African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13

Subject: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 10:15 PM

Singer/songwriter Tony Bird, a white man raised in southern Africa, doesn't get here very often. He will be at Stone Soup Coffeehouse In Pawtucket, RI (just north of Providence), at 8.PM Saturday night. Information is at Stone Soup's website: http://www.stonesoupcoffeehouse.com/

Here's a brief biography of Tony. As far as I know, he does not have his own website! http://culturecatch.com/music/tony_bird He always tells interesting stories of his experiences in Africa. He still lives there.

My favorite song by Tony is "I'm Sorry, Africa." He wrote a funny song called "It's Mango Time." Neither is on YouTube. The only clip I could find of Tony is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyJRQ2JWkEg

Can anyone tell me if it is okay for me to post concert information? I see that some performers and people at some venues post information, but if everyone did that every week Mudcat would be filled with these notices. A few months ago I posted a link to Stone Soup's fall calendar and named some of the better-known performers but did not include Tony Bird's name. He is not very well-known in the US, or at least in this part of the US. However, I don't want any of his fans who live nearby to miss this chance to see him. I do not intend to post every concert.

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 10:18 PM

Oops! I neglected to make a blue clicky for the YouTube clip. This should do it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyJRQ2JWkEg

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: maeve
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 07:02 AM

Tony's unofficial web page is http://www.mangotime.net/ , and that's where his agent refers folks who are looking for more information on Tony's music.

He hasn't lived in Malawi for years, mostly for political reasons; making his home in New York City for as long as I've known him. Tony used to tour New England regularly when he was in the early flush of his Stateside career, but took a break from performing and recording for a few years. He has made a warmly welcomed return to the music world in recent years.

I've enjoyed many of Tony's songs over the years and encourage folks to make a point of hearing him in person as well as tracking down his recordings. He has a flair for writing interesting material and sings in an Dylanesque voice informed by the music and experiences of his Malawi years. Self-described as Donald Duck on acid...his style is unusual, but lends itself ideally for his material. Tony introduces the songs in a beautifully nuanced baritone.

His agent says, "If any "Birders" want to host a Tony Bird house concert in your home, please contact me. (Desired locations are anywhere in the northeastern US)" To contact Joyce for booking Tony or to be added to his mailing list, email her at: joycekgls at aol dot com .

Chanteylass, here are a few brief Tony Bird threads on Mudcat:
                
Tony Bird concert/fundraiser         
Lyr Req: She Came From The Karoo/ Tony Bird         
Any recent info on Tony Bird?

You could, if you wanted to, use your thread to list Tony's upcoming concerts all in one place. Thanks for your enthusiasm. Tony Bird is a skilled songwriter and performer.

Regards,

Maeve

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: maeve
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 07:14 AM

An interesting review of Tony Bird's music can be found here:
http://www.3rdearmusic.com/hyarchive/hyarchive/tonybird.html

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: topical tom
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 11:42 AM

My wife and I saw Tony Bird perform at the Champlain Valley Folk Festival many years ago. He is a great singer-songwriter not to be missed! We enjoyed his set immensely and only wish he would come by here again.

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 10:43 PM

Maeve, thank you for your information. You are much better informed about Tony Bird than I am. You are also better informed than the Stone Soup volunteer who gave me his information and misinformation about Tony! I am not a volunteer at Stone Soup but go to most of the concerts. Stone Soup is in its 30th year of presenting concerts almost weekly, Sept.- May, but every year it is a struggle to keep this nonprofit venue going. We know Tony has fans in this area and want them to know about his concert. One thing that is hurting folk venues in southern New England is that the Boston area public radio station no longer has its only general folk music program on Saturdays from 12-3 which included folk calendar announcements. It does still have a Celtic program on Saturdays from 3-6, but they announce only Celtic music events in the area. I am not sure where else Tony will appear.

Topical Tom, good to hear from you.

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: maeve
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 11:20 PM

No matter, ChantyLass. He's an old friend. I always enjoyed singing harmonies to Tony's songs when I worked at The Folkway in Peterborough, NH. I've emailed Joyce, his agent, to ask about upcoming gigs. I'll let you know what I learn. It's been a long time since I could get to his concerts.

I'm glad to know that you also enjoy Tony Bird concerts, Topical Tom.

Maeve

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: Splott Man
Date: 09 Nov 10 - 03:45 AM

I remember Tony around the London folk scene many years before he moved over the pond. He was a breath of fresh air in an already lively scene. I sought out his albums at the time and still play them regularly.

Enjoy.

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 09 Nov 10 - 11:40 PM

Nice to meet you, Splott Man.

Maeve, after I wrote my previous message, I clicked on the link you provided for Tony's website. Some concerts are listed there, but since it says it is an unofficial site, it might not be a complete list. Here's what it showed:

Stone Soup Coffeehouse
Saturday, November 13, 2010
St. Paul's Church
50 Park Place
Pawtucket, RI
8:00 pm, $17 advance, $20 at door
401-921-5115

Loring-Greenough House
Saturday, November 6, 2010
12 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
8:00 PM
Suggested Donation: $15
Reservations: Loring-Greenough House


Hezekiah Stone's Coffeehouse
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Christ Episcopal Church
1089 Stafford St.
Leicester, MA 01542
7:30 pm, $15
617-480-0388

House Concert
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Brooklyn, NY
8:00 PM
Suggested Donation: $20
Reservations: 917-592-7148

Godfrey Daniels
Friday, October 1, 2010
7 E. 4th Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
8:00 pm
$17.50 Advance, $19.50 day of show
610-867-2390

"Spirit Awakening" with Akuyoe Graham
Strayer Middle School
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Quakertown, PA
7:30 PM
Tickets $20, $10 Students
215-538-0976
www.greenshirearts.org

Passim Folk Music and Cultural Center
Saturday, September 25, 2010
47 Palmer Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
8:00 pm, $18/$16 for members
617-492-7679

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: maeve
Date: 10 Nov 10 - 06:55 AM

ChanteyLass- Joyce sends out email newsletters with Tony's upcoming concerts, thus providing the up-to-date gig list you seek. I had already deleted mine so have asked her to resend the information. I'll add whatever she sends me to this thread.

