A Multi-Faceted Artist
Professionally acclaimed Tony Thomas is recognized as a leading musician, singer/songwriter, instructor band leader and story teller. He has been singing songs and telling stories from the Appalachian Mountains for over 40 years. Tony offers several programs (any of which can be personalized to accommodate any event)
CIVIL WAR MUSIC
Tony performs many civil war songs as well an many Stephen Foster songs that fit programs and events pertaining to the civil war era. He plays many instrumentals around the campfire (using his fiddle, open backed banjo and his guitar) as well as sings many beautiful ballads.
INTRODUCTION TO MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS IN STORY & SONG
Tony provides a program in which he introduces acoustic instruments such as fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, and harmonica by using stories and songs to give the audience an appreciation for the sound of each instrument while they enjoy listening to the stories and songs performed by Tony. This event can be customized for schools, campfire programs, or any event that would like to have an introduction to musical instruments in story and song. This is a very educational program for all ages.
ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENT INSTRUCTOR
“Workshops for Beginners” Tony hosts workshops for beginners on instruments such as mandolin, acoustic guitar, old time banjo and harmonica. These workshops are fun, educational and entertaining for all ages. The harmonica workshop is very popular since the harmonica is very compact and the whole family can join in the fun.
“COAL MINING DAYS IN STORY & SONG"
As an ex-coal miner and the son of a coal miner, Tony performs many coal mining songs, has written songs about coal miners and knows many tales of coal mining events. This program is rich in history and entertainment and is a great tool for educating and entertaining audiences about the region’s coal mining history.
“TONY IN CONCERT”
Tony entertains the audience by performing many ballads and songs from the past. The audience will enjoy hearing Tony singing songs made famous by great artists like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Stephen Foster, Don Williams, Willie Nelson and others, as well as Tony’s own original songs. Tony’s concerts are always easily adapted to fit any occasion (weddings, valentines, birthdays, family reunions, etc.). His repertoire is endless.
A Singing Cowboy - Western Songs in Concert
Tony will entertain the audience while singing western songs using his acoustic instruments (such as the banjo, guitar and mandolin). Tony’s singing will enhance any cowboy/western venue. He is always ready to travel and entertain during western themed festivals and events. This program is perfect for audiences of all ages and will take the listeners back in time to the days of the old west through the music and songs that Thomas performs.
OLD TIME STRING BAND
Tony has teamed up with an old time fiddler, Charlie McCarroll, to form a new old time fiddle band known as the Appalachian String Band. Charlie is the son of the legendary Uncle Jimmy McCarroll of the Roane County Ramblers from the late 1920s. Tony and Charlie are joined by Bill Ledford on guitar. Tony plays mandolin and old time opened back banjo in this band as well as lead vocals.
For booking information email: backwoodsrecords@comcast.net