Get ready for an afternoon of music, creativity, and connection as Hedberg Public Library partners with local professional DJs to host Sound Check Music Workshop on Saturday, April 18 from 2-4 p.m. in the library’s Program Room.
Live DJ sets and introductions to DJing and music production will be led by Rudy V, DJ Lalo, DJ Ness, Shami Sosa, Vic Monsta, Rude Minor, DJ Choco Loco, Jam Masta CJay, and more!
During this hands-on, all-ages music workshop, participants will discover the basics of beat making, song structure, mixing, and DJ skills. The experience will help build creativity and confidence while exploring music production and DJing as creative outlets, career pathways, and connections to the local music community.
"Bringing in local talent to inspire curious minds is really at the core of what libraries do," said Elizabeth Hough, Marketing Manager at HPL. "Events like this create opportunities to build community by connecting people who may never have otherwise met."
Sound Check Music Workshop is free and open to the public; no registration is necessary.
DJ Lalo
“The world needs music, and music brings us together. I think what we want to accomplish is to share our talents, teach what we do, and network with our community.”
Jason Regan, known as DJ Lalo, is a DJ, Dancer, Mentor, and community organizer. Jason brings his background of Hip Hop and Latin culture to all communities to embrace diversity and inclusion.
Jason has partnered with the library for several years, introducing new audiences to Hip Hop each time. Jason helped organize one of the library's largest after-hours programs, a breaking (breakdancing) battle held in 2011. More than 500 people packed the stacks for a night of music and dance, many who had never seen breaking before.
Jason has hosted several smaller library events through the years, always using elements of Hip Hop, music, and dance to create connections. He says he does these programs to share something that is meaningful to him.
Shami Sosa
"We’re all artists in our own way. Each of us experiences the world through a perspective that has never existed before. The moment you can capture that experience and share it with the world you’re creating art."
Shami is an Emmy Award-winning television and music producer recognized for creating compelling content that bridges the worlds of media, culture, and sound. With a career rooted in storytelling and creative collaboration, Shami has produced a wide range of programming and music-driven projects that highlight diverse voices and authentic experiences. Known for combining strong narrative vision with high-quality production, he has contributed to projects that engage audiences through powerful storytelling, cultural insight, and innovative creative direction.
In addition to television, Shami Sosa has been actively involved in music production, releasing his own music, working with local, national, and international artists (Madman Behemoth, Mavis Staples, Chance The Rapper, Jennifer Hudson, Kanye West), brands (Korg, Shure, Reason Studios, Reverb) and creatives to develop projects that blend visual media with sound design. This cross-disciplinary approach allows Shami to produce content that resonates across both the entertainment, fashion, and music industries.
Elliott “Ness” Harris
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska by way of San Jose, California, Elliott “Ness” Harris brings over 25 years of experience in the music and entertainment industry. He got his start as a radio personality and mix show DJ on Channel 94.1 in Omaha and went on to study at the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences in Arizona. His career took him to Los Angeles, where he worked at the legendary Can-Am Studios - home to Death Row and Aftermath Records.
Now based in Madison, Wisconsin, Elliott “Ness” Harris serves as Director of Entertainment for Harmonic Hospitality Group, curating live experiences across multiple venues. He’s also the founder of the Wisconsin chapter of Alternative Wedding DJs.
Victor Rivera
Better known as Vic Monsta, Vic is a prominent Rockford-based hip-hop artist, DJ, and community leader. He is widely recognized for his work in preserving B-Boy culture and advocating for the arts within the Latino community.
Rudy V.
DJ, Producer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist, Musician, Recording Engineer, Sound Designer, and Radio Personality.
Rudy V. started in 1982 as a world-renowned B-Boy. In 1985, he became a DJ/Producer which led to his own Mix Show on commercial Radio 105.9 FM.
To date, Rudy has done over 6,000 remixes and tracks for various radio stations and major/minor labels.
Rudy's relentless work ethic is legendary, creating 27 songs and 5 mixes in 13 days, he always seems to find energy in the music he makes for the fans he loves!
Rude Minor
Multi-Instrumentalist. Producer. DJ. Remixer.
Rude Minor didn’t just find music—he grew up inside it. A multi-instrumentalist who began mastering melodies by ear as a 7-year-old kid, his career is defined by an intuitive and visceral connection to sound. This early mastery of composition and rhythm provided the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of music excellence.
While most kids his age were oblivious to nightlife, Rude Minor was already deep within it—stepping behind the decks at 10 years old and producing original tracks while still in his teens. This relentless drive led him to perform and promote events in the very clubs and bars he wasn't yet old enough to legally enter. It was never about the spotlight for Rude Minor. It’s about a quiet and persistent commitment to the craft. The kind of "put your head down and keep going" discipline that has remained his calling card ever since.
His technical depth and dedication to music production and DJing eventually led to collaborations with industry icons, most notably, the legendary house vocalist Robert Owens (Fingers Inc.), and work with the WakeUpMusic! Group record label. Today, Rude Minor pushes forward-thinking production with remixes, mix-compilations, and more. Driven by a disciplined creative vision, he continues to honor the craft he has been refining since he first picked up an instrument.
DJ CHOKO
Fernando Reyes, also known as DJ CHOKO, began his DJ journey at a very young age, using his computer keyboard to mix songs. As a kid, he would spend hours in his bedroom pretending to be a radio host, already showing a deep passion for music.
CHOKO has been involved in music from an early age—making beats, collaborating with artists, producing events behind the scenes, participating in theater during his school days, and organizing talent shows on local stages in his hometown.
What started as childhood passion has now become his profession. Today, he hosts events both independently and alongside his friend DJ Lalo, representing variety and culture. His goal is simple: to bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime.
Cody Greenwood
Known as Jam Master Cjay, Cody is a dancer and DJ based in Janesville, Wisconsin. He began his journey in the world of music and movement at the age of 12, training in breakdancing under the guidance of DJ Lalo. This early foundation shaped his deep connection to rhythm, style, and performance.
In 2024, Cody expanded his artistic expression by stepping into the DJ scene. Since then, he has brought his energy and sound to audiences across multiple cities, performing at a wide variety of events and occasions. Known for his old-soul taste, he draws heavy inspiration from classic R&B and timeless throwbacks, blending nostalgia with fresh vibes to create memorable experiences.
Driven by a genuine love for music, Jam Master Cjay is passionate about connecting with people through sound. His mission is simple: to share good music, good energy, and bring people together wherever he plays.
