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.
Local DJs
DJs of varying experience levels from Janesville and surrounding communities will be on-hand to showcase their talent, answer questions, and connect with other music makers.
Pictured from left to right: (top row) VIC MONSTA, Rudy V, Rude Minor, (bottom row) DJ Choco Loco, DJ Ness, Jam Master CJay