Événement

Folk Legend Tom May

Writing and playing his own music, and eloquently interpreting the songs of others; sharing through his music history, romance, and his travels with audiences throughout the U.S., Canada and overseas in concert halls and clubs; hosting and performing weekly on the national radio/TV program River City Folk; that is just a glimpse at some of the highlights of Tom May's more than 40 years as a professional folksinger.

Originally from the plains of Nebraska, Tom has called Toronto, Boston, St. Louis, Omaha, and since 1996, the Pacific Northwest, home. On twelve and six string guitars, he accompanies his baritone voice with intricate stylings not often heard in folk music. Stories, humor, and occasionally even the Irish pennywhistle introduce the songs featured in his concerts.

Tom May has performed in every region of the U.S., as well as Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany and Belgium. His performing venues have included prestigious concert halls, small town auditoriums, and humble coffeehouses--all of which have given him an uncommon rapport with audiences both large and small. His festival appearances include The Kerrville Folk Festival; the Napa Valley Music Festival; Sisters Folk Festival; (Oregon) The Juan De Fuca Festival (Port Angeles, Washington); and dozens more.

Tom has toured with and opened for many well known artists, such as Gordon Lightfoot, Alabama, Willie Nelson, and many others. He currently performs and tours solo or with his acoustic trio, consisting primarily of Donny Wright on bass and Fuzzy Purcell on lead guitar. He has also released fourteen critically-acclaimed, widely-distributed albums. His most recent CD is the 2013 release, Before the Time Slips Away, with his longtime pal Chris Kennedy from Wyoming.

Tom also produces and hosts his own national radio/TV broadcast, River City Folk. The show is heard weekly on over 100 radio stations from Alaska to New York. River City Folk highlights the vitality of the acoustic music scene by featuring diverse performers and styles.

Over 40 years as a professional musician has led Tom May to describe the "true wealth of the music business--the friends that you made and the folks you are lucky enough to have a chance to play for." He has lived a life performing, writing, and promoting this music that he truly believes is "music that makes a difference."

Concerts benefit the Long Beach Peninsula Acoustic Music Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization.