Your children will be on thier feet before the third drumbeat!
Billy Jonas, former member of the funky duo The Billys, performs his orignal songs ("Old St. Helen", "Some Houses", "Bangin' And Sangin'," "One") and well known family favorites ( "Pharaoh, Pharaoh" "Michael Finnigan," "Lean On Me").
There's lots more, with voice and guitar, and "Industrial Re-percussion"- a collection of instruments made from found and recycled objects.
Kids of all ages can't resist bangin' and sangin' (pardon our slangin') with Billy and his infectious rhythms.
A master percussionist and animated singer/songwriter, Billy Jonas has been an international performer and educator for over a decade.
His unique brand of "foraged folk music" has delighted thousands at schools, festivals, clubs and coffee houses.
Billy has shared the stage with Richard Thompson, Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, hundreds of smiling young faces and other acoustic luminaries.
So grab your favorite instrument,pot,pan,whatever,and start BANGIN' & SANGIN ALONG WITH BILLY! BILLY JONAS "ANYwhere, ANYtime, ANYone, ANYthing.
(the Billy Jonas philosophy of music) A Billy Jonas performance is an explosion of energy.
In singalongs, bangalongs, whisperalongs, as well as improvised songs, his primary instrument is the audience.
Everyone becomes part of a performance that reaches out and "touches even the most hardened of hearts." (Fayetteville Morning News)
Concerts begin with a simple "tuning" of the audience; from there a whimsical trajectory carries listeners through stories of life, love, and triumph over 'Murphy's Law.
"Jonas' original pieces are played on fanciful "industrial re-percussion" instruments made from found objects.
He sings in a clear tenor voice; his guitar work is adventurous, alternately percussive and lyrical.
Jonas' heartwarming work has been enjoyed across North America since 1987.
Previously a member of the highly acclaimed duo, "The Billys," he has been featured at prestigious festivals and venues nationwide (see selected venues).
Jonas has shared stages with some of the world's favorite acoustic artists, including Patti Larkin, Ani DiFranco, David Wilcox, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger.
Jonas' recent CD, "Life So Far," sparkles with unique perspectives and found sounds.
Songs filled with hope, yearning, wonder, and wisdom include special guests David Wilcox, Glen Velez, Robert Moog (on Theramin), and Zimbabwe's Black Umfolosi voice and percussion choir.
Jonas also has released a video for younger audiences, entitled "Bangin' and Sangin,'" that has garnered critical acclaim, including a Parents Choice Gold Award, and inclusion on the New York Times "Best" listing.
Billy Jonas' performances will inspire, inform, and enlighten.
His work is born out of respect and reverence, and seeks to honor the creative energy in everyone.
Billy provides performances and workshops for adult audiences and/or family audiences.
Billy is accompanied by a full ensemble of singers and re-percussionists at larger venues.
"...great live show!"
-DAVID DYE World Café WXPN
" ...opens with laughter and goes deeper...."
-DAVID WILCOX
"...a musical magnetism that calls to mind Michael Hedges and Bobby McFerrin."
-JOHN PLATT WFUV
Selected Venues Philadelphia Folk Festival Merle Watson Festival The Kennedy Center The Bottom Line Club Passim Bele Chere Lake Eden Arts Festival Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Philadelphia Museum of Art Cincinnati Playhouse In the Park
"...exquisite craft!"
- Sing Out!
"...a standout."
- Chicago Reader
"...wild-winded word MAGIC!"
- Dirty Linen
"...you can't help but sing along!"
- Performing Songwriter Magazine
"LIFE SO FAR is the best new album I h¹ve heard in years. Smart, hip, deep, fun ...I did a show with Billy Jonas a couple of years ago and was totally knocked out. This album...is a quantum leap forward. I love, love, love this disk. If you don't, I'll refund your money! Out of my own pocket."
- Christine Lavin
"Hold on, this train is leaving the station ... LIFE SO FAR takes you there! It opens up with laughter and goes deeper. Billy's unique sound keeps you curious as the lyric surprises ... Nance and I bought a box of 30 to give to friends because it's the highest concentration of fun and inspiration that can fit in a jewel box!"
- David Wilcox
"Billy Jonas has a musical magnetism that calls to mind Michael Hedges and Bobby McFerrin. His song, "God Is In," is a remarkable song ... whimsical and profound ... and never fails to get response."
- John Platt, WFUV, NewYork
"Billy Jonas ... great live show! It's been interesting to see how well "God Is In" translates on radio. Immediate calls and lots of Gem!"
- David Dye, WXPN, World Cafe
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