MUSIC

Writing and playing his own music, and eloquently interpreting the songs of others; sharing through his music history, romance, and his travels with folks 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 Tom May’s 36 years as a professional folksinger.

Originally from western Nebraska, Tom has called Toronto, Boston, St. Louis, Omaha, and now 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 state in the Union, 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, Sister's Folk Festival (Oregon), The Juan De Fuca Festival (Port Angeles, Washington) and dozens more.

Tom's music was chosen to represent Nebraska at the National Art's Council’s annual conference in 1994 and 1995 in South Carolina and Omaha. In September of 1994, Tom headlined a special series of concerts with the Omaha Symphony Orchestra, one of the most acclaimed regional orchestras in the U.S. He performed a set of his music with full orchestral accompaniment to capacity crowds. In 1997 and 1998, Tom did a series of concerts throughout Alaska in honor of the Klondike Gold Rush centennial. Recently Tom traveled back to his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska to perform a very special show for the 125th anniversary of Creighton University.

Tom has toured with and opened for many well known artists, Gordon Lightfoot, Alabama, Willie Nelson, and many others. He currently performs and tours solo or with his acoustic trio, and has released twelve critically acclaimed, widely distributed albums. His most recent release is the 2008 release, Blue Roads, Red Wine. Climbing high on the Folk/Americana charts in the U.S. and overseas, this and all of Tom's albums have been played on radio worldwide.

In addition to his live concert appearances, Tom has appeared on dozens of radio and television programs. National Public Radio's syndicated Mountain Stage , Radio Eirhenn's (Ireland) Andy O'Mahoney show, and the Canadian Broadcast Corporation’s Ian Tyson Show (Television) to name a few.

Tom also produces and hosts his own national radio/TV broadcast, River City Folk. The show is heard weekly on over 150 radio stations from Alaska to New York. River City Folk highlight the vitality of the acoustic music scene by featuring diverse performers and styles. The radio version of River City Folk remains one of the premier showcases for acoustic singer/songwriters nationally as it nears its 25th anniversary in 2010 In 1994, the popularity of the radio program led to a television version of the program that Tom hosted. The show was produced for the Americana Cable Network out of Branson, Missouri. The show aired on commercial and cable outlets across the U.S., and can still be seen on select public television stations.

In 2007 Tom co-authored a book for Routledge, New York; Promoting Your Music; The Lovin of the Game features interviews with Gordon Lightfoot and others, and has received glowing reviews.

He also coordinates and founded Winterfolk, an annual SRO benefit concert at Portland, Oregon’s Aladdin Theatre, which has become Portland's largest annual acoustic music celebration. Through the years Tom has directed and consulted for many festivals, including the Festival at the Fort in Omaha, Nebraska and The Lark at the Mountain festival at Mt. Rainier, Washington.

36 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."

The people who hear Tom are captivated by his unforgettable voice, evocative melodies, and warmth that gives his performance a degree of musicality and professionalism unsurpassed in acoustic music.

Web Site: http://www.tommayfolk.com