Bridging Divides
BRIDGING DIVIDES is my collection of music-based projects and initiatives, all aimed towards healing divisions in ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world. It currently includes:
- CONCERTS AND WORKSHOPS - by The Billy Jonas Band (funky folk music for all ages), by Abraham Jam (Jewish-Muslim-Christian super-trio), and by Billy Jonas.
- CO-MISSIONS - anthems and theme songs, created jointly with organizations and institutions, to energize and capitalize social justice initiatives. Primary focus: to address cultural, racial, and religious divides.
- BRIDGING DIVIDES: Dreaming the Decade in Song - a special project creating new commissioned, dedicated, and sponsored songs to guide us into and through the next bunch of years.
- BRIDGING DIVIDES CONCLAVE - a gathering of folks (including you!) who are inspired to learn, create, and brainstorm, towards putting more love in the world. Details coming.
Billy Jonas Band
The Billy Jonas Band
Throw out the rules when the Billy Jonas Band hits the stage! It's a musical conversation… a sonic celebration … a splendiferous gathering of old and young, because at a Billy Jonas Band show, the ensemble is… everyone
"My favorite instrument is the audience. I work to 'tribalize' the compositions … to create songs that provide an immediate opportunity for the listener to join in."– Billy Jonas
Fun for All Ages
The Billy Jonas Band loves to engage and delight both young and adult audiences. Whether performing for adults, families, school groups, faith communities, or a mix, they strive for a musical excellence that inspires, entertains, and moves people literally and figuratively. With "wild winded word magic" (Dirty Linen Magazine), homemade "industrial re-percussion" instruments, exquisite 3 and 4 part vocal harmonies, plus guitar and bass, they love to create community through song and story. Their specialty: finding and pushing your "wonder" button.
In 2010, the Billy Jonas Band was honored with a performance at the White House!
BILLY JONAS: (vocals, guitar, re-percussion) co-founded Oberlin's Big Bang Theory in the 80's, went on in the 90's to funky folk fame and fortune with The
SHERMAN HOOVER: (vocals, bass, re-percussion) – With a varied background in classical, jazz and progressive rock,
For more info, or for booking, contact Susan@LoydArtists.com, 518.647.5916.
Abraham Jam
Jewish-Muslim-Christian Super-Trio
"A Muslim, a Christian and a Jew walk into a concert hall...." For real! Abraham Jam is the brainchild of singer/songwriter and peace activist David LaMotte. Since 2015 Billy has been a member, dedicated to fostering dialogue, understanding, and celebration among folks from the three "Abrahamic" faiths. Each concert and/or workshop features a trio consisting of professional musicians from each tradition. Instead of alternating in the sharing of their songs, they participate in making music together, embodying their mutual respect and affection, rather than just talking about it. Members of Abraham Jam have included Billy, Dawud Wharnsby, Dan Nichols, David LaMotte, and Chris Rosser. For more detailed information contact susan@loydartists.com.
Visit the Abraham Jam website here to find out where we will be performing during the months ahead or to book us for a concert in your area. There are also some live videos on the site for you to enjoy!
Billy Jonas
Biography
For over thirty years, Billy Jonas -- performer, singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator -- has perfected the art of the neo-tribal hootenanny* with audiences around the globe. Using voice, guitar, and industrial re-percussion,* each concert is a soul-spelunking, heart healing, joy-filled journey.
“It began around an evening campfire in the summer of 1972 -- Leaving on a Jet Plane and Blowing in the Wind rising with the sparks into the darkness... communal singing, guitars strumming, and a bucket thumping the back beat. 40 summer campers and 8 counselors became one big, glorious, harmonizing being. I remember thinking: wouldn’t it be great to carry this ecstatic connectedness, and musical magic out into the world?”
- Billy
Jonas has received numerous honors and awards, including an American Federation of Independent Musicians 1st place/Gold, multiple Parents Choice Golds, and a New York Times “Best” listing.*
Originally from Chicago, Billy has lived in Asheville NC since 1991.
* = see FAQ and AWARDS on the sidebar.
For more info, or for booking, contact Susan@LoydArtists.com, 518.647.5916.