Billy Jonas
Billy offers a variety of workshops, residencies and performances online for adults and youth. Please contact Susan for more details and to discuss your needs. For an example of some of the offerings that are available, please view this pdf.
Virtual demo for EARTHBEAT – HEARTBEAT – DRUMBEAT – SING!
New Songs for Bridging Divides 2020 and Beyond - a new project with Billy Jonas!
Some ask: "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" Billy Jonas asks: “What is the sound of 600 sets of keys jingling on the downbeat? And how shall we inspire the audience to do it?”
Billy Jonas inspires love, joy and respect - see the video!
For 25 years, Billy Jonas, performer, singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator, has perfected the art of the neo-tribal hootenanny around the globe - original songs performed with a generous dose of audience participation. Jonas performs using voice, guitar, and industrial re-percussion - homemade creations of buckets and barrels, keys and cans, bells and body percussion. Each concert is a soul-spelunking, heart healing, joy-filled journey of spirited music that is accessible to anyone and everyone, regardless of age or cultural background.
Billy developed his craft in the late 1980‘s as a founding member of the Oberlin College Big Bang Theory performance art collective. He refined things further in Chicago during monthly “Bangalong with Billy” shows at the No Exit Cafe, and subsequently in the 1990‘s as a co-founder (with Bill Melanson) of the funky folk duo The Billys. He currently tours with The Billy Jonas Band, which was honored with an invitation to perform at the White House in 2010.
Jonas has received numerous honors and awards, including an American Federation of Independent Musicians 1st place/Gold, multiple Parents' Choice Golds, and a New York Times “Best” listing. Billy Jonas has shared stages with many renowned artists, including Alison Krauss, Peter Yarrow, Keb' Mo', Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea, Paul Winter, Michele Shocked, Justin Bieber, Ani DiFranco, David Wilcox, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger.
Ashley Jo Farmer (vocals, re-percussion) Ashley adds an exciting vocal dimension to Billy's music with creative, flawless harmonies. An awesome singer/songwriter and band leader in her own right, with the Ashley Jo Farmer Band, she is quickly becoming a political firebrand and festival favorite.
E'lon JD (bass, vocals, re-percussion) E'lon is a bass player, songwriter, performer, and educator, and he is the funky foundation of The Billy Jonas Band. With elements of soul, funk, jazz, and rock, he has shared the stage with Bela' Bleck and Victor Wooten, and tours internationally with the progressive jazz fusion band Jonathan Scales Fourchestra.