The linked site is the one Joyce (Tony's agent)recommends; although it's "Unofficial", it's as good as it gets for now.

I hope many 'Catters have the opportunity to hear Tony in upcoming concerts; not an option for me.

Yours in 'Mango Time',

Maeve

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: maeve
Date: 10 Nov 10 - 05:01 PM

ChanteyLass - Here is an email message from Tony's agent, Joyce. She has given me permission to post it here on your thread:
***************************************************************
"Hi Maeve!

Thanks for sending me this wonderful thread and for letting folks know that I'm seeking house concert opportunities for Tony Bird. As far as other shows to announce, he may have a few private holiday concerts for December and there's a January concert at the Peoples' Voice Cafe in NYC that will be posted on www.mangotime.net after the Stone Soup date. Thanks, all you "Catters" for urging folks to come out and support his concert at Stone Soup during their 30th anniversary celebration. Feel free to say hello if you go!

Tony Bird's unofficial website has a wonderful story, it was created by Deana, a fan in Texas! She discovered his music while searching the internet for Francis Fuster, a drummer who played on Tony's "Sorry Africa" CD. Although Tony was not performing at that time and she couldn't trace him, she was so moved by his music that she started a fan website as a tribute. Eventually she found that he was "still alive" and got in touch. Not long after that, he resolved his hand problems of six years' duration and returned to the circuit. The early guestbook posts on Mangotime reflect the exciting news of his comeback and the site also morphed to include his performing schedule.

Tony's music has expanded in all directions since his return, as he never stopped writing and absorbing his NYC/American environs. Although his music has always been universally international from living on five different continents, his show is now a mixture of his African roots as well as his American experience. He is eloquently up-to-the-minute!

You're welcome to post this on Mudcat and Tony sends thanks and best wishes to you and all "Catters."
Warmly, Joyce"
************************************************************
Thank you, Joyce.

Maeve

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: Little Hawk
Date: 10 Nov 10 - 05:13 PM

Tony's great! I saw him in the late 80s at the Home County Folk Festival in London, Ontario. I remember "Mango Time"...lovely song.

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 11 Nov 10 - 12:22 AM

I wish all of you could come. I also wish I could get to a lot of concerts I read about on Mudcat. So much wonderful music . . .

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 02:47 AM

Tony did a great job Saturday night. If you missed him, look for his upcoming concerts at http://www.mangotime.net/ which is the website Maeve told me about above. I thought I'd put it in again so readers don't have to scroll up to find it. I remembered enjoying his performances before, but tonight I was dazzled again by just how good and unique he is.

Maeve, a group of us talked to Tony and Joyce after the concert. Both spoke highly of you and each expressed admiration for the wall hanging you would bring to The Folkway. Did you make it? They asked us if we knew who ChanteyLass on Mudcat was. After all the factual errors I made when I started this thread, I didn't want to 'fess up, but I did. Before we said good night, Tony gave me a big hug.

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: maeve
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 06:55 AM

Hello, ChanteyLass. Thanks for the kind words. I did make the lion wallhanging. It was also one of the few special things that survived when our house burned, although it needs some repairs. I'm glad all went well for Tony's concert. I wish I could have been there.

Funny about your confession!

Maeve

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in New Jersey
From: maeve
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 05:20 AM

If ChanteyLass is willing and a moderator will do it, perhaps the subject could be changed to "Tony Bird, Concerts" or something of the sort?
****************************
Come and experience the uniquely entertaining and soulful, poetic voice of Tony Bird, a complete original with his "African folk-rock" style and song.
Tony Bird

www.mangotime.net

This upcoming house concert is
an intimate, special event in New Jersey's Ocean Grove, a seaside town of charming antiquity.

Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Historic Women's Club
89 Mt. Carmel Way
Ocean Grove, NJ 07756

7:00 pm - Refreshments
8:00 pm - Concert
Suggested Donation - $15

To reserve: Katie - [e-mail]
Tel - 732-502-8919
www.thehistoricwomensclub.com
("programs" link)

*If any "Birders" want to host a house concert in your home, please contact me at [e-mail] (Desired locations are anywhere in the northeastern US.)
****************************

The above from an email from Joyce who can be reached for bookings at [e-mail]

Maeve

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Jun 11 - 07:51 PM

I have been contacted re: a possible House Concert for Tony. Do I take it that this is a resounding YES?

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: maeve
Date: 07 Jun 11 - 10:05 PM

It could be fun and interesting, Sins. I'll be in touch with you.

Maeve

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 08 Jun 11 - 02:43 AM

Yes, even though I won't be able to come! What a great evening (or afternoon?) you will have!

Subject: RE: African Tony Bird in RI Nov.13
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Jun 11 - 12:50 PM

Thank you for the input. I have emailed his agent for dates. We'll see.
M