Billy Jonas

Billy Jonas of Asheville, North Carolina is a singer-songwriter, percussionist, and multi-instrumentalist who works as both a general audience performer and family entertainer. He is a member of Congregation Beth HaTephila and a part of the Sacred Music Team. He trains students at the age of 11-13 for their Bar Mitzvah (boy) or Bat Mitzvah (girl) which means son/daughter of commandment. As a founding member of the folk music duo, "The Billys," and current leader of The Billy Jonas Band, Jonas has made use of recyclable items as instruments. His show focuses on enlightening audiences to each person’s inherent musical ability, and the musical potential of common “found objects.” Billy Jonas' 7 albums, PBS special,[1] and 2 decades of live concerts have generated a following throughout North America.

Jonas at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 2009

Awards and achievements

His CD, "What Kind of Cat are You?!," received a First Place/Gold from the American Federation of Independent Musicians[2] and a Parents' Choice Gold Award.[3] Jonas' videos have garnered multiple accolades, including Parents' Choice Awards and a New York Times "Best for Kids" listing.[4] In 2010 Billy Jonas and the Billy Jonas Band were invited to perform at the White House.

History

Previously a member of the 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.

Workshops

Billy has developed a number of workshops. Each focuses on a component of his music. These include “foraged, found, and homemade instruments”, “songwriting”, “performance and presence”, “Neo-tribal hootenanny 101”, “teacher training”, and more.

Discography

For family audiences:

  • Build It Back Again (2014)
  • Happy Accidents (2009)
  • What Kind of Cat Are You?! (2002)

For adult/general audiences:

  • habayta (homeward) (2015)
  • 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)

References
  1. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2010/dec/03/peter-yarrow-sing-along-special/
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2012-02-16.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=9356&award=xx
  4. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/arts/23kids.html?scp=8&sq=%22Billy%20Jonas%22&st=cse
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