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Family Programs

MUSIC FOR FAMILIES / KIDS

"Our musical mission: to honor and empower the creativity,
inherent intelligence, and desire to learn in young folks, as well as their elders;
to inspire them, apart and together, to question and play --
and to see these two things as inseparable pathways to joy."
- Billy

Sophisticated fun for all ages....

Throw out the rules when the Billy Jonas Band takes the stage! It's a musical conversation, a sonic celebration, a splendiferous gathering of old and young, because the ensemble is ... EVERYONE. From beginning to end, participation is the name of the game.
"...irresistible.... my face hurts from smiling." - Alison Krauss
"...witty, smart, raw." - New York Times
Across North America and beyond, with multi-part vocal harmonies, guitar, industrial re-percussion, bass, marimba, and audience-engaging choreography. Featuring Billy, Ashley Jo Farmer, Sherman Hoover, and Juan Holladay. The Billy Jonas Band was honored with a 2010 concert at the White House!

CONCERTS


The Concert Experience

It's a "neo-tribal hootenanny" -- original "voice and percussion" -based songs with a generous dose of audience participation. The music mixes conventional instruments (guitar, bass, marimba) with homemade creations (using buckets and barrels, keys and cans, bells and body percussion). Billy tailors both his song selection and its presentation to uniquely suit each audience. It's spirited, straightforward music that is accessible to anyone and everyone, regardless of age or cultural background. The big-tent festival quality of Billy's music facilitates connection and community while fostering inspiration and... most importantly... FUN.


Billy Jonas has shared stages with many renowned artists, including Alison Krauss, Peter Yarrow, Keb' Mo', Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea, Paul Winter, Michele Shocked, Justin Bieber, Ani DiFranco, David Wilcox, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger. His upbeat, engaging presence encourages active audience participation. His concerts are a magical mix of stagecraft and wholesome, open-ended, anything-can- happen spontaneity. Billy Jonas offers family and adult oriented concerts, primarily with his three or four piece band. Billy's educational concerts include study guide materials and are usually booked in conjunction with a public performance in a community.

For more detailed information please contact Loyd Artists booking agency (Susan@LoydArtists.com, 518-647-5916).

WORKSHOPS


The higly interactive texture of Billy's music naturally lends itself to classroom and other learning environments. Wanting to share his expertise, experence, and enthusiasm with global participants, Billy has developed a number of experiential workshops. These include:
  • Foraged, Found, and Homemade Instruments
  • Songwriting/Songmaking
  • Performance and Presence
  • Bangin' & Sangin' 101
  • Teacher Training
  • other custom workshops can be developed on request

For more detailed information please contact Loyd Artists booking agency (Susan@LoydArtists.com, 518-647-5916).

ARTS IN EDUCATION

There are several different programs designed specifically for schools & education. Please see attachment below.

For more detailed information please contact Loyd Artists booking agency (Susan@LoydArtists.com).

HISTORY OF "FAMILY MUSIC"



Creating "Family Music" has been an evolving endeavor -- it started with WHAT KIND OF CAT ARE YOU?! in 2002.

After years working in the singer-songwriter genre, making adult-oriented music that kids seemed to like just as much as their parents, the songs on WHAT KIND OF CAT ARE YOU?! reflected a new but very natural direction -- making music focused on younger listeners. The surprise: adults would take us aside to say, "You know, I listen to that cd even when the kids aren't around."

This observation was taken to heart for the next family cd, HAPPY ACCIDENTS (2009). The songs are equally for adults and youth -- true "family" music.

Kids claimed it for their own, as did their parents, who thanked us for creating music they could listen to, singalong with, discuss, and equally enjoy together.


Our 2 family DVD/videos, BANGIN' & SANGIN' (2000), and EVERYBODY'S IN THE BAND (2005), spanned an epic haircut (see covers below), and offered a chance to see the "industrial re-percussion" instruments in action, and how the audience becomes part of the band.


BUILD IT BACK AGAIN carries the tradition forward. The music is written and recorded with a mission: to honor and empower the creativity,
billyjonas 3999

intelligence, and desire to learn in young folks, as well as their adults; to inspire them, apart and together, to question and play -- and to see these two things as inseparable, and as pathways to joy. Sophisticated, fun music, in the service of creating joy-filled individuals, families, and community. Yeah, we wanna change the world for the better -- 2 ears at at time.