Billy Jonas
BIOGRAPHY
Performance Formats:
NEW! Billy Jonas
Symphony Performances!
"Having worked with pop stars George Benson, Linda Ronstadt and Judy Collins, I can honestly say that Billy Jonas is a first class performer. His music is compelling, humorous, beautiful and brilliant! Our orchestral fusion concert with him was the highlight of our season."
Ron Clearfield
Conductor and Music Director
Blue Ridge Orchestra
It's Frank Zappa
meets
Pete Seeger!
It's Parliament-
Funkadelic
and
Spike Jones
meet
Mr. Rogers!
It's Miriam
Makeba and Igor
Stravinsky
meet
Captain
Kangaroo!
Throw out the rules when Billy Jonas hits the stage! It's a musical conversation… a sonic celebration … a splendiferous gathering of old and young, because at a Billy Jonas show, the ensemble is… everyone.
"My favorite instrument is the audience. I work to 'tribalize' the compositions … to create songs that provide an immediate opportunity, on first hearing, for the listener to join in, as if the song had been a part of their life for a long time." – Billy Jonas
"…the arch-elf of American music…" – Charleston Gazette
Fun for All Ages
Billy Jonas is one of those rare performers who can engage and delight both young and adult audiences. Billy's clear tenor voice is well-suited to a plethora of venues, from intimate settings and workshop sessions to large halls and outdoor festivals. For more than two decades, his creative and interactive performances have enchanted and inspired folks from all walks of life — touching hearts, souls, and minds world-wide . As a founding member of the acclaimed duo "The Billys," Billy Jonas has made innovative use of "found objects." He helps audiences discover the music within common items … and within themselves. Billy Jonas' recordings and live concerts across the US and Canada have generated an enthusiastic following. His CD "What Kind of Cat are You?!" received multiple awards including a First Place/Gold from AFIM (American Federation of Independent Musicians), and a Parent's Choice Gold. Jonas' videos have garnered critical acclaim, including Parents Choice Awards and a New York Times "Best" listing.
The Concert Experience
Billy Jonas' music is percussion-based, making use of found objects (buckets, broom handles, bottles, key chains and more) as well as traditional instruments. But on any given day, the specific nature of this unforgettable neo-tribal hootenanny is largely determined and shaped by the audience. He tailors both his song selection and its presentation to suit the needs and vibe of each audience. So every Billy Jonas concert is a unique experience. He makes spirited, straightforward music that is accessible to anyone and everyone, regardless of age or cultural background. The big-tent festival quality of Billy's music facilitates connection and community while fostering inspiration and... most importantly... FUN. Billy Jonas has shared stages with many renowned artists, including Patti Larkin, Ani DiFranco, David Wilcox, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger. His upbeat, engaging presence (both onstage and off) encourages active audience participation. His concerts are a magical mix of stagecraft and wholesome, open-ended, anything-can- happen spontaneity. Billy Jonas offers family and adult oriented concerts, primarily with his three or four piece band. Billy's educational concerts include study guide materials and are usually booked in conjunction with a public performance in a community.
The Billy Jonas Band
Led by guitarist / vocalist / industrial re-percussionist Billy Jonas, on selected dates the Billy Jonas Band also features the supreme talents of:
•Ashley Farmer (vocals, percussion) – In turns soulful, sensual and humorous, Ashley adds an exciting vocal dimension to the Billy Jonas Band.
•Sherman Hoover (bass, percussion, vocals) – With a varied background in classical, jazz and progressive rock music, Jake holds down the funky bottom for the band while adding his own innovative harmonies.
•The audience (vocals, percussion) – because everybody's in the band!
•River Guerguerian (percussion, vocals) – On some performances the band is joined by River's inventive and lyrical percussion highlighting the exciting and mystical quality of Billy's songs.
The Workshop Experience
The highly interactive texture of Billy's music naturally lends itself to workshop environments. Wanting to share his expertise, experience, and enthusiasm with global participants, Billy has developed a number of popular, in- demand workshops. Each focuses on a component of his
lively music. These include:
•Foraged, Found, and Homemade Instruments
•Songwriting
•Performance and Presence
•Neo-tribal Hootenanny 101
•Teacher Training
•plus, other custom workshops can be developed
on request
Others on Billy's Music
"He engages the audience with a wild assortment of rhythm and word play that usually leaves them both entertained, and a little more in touch with their spiritual selves. He teaches, through experience, that music is everywhere." – Sing Out! Magazine
"Billy Jonas' talent, wit and obvious love for children and learning make him and his music irresistible. Whenever I see him perform, my face hurts from smiling." – Alison Krauss
"While others … have tried to distinguish themselves with fashion or gimmicks, Billy Jonas uses genuine originality and a style that evolved naturally from his experience, to create memorable music that is both intellectually fascinating and frequently danceable, all the while avoiding the cliches." – George Graham (public radio host/music reviewer)
