Client A and let them know their end client is shopping around. Sometimes, the end client contacts me to try to book directly. I explain I’m already holding through Client A and redirect them back. Worse yet, musicians holding for me get asked by another contractor for the exact same gig. Yes, that is direct violation of our non-compete clause, especially when they have already been pitched as part of our group. If that musician takes the gig through another contractor, they have cost each and every other musician pitched in our group work. Fortunately, most musicians with whom I work are ethical and honest with me. I really enjoy working with those musicians!
Is this a lot of work and communication? Yes. Is it the right thing to do? Absolutely yes.
For you see, all clients talk. The moment I cut out any one person in the chain is when I get black listed by everyone.
I have been in business in Orlando 20+ years. I’m still here. I think a good part of that is keeping open and honest communication with every client/partner/musician, etc. The biggest part is being ETHICAL.
When any client shows their lack of ethics, I make the choice to stop working with them. It’s the same with musicians. If one breaks that trust, it is hard to regain it; sometimes that severs our relationship.
The ethics are a two-way street. As entertainers, we talk about agents and clients, too. Who is ethical? Who pays on time? Who treats us well? Who reads and fulfills our rider? We want to work with ethical agents, producers and clients, too. Word gets around fast when someone tests our patience, too.
Yes, I think I will create this course. I will use real life instances and stories to illustrate the value of being ethical in the music business. Then hopefully, more individuals will benefit from it.
Violectric Education Programs Violectric
14/03/2023
So happy Violectric Education Programs and Violectric made BroadwayWorld! ❤️🎶😊🎻
Violectric Education Programs Celebrate “Music In Our Schools Month” This March Violectric Education Programs, Inc., the non-profit division of Central Florida strings super-group Violectric®, led by renowned “Vinylinist™” and Founder of Violectric Michelle Jones, celebrate “Music in Our Schools Month” this March with special programs in Orange County and Hillsboroug...
13/03/2023
See you soon at a school near you! Violectric Education Programs Violectric
Have you made your reservation for tonight at The Rez Grill at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa? I’ll be performing live and definitely taking requests! See you there! 5:00pm till 9:00pm.
D. Bailey Management, Inc.
Violectric
Passion PR Communications Consulting
15/09/2022
Scholarships available!
Quinn Coleman Scholarship Fund Application - Airtable Fill out the "Quinn Coleman Scholarship Fund Application" form quickly and securely on Airtable.
23/07/2022
I’m blushing. What an honor and pleasure to create music with Ms. Meka Nism! Yes, I look forward to creating more music together, too!!!
❤️❤️🎶🎶🎻🎻🔥🔥
Link to entire interview here:
https://www.unratedmag.com/meka-nism/
Violectric
Note-Worthy with Michelle Jones
01/10/2021
So excited to have collaborated with Ms. Meka Nism on this song! She is brilliant!!!!
EPK – MEKA NISM – The Day Fell (single) (2021) EPK – MEKA NISM – The Day Fell (single) (2021) Single Title: The Day FellRelease Date: September 30, 2021Label: Apex [Read More...]
Nik & Reema
I worked with Nik and Reema to create and record string parts for this song. It's a beautiful rendition, and the video is outstanding! 😊
See you Saturday!
SATURDAY NIGHT! Classic Albums Live will perform Pink Floyd's epic album The Wall in it's entirety. Doors open at 7pm.
Call (407)351-5483 for more information or to purchase tickets.
Fretless Rock
Upcoming shows with musicians from Fretless Rock and Violectric:
Friday, June 23 - Nicole Equerme performs 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at the fountain at Dellagio Town Center Orlando Dr. Phillips Book It Entertainment
Saturday, June 24 - Mike Bloomer performs 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at the fountain at Dellagio Town Center Orlando Dr. Phillips
Saturday, June 24 - Michelle Jones, Vinylinist and other Violectric/FR musicians join Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd "The Wall" at 8:00 p.m. at Hard Rock Live Orlando
Monday, June 26 - Violectric and Fretless Rock musicians team up with DJ FoxForce005 for Bite Night 2017 at Church Street Station. VIP starts at 6pm, with GA at 7pm.
See you at an event soon!
Passion PR Communications Consulting
Don’t miss Michelle Jones, Vinylinist and Violectric performing in studio on “Intersection” with Brendan Byrne tomorrow at the end of the 9am hour on 90.7 WMFE, Central Florida’s NPR station.
Jerry
Our National Anthem on Sunday at Alamo City Comic Con.
Michelle Jones performing the National Anthem before opening the final day of Alamo City Comic Con in San Antonio, Texas. Violectric Fretless Rock
Thank you, Alamo City Comic Con! This has been one of the most exciting weekends ever! I was honored to play our National Anthem, military themes, and many other movie/tv/video game themes for the opening every morning as the 100,000+ guests arrived. One of the highlights was playing "Walk This Way" with legendary musician DMC himself. I still can't believe that happened! Then meeting so many wonderful people throughout the weekend. Again, my sincerest appreciation for this opportunity and the many blessings from this event. Up next: performing with Classic Albums Live and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra at the King Center on Thursday. See you there! Violectric Fretless Rock
At the famous Tori gate in Hiroshima
Very excited!!!! Heading out for my first solo performing tour of Japan in two weeks. My final show there is in Yokohama May 19. Thank you, Benny's Place Yokohama, for having me play for you and your guests! Violectric Fretless Rock Violuminescence
Come see me at Spooky Empire Retro (Official Event) this weekend! I'll be performing Friday and Saturday night at 7pm outside. I'll be at my booth Friday and Sunday during the day, too (I'll be performing for 7th Annual Wine Women & Shoes Orlando during the day Saturday). See you there! Spooky Empire, Inc. Violectric Fretless Rock
Next show: Thursday, April 20 - Watermark Third Thursday at Fairvilla. 6pm - 8pm
Vinylinist Michelle Jones performs with DJ FoxForce005 Alexandra Goodman. See you there!
Fretless Rock
Tonight! Vinylinist Michelle Jones performs live around the fountain at Dellagio Town Center Orlando Dr. Phillips 6:30pm-9:30pm. Free and open to the public. With Star Wars Celebration and the return of Dr. Who, there will be some fun themes, and color coordinated Violuminescence laser bows to match. See you there! Book It Entertainment
Fretless Rock
This weekend's shows featuring musicians of Fretless Rock and Violectric:
Friday, March 31 - Vinylinist Michelle performs around the fountain at Dellagio Town Center Orlando Dr. Phillips from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Free and open to the public. Book It Entertainment
Saturday, April 1 - Cellist Mike Bloomer performs around the fountain at Dellagio Town Center Orlando Dr. Phillips from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Free and open to the public.
Sunday, April 2 - Violuminescence LED Quartet performs at the Beautiful Bride Wedding Expo - Orlando at the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive. Expo starts at noon, with musicians performing for the fashion show at 3pm. Tickets available online.
More private events, too.
Hope to see you at one or more of these events. Please come say hi!