Tom Shinness – A composer, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, session player, clinician, teacher and mentor. www.tomshinness.com



photo by Steve Cale
Tom Shinness was born Dec 1, 1960. The 60's came to an end while Tom was half way through the 3rd grade. An early obsession with Batman and every type of Batman clothing and paraphernalia later gave way to watching the Monkees, and Rowan and Martin's Laugh In on TV. By this time he was making sand candles and incense burners. He was painting his own black light posters (in anticipation of the day when maybe he could talk his parents into actually buying him a black light). He tie dyed a multitude of tee shirts for himself and others.

He was involved in constant protest marches to end the war against short hair on males.

He could play the trombone part to "25 or 6 to 4" by Chicago (or so he thought.) Of course he could play the opening guitar riff of this tune (now I'm stating the obvious.) He knew every word to "Rocky Raccoon" (and the dialect) He could play "Wipe Out" on the drums, except he could do it just like the 45 (many tried, but most people only thought they could do it right.) He mastered every chord in the Mel Bay ukulele chord book and wrote a song using some of these chords as well as an Fmaj7 chord that he invented all by himself. He performed this song six months earlier at summer camp in attempt to win over a cute girl. She was oblivious.

He had an appreciation for such bands as Grand Funk Railroad, Blue Cheer, and Cream. Most kids his age thought that Blue Cheer was laundry detergent and that Cream was something that their parents put in their coffee. These same kids accused the budding young musician of being on drugs (whatever those were.) In the end however, his musical tastes found him in the position of being a full-fledged Beatlemaniac. He later suffered a tremendous sense of loss when The Beatles broke up. He went through a long period of time where he could no longer listen to them. He needed time to heal.

Bomar & Ritter – (www.bomarandritter.com)
Lyrics Alive is a dynamic, creative writing program developed by Bob and Mary Bomar Ritter for grade school students (usually 3rd, 4th or 5th grade). Collectively, they have over 36 years of lyric/songwriting and performance experience with school age children. Bob and Mary have a special and supportive way of working with children, encouraging and challenging their creative spirits in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

photo by L.L. Lowry

Barney Quick – www.barneyquick.net A musician, arts journalist, opinion columnist, talk show host and educator. Barney has just completed his first fiction novel set in the Indianapolis Jazz Clubs during the late 1940's. "High C at the Sunset Terrace" is available on his website or get one signed here at the FigTree when Barney performs during Onstage Art on June 10.

Deborah and Jonathan Hutchison – The congregation of St. David Episcopal Church is fortunate to have Jonathan as their church leader and pastor. Pairing with his wife, Deborah, this team sings harmonious tunes reminiscent of the Woodstock Days. The talented musicians combine the guitar, flute and keyboard with a bit of a jazz flair for a polished performance of professional performers.

King Bee – Blues harmonica and a beat that will get the floor moving. Heralding from Bloomington, this band will keep your toes tapping and fingers snapping.

Reel Tyme String Band – Features: Dan Harden on banjo, Chris Bryan and Ric Hedrick on guitar, Jerry Roberson on dobro, Matt Zink on bass, and Brandon Lee on mandolin. The Southern Indiana area is well documented for its rich variety of quality music. The Reel Tyme String Band shares this heritage and continues to provide audiences with dynamic quality bluegrass music. The band is looking forward to the completion of their own website in the very near future (www.reeltymestringband.com). New to the band in 2008 is Lorretta Vinson on bass and vocals.  She is an accomplished musician and will add her own style and flair to the group.

Hickory Wind – Info is coming.

Once N Awhile – Playing music together for over twenty years now, the Once In Awhile Stringband mixes traditional old time mountain tunes with bluegrass, folk, and occasional country songs for their audiences.

The band features both high energy instrumental dance tunes led by a hammered dulcimer and songs with tight close harmonies that range from old to new, ballads to modern country

The band is comprised of Dee Capozzi on hammered dulcimer, autoharp and guitar;  Craig Moorman on mandolin,m guitar, banjo and bass.  Both Dee and Craig are from Johnson County, Indiana.  Marianne and Kent Lockman herald from Rush County.  Marianne plays stand up bass and an occasional banjo, while her husband, Kent, plays guitar, banjo and the fiddle.  The band members also play a variety of other instruments including jaw harp, penny whistle, kazoos, and even a paper bag!!

Once In While Stringband performs with spirit and humor expressing their respect and love for the old time genre of American roots music.  And they have as much fun performing the music as their audiences do hearing them play it.

GP Express – Close your eyes and you will hear the incredible sound of Johnny Cash.  Gary Phelps tribute to the "Man in Black" is one of the best you will ever hear.  Blending old fashion wit with showmanship style, Gary and his partner, Paul Hornback, of "GP Express" has become a local favorite.

Drew Silver – www.thevampirewithin.com