Billy Jonas [1] 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" [2] 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.
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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”.[3] In addition, he has been awarded a First Place/Gold from AFIM (American Federation of Independent Musicians),[4] and three Parent's Choice Gold Awards.[5]
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,[6] and a Parents' Choice Gold Award for Bangin’ and Sangin’.[7]
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 DiFranco, David Wilcox, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger.
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.
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.
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)
• Everybody's in the Band DVD/VHS (2004)
• Bangin' and Sangin' DVD/VHS (2000)