We had the good fortune of connecting with Jim Ballard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jim, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I’m a working musician/songwriter/producer. So most folks only see the ‘under the spotlight’ part and don’t always seem to be aware of how much work goes into all facets of it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My own career path was influenced greatly by songwriters and musicians who have not only honed and perfected their craft, but who have tried to use their talents and skills to advocate for making the world a better place. I have released 17 albums of my own music, produced many others and, throughout all the time doing that, there are songs that deal with such issues.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Where do I start? I’m based in Akron and really don’t need to leave the area for good food, entertainment, art, recreation and music. We have one of the most popular National Parks in the country in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the trails along the Ohio and Erie Canalway towpath.
We’d hike downtown to the Akron Art Museum which has a great and world renowned in house collection in addition to exhibits throughout the year.
Our area is home to a plethora of original songwriters and bands in every genre and venues that host original music such as The Rialto Theatre in Kenmore’s Music Row or Jilly’s at Northside. Both have great food in house but Rialto is near SRINA Cafe and Jilly’s is next door to Luigi’s, an Akron landmark. restaurant. For a Theater night out, we have the Akron Civic, originally a stunning Leow’s Theatre built in 1929 to give you the feeling you’re outside in a Moorish plaza. Or the Grand Army of The Republic hall, an antebellum building (1840’s) which hosts plenty of live music and boasts an incredible live sound.
If its summer, we could take a 2 hour tour of the Portage Lakes on the locally famous Portage Princess featuring live music and stops for refreshments, making way back to port as the sun goes down.
For fine dining we could visit The Chowder House or Lannings, The Blue Door or Wolf Creek Tavern.
And that’s all on the first day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Georgann. She’s stuck by me every step of the way.

Website: www.jimballardmusic.net

Twitter: @jbaljim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088414040116

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXh3LKMrj5zcEfZpMRS8LzkcMmAbQ4CVg

Image Credits
All images credit to Tom Apathy Photography

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