Life

Funky, Folksy Music for Families

Billy Jonas and the Billy Jonas Band come to Flat Rock Playhouse at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 6, to perform in concert to benefit YouTheatre.

By , Published: April 23, 2012

FLAT ROCK — Throw out the rules when Billy Jonas hits the stage! It's a musical conversation... a sonic celebration ... a splendiferous gathering of old and young, because at a Billy Jonas show, the ensemble is... everyone.

Billy Jonas and the Billy Jonas Band come to Flat Rock Playhouse Sunday, May 6, to perform in concert to benefit YouTheatre. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a family friendly dinner catered by Hot Dog World, and includes an ice cream booth, face painting a silent auction, followed by the performance of Billy Jonas and The Billy Jonas Band at 7 p.m.

"My favorite instrument is the audience. I work to 'tribalize' the compositions ... to create songs that provide an immediate opportunity, on first hearing, for the listener to join in, as if the song had been a part of their life for a long time." – Billy Jonas

Jonas is known regionally and nationally for his highly engaging and energetic performances that include his brilliant songwriting and creative percussion. He is one of those rare performers who can engage and delight both young and adult audiences. His clear tenor voice is well suited to a plethora of venues, from intimate settings and workshop sessions to large halls and outdoor festivals. For more than two decades, his creative and interactive performances have enchanted and inspired folks from all walks of life. Billy Jonas offers family and adult oriented concerts, primarily with his three or four piece band.

Jonas' music is percussion-based, making use of found objects (buckets, broom handles, bottles, key chains and more) as well as traditional instruments. But on any given day, the specific nature of this unforgettable neo-tribal hootenanny is largely determined and shaped by the audience. He helps audiences discover the music within common items and within themselves.

He tailors both his song selection and its presentation to suit the needs and vibe of each audience. So every Billy Jonas concert is a unique experience.

Jonas has shared stages with many renowned artists, including 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 (both onstage and off) encourages active audience participation. His concerts are a magical mix of stagecraft and wholesome, open-ended, anything-can- happen spontaneity.

YouTheatre of Flat Rock Playhouse offers classes in acting, dance, musical theatre, technical theatre, visual arts, and other specialty areas for age's Pre-K thru adult.

Reservations are suggested as seating is limited and dress is casual. The benefit concert will be on the grounds of Flat Rock Playhouse at 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. For information, call 828-693-0731 or toll free at 866-732-8008.

BILLY JONAS BACK-UP BAND WORKSHOP

May 1 – 3

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - 5:00 – 6:00 (each day)

YouTheatre Education Center

With the assistance of sponsor Dr. John Hicks of Blue Ridge Bone and Joint, YouTheatre is offering an exclusive workshop with Billy Jonas. Wanting to share his expertise, experience, and enthusiasm with the community, participants in the workshop get to work hands on with Jonas as he shares his methodology on how to create a "neo-tribal hootenanny." The workshop is geared for ages 5 years to fifth grade and those who participate in the workshop also get to perform a song with Billy Jonas and the Billy Jonas Band at the YouTheatre Benefit Concert on Sunday, May 6.

The cost of the workshop is $75 per person and includes a complimentary student ticket to the Billy Jonas and the Billy Jonas Band Benefit Concert. To register, call the YouTheatre Education Center at 828-693-3517. The YouTheatre Education Center is up the hill from Flat Rock Playhouse at 1855 Little River Road in Flat Rock N