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Biography

Jake Dudas – Acoustic guitarist

From the sublime to the ridiculous…

Music has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve been lucky enough to make a career out of it.  It has always been a constant—and whether in the foreground or the background, it has driven my life for the past 20 years.

It has always been a constant—and whether in the foreground or the background, it has driven my life for the past 20 years.

I love all facets of the arts. I’m equally intrigued by performance and creativity, as I am by the technical aspects of production and engineering. As such, my journey has taken me far and wide. It’s gone from the sublime to the ridiculous… from the expected to the unexpected… from serene wedding vows to loud rock ‘n’ roll stages… from Q107 performances to private events for British Royalty… from backing up pop singers at the CBC to Colin James’ recordings.

It continues to be an exciting journey with each twist and turn.

Chronology

Engineering and production.

Starting in Vancouver, BC, I began work as an Assistant Recording Engineer at Orca Pacific Recording Studios and Mushroom Studios (Nettwerk Records). Notable projects included Colin James’ National Steel (produced by Colin Linden), and several recordings with Colin Nairne (guitarist and producer with Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts). I still currently work as an engineer and producer on small independent projects, though selfishly, mostly on my own behalf.

Wedding and private-event guitarist.

Over the past 12 years, my focus has been squarely on acoustic guitar for special events. With clients ranging from New York to Australia, I have worked at hundreds of weddings and private functions. I’ve had the honour of performing for British Royalty in Muskoka, and have played at some of the most prestigious and creative venues in Canada. These have included Malaparte (Oliver & Bonacini Events), The Gardiner Museum, Auberge du Pommier, Canoe, the Berkeley Church, the JW Marriott Muskoka, Graydon Hall, the Thompson Landry Gallery (Distillery Events), Casa Loma, Inn on the Twenty (Vintage Hotels), the Millcroft Inn, Southbrook Vineyards, and many more.

Guitarist and vocalist (ELECTRIC).

My performance roots took hold as an electric guitarist, and I worked professionally as an original performer for over 10 years. My most public work was with the electric band Monster America. Highlights included an appearance on City TV’s Breakfast Television, along with two Q107 shows at the Sound Academy (Toronto). Recorded work features Monster America’s self-titled debut EP (2004), Monster America’s Dirty Kings (2009) and Nothing Left to do but Sin (2015).

Singer/songwriter (ACOUSTIC).

As my career splintered towards the acoustic guitar, there has been a resurgence in public performance work. Over the past 10 years, I’ve developed new original material, along with creative cover songs—all aimed at a contemporary craft-brewery and winery setting. Highlights include regular shows at the Burleigh Falls Inn, Old Flame Brewing, and Windermere House (Muskoka)—along with performances at the JW Marriott Muskoka, Sawdust City Brewing (Muskoka), Lake of Bays Brewing (Muskoka) and Cave Spring Vineyards (Niagara). Recorded work features several digital singles, along with the EP Choices (2018).

Press bio

Jake Dudas is a singer/songwriter and instrumental guitarist based out of Toronto and Peterborough, ON. Performing for both featured shows and special events, his work spans a huge range. The focus is squarely on contrast, creativity and craftsmanship—whether it’s weaving through familiar fare such as the Tragically Hip, Johnny Cash and Neil Young; to more modern selections such as John Mayer, Harry Styles, Maroon 5 and Coldplay. He has numerous original releases to his credit, and has performed at some of the top venues in Canada. Career highlights also include a private performance for British Royalty in Muskoka.

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Gone to the dogs.

Live March 10th, 13th, 15th and 22nd. This was a fun out-take photo from a portrait shoot last weekend. It can be a little tricky for some... being all posed etc., so my little shih-poo and I took a short break. Looking forward to a great week to start off March...

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Live March 1st @ the Burleigh Falls Inn.

Live March 1st @ the Burleigh Falls Inn.

Friday, March 1st @ 5:00 p.m. I always enjoy this time of year. Things are busy, but not too busy. Shows are on the radar, but there's a little more space to work on some new material... push some recordings forward... have some leisurely dog walks. There's an...

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