By E.M. Serensky

Confucius said, “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” Confucius would have also agreed that this quote proves true for the television show, Random Acts of Music. Random Acts of Music (RAM) is a series recorded, directed, imagined, hosted,
insert any verb here, by Henry J. of Henry J. Productions.

Random Acts of Music originated six years ago from the living room of Henry’s Canton-areahome. The show was created to showcase independent musicians in Ohio; although talented and willing artists from out of state are more than welcome to audition. Along with his cat, Shiver, and a small camera crew, Henry shoots and records each season’s lineup. The shows vary in genre but every show is an acoustic performance shot in high definition, using film style shooting.

Musicians appearing on Random Acts of Music generally perform two or three songs and then sit down with the man behind the camera. They talk about their albums, tours and life in general.

Each interview is lively and very informative about the performer. Erik Urycki from The Speedbumps feels that RAM is a very good form of exposure and has a definite professionalism about it. The performers leave knowing that they have recorded a successful form of publicity.

Random Acts of Music is essentially made to get music out to the public, but it is also geared toward musicians. It airs around midnight (check your local listings and www.randomactsofmusic.tv), the time that a lot of musicians are returning home from gigs. It gives them an idea of what else is out there. The show is currently available to 1.2 million households on cable access television and is available to the world on YouTube.

So you’re probably wondering who is Henry J.? Where did he come from? Henry J. is originally from the Mansfield area. He grew up with music being a big influence in his life. At age 16 he started playing guitar. Some of his influences were Eric Clapton with Cream; Crosby, Stills, & Nash and Bob Seger. He would take his guitar and go play; just for the pure enjoyment of being creative. A little later down the road, Henry was opening for acts like Ted Nugent, Peter Frampton, and Bob Seger.

Henry has played with many different groups throughout his life but is currently focusing on his camera work. In addition to producing Random Acts of Music, Henry works on many different projects including television commercials and video production. His current focus is recording/producing a music video for Desiree Boardwine, the winner of RAM’s songwriting contest. More contests are definitely in the planning stages for Henry and RAM.

When asked who he would like to see on the show, Henry responds, “Musicians who have a lot of heart and talent and musicians that have been here before and have found great success.” These artists include, but are not limited to, Augustana, Jessica Lea Mayfield, and Kate Voegele. Henry would
also enjoy seeing the return of Scott Paris, a great performer and one of his favorite musicians, and Suzi Oravec, a talented songwriter with a great story.
In his spare time, Henry enjoys spending time with his mom and performing at her nursing home.

He has also recently performed at The Winchester. His songs range in style from 1940’s swing to classic rock. Henry is a very talented guy that is all about giving music back to the people. For more information, check out:
www.hjptv.com

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