Matt Treacy of Making Jambalaya
The Downtown Ashland Association is proud to present Making Jambalaya: Staying Creative in the Modern Industry, a free, one-evening workshop designed to spark conversation and creativity at the intersection of music, audio production, and entrepreneurship. The event will be held on Monday, March 24, from 6:00–8:00 PM in the conference room at the Ashland Branch Library, located in the heart of Ashland, Virginia — the self-proclaimed Center of the Universe.
The workshop is free and open to the public, welcoming musicians, composers, producers, sound engineers, podcasters, filmmakers, and anyone who has ever wondered what it really takes to bring a creative vision to life — and get it heard.
About the Workshop
Led by Matt Treacy, studio engineer at Free Jambalaya Studio and collaborator Ben Patterson, the evening will guide attendees through the full arc of creative production — from the initial spark of an idea all the way to release and amplification. They bring a candid, hard-won perspective on the craft and business of audio that's equal parts inspiring and refreshingly real.
Topics will include:
The creative process: where ideas begin and how to protect them through production
Navigating the modern audio industry: streaming, distribution, and staying relevant as the landscape shifts
From demo to master: how to create a finished product and get it into the world
Balancing artistic vision with sound business strategy
Amplifying your work: what comes after the release
The presentation will run approximately 30 minutes, followed by an open Q&A — a chance for attendees to dig deeper, swap stories, and connect with fellow creatives.
“The business side of audio production is one of the most overlooked parts of the craft.” says Matt Treacy, Speaker and Studio Engineer of downtown Ashland’s own Free Jambalaya Studio.” People see the magic — and the magic is real — but at some point, you have to shift gears. You have to become the CEO of your own art. That’s what this night is about: pulling back the curtain and giving people a real map of the journey.”
Treacy also speaks to the relentless pace of change in the industry: “You’re always pushing yourself creatively, and on top of that, the industry never stops evolving. I used to think I’d ‘made it’ when I got music on a CD. Then streaming happened. Then social media. You can never plant your flag and call it done — and honestly, that’s the beautiful, maddening heart of this work.”
Ashland: An Emerging Hub for Arts and Audio
This workshop is part of a broader vision for Ashland as a creative destination. The Downtown Ashland Association has been steadily building a cultural ecosystem that supports local artists, entrepreneurs, and makers — and events like this one are at the center of that mission.
“Ashland is becoming an emerging hub for the arts, and this workshop signals a new era for audio, music, and local artists in our community,” says Executive Director of Downtown Ashland Association - Coach Antonio Miller. “We’re elevating the acumen of our creative community, and Matt is exactly the kind of voice we need leading that charge.”
EVENT DETAILS
What: Making Jambalaya: Staying Creative in the Modern Industry — A Free Workshop
When: Monday, March 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Ashland Branch Library, Conference Room | Ashland, Virginia
Cost: Free and open to the public
Register for free at: AshlandVirginia.com/Jambalaya