The experience of walking into the SCP Recording Studio once again made me proud to live in Danville. The fact that there is so much support and opportunity to our local musicians never ceases to amaze me. I found Jordan Cundiff, along with Christian Cunningham and Stephen Emerson jamming out to the new Panic! At the Disco in the control room. This “buzz” I keep talking about that is happening in our town…that feeling was all around me as I sat down to talk to Jordan.
Music runs deep in Jordan’s life. He grew up in an extremely musical family with parents who have talent for days. When he was sixteen, he knew he wanted to make a career of it when his parents bought him a 16 track digital recorder. He recorded his first band in the halls and rooms of the church and found his passion for producing. After graduating high school from Danville Christian Academy, he attended the Omega Studios’ School in Rockville, Maryland. That is where he earned an impressive 5 certifications in the industry including: Audio Production Techniques, Recording, Engineering, and Studio Techniques, Electronic Music Synthesizers and MIDI, Sound for Live Performances, and Music Business and Artist Management. After school, he headed back to his roots to be with his now wife, Amber (who is also from the area). Jordan came back with a purpose and a passion for the music scene. He began running shows at The Edge on North Vermilion and, along with help from his parents, opened the SCP Recording Studio across the street from his parents’ Danville staple – The Dairy Barn. He also partnered in SCP Records Recording Label.
After working at the David S. Palmer Arena in marketing and promoting shows, Jordan found out through a friend that the Executive Director position for Downtown Danville, Incorporated (DDI) had opened up. He immediately introduced himself to Ken Gentrup, the President of the Board and submitted his resume. From there, Ken gave Jordan “a shot” to see what he could do with the Taste of Danville which was only four weeks away. The event ended up being one of the most successful events downtown Danville had seen in a long time. After that Jordan went on to produce the New Year’s Party, the Adult Easter Egg Hunt, and Summer Sounds.
In 2015, Jordan decided to take DDI to the next level. He got rid of the Taste of Danville and decided to “make it more Danville” by adding creative, unique and different tactics. Hence, Culture Shock was born. Culture Shock fulfilled the empty space of the success of Phases of the Moon the previous summer. Once Jordan found out Phases would not be returning, he saw the need for a music festival – the Danville way. Not only was the purpose to bring more people to the Danville area, but also to expose people to different cultures and music.
“There has always been a music scene in Danville. But now it is being rejuvenated. I want to educate the community on the art and styles in our community and out in the world.” He plans on taking Culture Shock, along with Summer Sounds to the next level this year by showcasing local talent alongside national bands. This year instead of running Summer Sounds from 6-9pm, it will run 6-10pm and showcase two bands instead of one. He wants to “mix it up” and show people they can enjoy Downtown Danville from “morning to night”. Patrons can start their day off at Cafe 13 with a delicious cup of coffee, shop at the unique stores that are offered, and end the day with some live entertainment at one of the many venues (Vintage Villains, The Pub, Fatmans, etc.).
With Jordan leading the brigade, Downtown Danville has many things to look forward to in the future. He says the “thriving” that everyone is looking for will be happening “very soon” as the shift and buzz that is happening is transforming our home right in front of our eyes.
Check out more about Jordan and the things he is doing here:
If you would like to learn more about how to sponsor Summer Sounds or Culture Shock, or would like information on volunteering for either event, email Jordan at downtowndanvilleinc@gmail.com .
Upcoming Events:
Now, for an exclusive announcement from Jordan Cundiff that you get to see here first:
The first two bands who will be performing at the kick-off to Summer Sounds on May 27th, 2016 are:
Katapult
and
X-Krush
Everyone come and check it out, and be a part of the rejuvenation of
Downtown Danville, Illinois!
Peace & Love,
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[…] is also all about the “passion projects”…mainly working beside Jordan Cundiff at SCP Records. He likes to “get behind music that I feel and watch artists as they […]