There’s an acoustic singer-songwriter that Emily and I really really like, Billy Jonas. He does both children’s music as well as “all ages” or “general audience” music (whatever you want to call that), and he’s hard to describe (See the picture to the left for a visual clue). Both his musical style and delivery, as well as his fun lyrics make him a real treat to see & hear.
In the extended entry below is a copy of the e-mail I just sent out to some friends that describes his music and performances. But really.. can’t recommend him enough, especially his kids shows.
If he’s playing in your area, and if you have kids between 2 and 13, go see his kids show. If you have older kids or it’s just you and some friends, see his ‘regular’ show. Trust me, it’s worth it.
WERU & the Maine Discovery Museum are proud to sponsor a concert with dynamic singer-songwriter and percussionist Billy Jonas on Saturday February 7th at the Union Street Brick Church in Downtown Bangor. In fall 2001 Billy Jonas did a special on the air children’s concert at WERU’s studios and kids from all over the area packed our station for an hour of Billy’s unique interactive singalong songs. It was so much fun we had to bring him back to do another show, and THIS TIME we’re in a bigger space in Bangor so kids & parents from all over can join us. In fact, we’re even doing a special instrument making workshop for kids too.
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. 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. 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. Martin Swinger will open these shows for Billy, he is an Maine performer who puts on a fun and engaging show that will appeal to audiences across the entire age spectrum.
You can read & hear more about Billy at his website at: http://www.billyjonas.com/ and Martin at http://www.martin.singer.net/
Come join us for any or all of these events. Check out WERU’s website for more information, http://www.weru.org/
We hope you an join us for any or all of these special events. To make reservations for any or all of these events give us a call at 469-6600 during business hours and ask for Denis, or e-mail denis@weru.org. Remember seating is limited for all these events but the workshop is limited to just 30 kids, and we expect that to fill up quickly.
Here are the details of each of these three special events;
Instrument making workshop – Billy can make music from just about any object, whether its pots and pans, a plastic bucket or soda cans and rubber bands. At 1:30 PM Billy will share his secrets with up to 30 kids ages 5 and up. In this ‘Re-Percussions’ workshop he will show kids how to use recycled cardboard boxes, plastic bottles and other household recycled objects can make original instruments and musical sculptures. No musical training required, if you can talk you can sing, if you can clap you can drum and if you can hold it you can play it. Kids who join us for this special workshop will be able to stay and play their instruments during Billy’s Kid’s Matinee show at 3 PM.
Children need to bring as much of the following as possible:
*Small corrugated cardboard boxes or tubes (cereal boxes don’t work very well)
*Plastic containers (rinsed & dried)
*Metal containers (soda cans, soup cans, etc.)
*Pencils (for drumsticks)
*Paper & pens
*Rubber bands
*”shake-able” stuff (birdseed, rice, beans, etc.)
*masking tape
*newspaper
*construction papeer
*scissors
*balloons
*hammer & a few nails
Kid’s Show – At 3 PM Billy Jonas will treat us with his unique and inpirational songs for young audiences and families that will have everybody’s toes tapping and hands clapping from the first song to the last drumbeat! This is exciting, rhythmic, fun and interactive music that you won’t hear anywhere else. Everybody in the audience is also in the band (especially the kid’s who were in the workshop mentioned above) and everyone can sing and “bang” along. Billy’s songs feature hand movements, group choruses, special instruments and fun lyrics and if we’re lucky Billy will even make up a song on the spot using suggestions from the audience! Also, Billy’s special guest, Maine’s own Martin Swinger, will start off this show with his engaging songs that are sure to make you smile. His wonderful voice and guitar, combined with and endless supply of energy and enthusiasm are sure to have kids (and adults) clapping, singing, stomping and dancing along. We guarantee that kids of all ages will have a wonderful time at this show, the last time Billy did a kids show for WERU we were all still singing his songs months later! Don’t miss this show, bring your friends and bring your voice, your sense of humor and your hands and feet so you can ‘Bang and Sang’ along for this special show.
Family Show – At 7:30 PM Billy Jonas with special guest Martin Swinger, will treat us to his show for all ages .This concert will begin with a simple “tuning” of the audience since we’re all in the band for this event. From there a whimsical trajectory carries listeners through stories of life, love, and triumph over ‘Murphy’s Law’. Billy’s original pieces are played on fanciful “industrial re-percussion” instruments made from found objects including a 50 gallon plastic drum, bells, whistles and just about everything else. He sings in a clear tenor voice; his guitar work is adventurous, alternately percussive and lyrical. Opening act Martin Swinger will treat us with his fun and funky songs and life and love. If you’ve seen or heard either of these two wonderful musicians you know were in for a treat. Bring the whole family, this will be a great show and fun for all.