We officially opened Studio58 with a family gathering to celebrate this new dimension in our lives. Many like to refer to the studio as Jim’s man cave, but it is hardly that. This was a labor of love for both Jim and Marci. We put many hours, and a lot of money behind this dream, and as you enter through the front you will see a cast iron plaque installed in the floor stating as such; On the Threshold of a Dream. For you fans of classic rock, this is the title of the 4th album by the Moody Blues, and it really sums it all up for us. A great big THANK YOU to my friends Ryan and Emerson Barron of Alpha Foundry for producing this plaque.
Late 2025 we started inviting in players to Studio58. Billy Engle’s new band project, the Affectations started working on their collection of all new, original songs, which will eventually become their album and help launch their stage production. This will all continue into 2026 and soon to a venue in St. Louis area. Billy was instrumental in putting together the sound dimension supporting Studio58. When we started moving forward on this project, I contacted Billy to see if he would be interested in helping me build the studio sound and recording capabilities. Being a studio owner himself, and designer of several recording studios in the area, Billy accepted the challenge and the work began.
Billy directed the entire operation, from working with our electricians on all the wiring aspects, to determining the equipment we would need to make this a high-level sound studio. We had a lot of help from our friends at SweetWater. They were very helpful from getting with the gear and technical advice, and their support made all the difference. Billy capped off all the equipment purchases with the sale of his Kawai Grand Piano to Studio58. I’m a guitar player, but that piano has really got me interested and excited to add the piano to my list of instruments to learn. Also, thanks to A Pianos Friend for relocating the Kawai from Billy’s studio to Studio58, on one of the coldest days of 2025. Those guys are masters at moving grand pianos.
My brother-in-law Howard Harris brought one of his many bands (The Regulars) to practice for an upcoming gig in early January. These guys are all seniors (like me) and we really enjoyed having them try and blow the roof off the place. They are pretty loud, but sound good. We wish them well on their upcoming gig.
That brings us to the overall purpose of Studio58. Why this place is so important. For many, getting together with old friends and new players is not an easy task. First just pulling together the essentials is difficult, but now where do you all meet and play? Generally, in someone’s basement. Ok, it works, but not really as it can be difficult on others in the home. This is where Studio58 comes into play. The concept is to have a place where your group can play, open it up, and not run everyone out of your home. We still have not figured out how we are going to operate, manage and run Studio58. We have decided to just let things evolve at least for the first half of 2026. See where it goes and what we have to contend with. If all goes well, we will have a plan that addresses everyone’s needs and still provides a great place to Practice • Play • Perform.
Supporting Cast:
BILLY ENGLE- EarStudios
SWEETWATER- Richie Clemens
HOWARD HARRIS
MUSIC GO ROUND
GUITAR CENTER
A PIANOS FRIEND
MID-AMERICA ELECTRIC- Jeremy Bass
ADCRAFT- Dan Blanton
YELLOWDOG- Jamie Grady
TONY MEOLI PHOTOGRAPHY
ALPHA FOUNDRY
