Happy New Year to all my clients, friends, and supporters! I hope your holidays were filled with great music — and for my fellow musicians, maybe even a few new toys to spark fresh creativity. As 2026 gets underway, here’s a look back at a full and memorable 2025 for Syd Sklar Music.

Highlights from the Live Audio Side

This past year brought transitions, new collaborations, and a lot of great shows.

Thank You 2025 Audio Clients

I’m grateful for every stage, room, and event I had the chance to support this year. Huge thanks to:

Nova Soul performs at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Parish Picnic, Joliet, IL – Sept 2025

Werkforce Brewing Co. – Plainfield (with Invoke)
Texan Taco Bar – Chicago (with Sunfallen and South City Revival)
Cowboy Co., the Country Music Show
Nashville Electric Company
Quest Show Services and Encore Productions
Matty Stennis & SDMI Church
Christ Community Church, Joliet
Cathedral of St. Raymond, Joliet (Parish Picnic with Nova Soul, John Condron, Stacy Sienko, and Baked Potatoes)

And special thanks to RME Audio Video for ongoing collaboration and support!

Cornerstone Church (Elgin, IL)

I continued my work as audio engineer at UMC Cornerstone Church until their closure in June. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow my skills there, and for everyone I had the pleasure to work with — including J Hemphill, Eric Hutchcroft, Bruce Clay, Gail Vician, Jenna Brandes, Suzanne Lattanzio, Chris and Nicole Skrzypchak, and Melissa Hood.

Fun side note: At Cornerstone, I got to work with Tyler Ommen of the Chicago band Pixel Grip. Their album Percepticide: The Death of Reality was named one of 2025’s best Chicago albums by WBEZ and Vocalo. Congrats, Tyler!

What’s New at Syd Sklar Music

Professional Development

I’m proud to have completed the Professional Certificate in Sound Engineering for Live Events through Berklee School of Music — a three‑course, nine‑month online program learning from some truly legendary FOH engineers such as Ken “Pooch” Van Druten, Toby Francis, Chris Rabold, and more. These are the folks who mix for artists like KISS, Iron Maiden, Jay‑Z, Guns N’ Roses, Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Billie Eilish.

Learning from engineers operating at that level was an incredible experience, and I’ve already put a lot of those insights to work in my mixes. Special thanks to instructors David “DJ” Carroll (FOH Engineer at The Eastern, Atlanta) and Ben Cochran (Engineer and Tech Advisor at Audio‑Technica) for answering my never‑ending questions!

Scholarship

Thanks to the Berklee Online Celebrity Scholarship, supported by artists such as Paul Simon, Herbie Hancock, Steve Vai, Gloria Estefan, and Patty Larkin, I’m excited to continue learning. The Berklee Online program has been impressive, and I’m grateful for the chance to take another course on scholarship.

SSM is now officially an LLC

You’ll see the LLC designation in future communications.

New Therapeutic Music Partners

Welcome new partners Aperion Care Alta Rehab–Oakbrook and The Grove–Elmhurst. Alta was especially fun with an Alaska‑themed “Armchair Travel” show. It’s always a joy entertaining seniors with golden oldies. Click here to book a show!

Electronic Contracting

Launched electronic contracting using DocHub for a smoother and more efficient client experience.

New Microphone Investments

Several high-quality mics were purchased to expand miking options and elevate sound quality across all events.

Shure Beta 91A – A go‑to kick‑in boundary condenser mic known for its tight low‑end accuracy. Paired with the Audix D6 on kick‑out, it delivers a powerful blend of click + thump.

Shure SM81 (pair) – Small‑diaphragm condensers with excellent gain before feedback and clean off‑axis rejection. Ideal for acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and vocal ensembles.

Shure Beta 58A – A legendary supercardioid vocal mic with clarity, presence, and strong feedback control.

Audio‑Technica Artist Elite 5100 (pair) – High‑end large‑diaphragm condensers offering studio‑grade accuracy. Great on overheads, percussion, acoustic guitar, strings, and more.

(Full gear list available at sydsklarmusic.com/live-sound)

Uncle Leo Band

Still kicking! We’ve been in the practice room working on new demos. Stay tuned for updates.

Bucket‑list Moment

I had the privilege of meeting Pab Boothroyd, Paul McCartney’s Front of House engineer of 30+ years, during the Denver stop of the Got Back tour. He generously gave me a personal walkthrough of FOH rig and shared insights into Paul’s audio requirements. The show sounded incredible, and sharing the experience with my son Frank was unforgettable.

Syd with Paul “Pab” Boothroyd at the Paul McCartney Got Back Tour stop in Denver, CO – Oct 2025

Updates for New Year

Book Now for 2026

Live Production: Need engineering or a full PA rig in 2026? I’m now scheduling production projects for the new year. Let’s talk about the setup that fits your event.
Senior Living Communities: Now scheduling 2026 senior‑living performances. Reach out to reserve monthly or seasonal dates before they fill.
Uncle Leo Band: Booking 2026 shows now — clubs, festivals, and events. Let’s rock your upcoming lineup.

Recording Services Available

Live multi‑tracking of your show; you keep the stems. Optional post‑mix available.
Studio sessions in acoustically treated room with a relaxing vibe. Includes a variety of pro‑level mic options—without commercial studio prices. Check out these demos I produced and recorded with the indie Chicago band Safety Scissors:
https://safetyscissorsband.bandcamp.com/album/dull-demo