Billy Jonas
Encyclopedia
Billy Jonas is a multi instrumentalist singer/songwriter best known for his brand of “funky folk music for the whole family”. He has produced concerts and recordings across North America since 1987. Jonas' original music is played on home-made "industrial re-percussion" instruments made from found objects (including recycled buckets, trash cans and soup tins). Shows usually include singalongs, bangalongs, whisperalongs, as well as on-the-spot improvised songs that involve the whole audience.
Jonas has also released two DVDs for families/young audiences: Everybody’s in the Band! and Bangin’ and Sangin.’ Both works have garnered critical acclaim, including a New York Times "Best" listing, and a Parents' Choice Gold Award for Bangin’ and Sangin’.
, David Wilcox
, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger
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Billy currently tours with the Billy Jonas Band, (Ashley Farmer: vocals, Jake Wolf: bass, River Guerguerian: percussion), and occasionally performs solo. He lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
• Happy Accidents (2009)
• What Kind of Cat Are You?! (2002)
For Adult/General Audiences:
• Get Real (2004)
• Billy Jonas Live (2002)
• Life So Far (2000)
• The Time Has Come (as The Billys) (1993)
• The Billys (as The Billys) (1991)
• Bangin' and Sangin DVD/VHS (2000)
Awards
Jonas has received multiple awards for his records. His newest album, Happy Accidents was recently chosen by NPR for their “2009's Best Music For Kids, And Their Families”. In addition, he has been awarded a First Place/Gold from AFIM (American Federation of Independent Musicians), and three Parent's Choice Gold Awards.Jonas has also released two DVDs for families/young audiences: Everybody’s in the Band! and Bangin’ and Sangin.’ Both works have garnered critical acclaim, including a New York Times "Best" listing, and a Parents' Choice Gold Award for Bangin’ and Sangin’.
History
Previously a member of the highly acclaimed duo, "The Billys," he has been featured at festivals and venues nationwide. Jonas has shared stages with Patti Larkin, Ani DiFrancoAni DiFranco
Ani DiFranco is an American Grammy Award-winning singer, guitarist, poet, and songwriter. She has released more than 20 albums, and is widely considered a feminist icon.-Biography:...
, David Wilcox
David Wilcox
David Wilcox may refer to:*David Wilcox , Canadian rock musician*David Wilcox , American folk musician*David Wilcox , member of band Triple 8...
, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger
Peter "Pete" Seeger is an American folk singer and was an iconic figure in the mid-twentieth century American folk music revival. A fixture on nationwide radio in the 1940s, he also had a string of hit records during the early 1950s as a member of The Weavers, most notably their recording of Lead...
.
Billy currently tours with the Billy Jonas Band, (Ashley Farmer: vocals, Jake Wolf: bass, River Guerguerian: percussion), and occasionally performs solo. He lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Workshops
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”, as well as customizable workshops and more.Discography
For Family Audiences:• Happy Accidents (2009)
• What Kind of Cat Are You?! (2002)
For Adult/General Audiences:
• Get Real (2004)
• Billy Jonas Live (2002)
• Life So Far (2000)
• The Time Has Come (as The Billys) (1993)
• The Billys (as The Billys) (1991)
DVD/VHS
• Everybody's in the Band DVD/VHS (2004)• Bangin' and Sangin DVD/VHS (2000)