WGLT’s Inside Art is a video series that highlights the behind-the-scenes process artists in central Illinois go through to produce their art.
The first episode (above) showcases Bloomington musician Nick “Maestro” Jones. Maestro is a floor coverer by day, and musician by night. Maestro said he has been performing since he was 6 or 7 years old, and has been writing his own music since he was in sixth grade. In high school, Maestro said he joined the marching band and that is where he became disciplined in music, and found his love for the community music.
“I always just had an ear for music,” said Maestro. “That’s my dad in me, he was a disc jockey back in the ‘80s."
His mom played a big role as well. She put him and his cousin in talent shows when they were 6 or 7 years old, said Maestro. “It’s been music ever since," he said.
Currently, Maestro hosts open mics at Jazz UpFront from 7-10 p.m. most Wednesday nights He also does performances with his band Front Street Collective and is working on producing more of his own music.
