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.

Mack Jump – An interesting mix of flat-picking, finger-picking and slide and bare-fingered playing. His album "Hadda Women" has been reviewed by numerous critics "he's not only a musician, but a storyteller with a great sense of humor. You can almost picture him on his porch in an old rocking chair picking away at his guitar…(he) writes songs that put a smile on your face and keep you awake during that all night drive" –Intake Magazine.

Live at the FigTree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JblC5pP-W0c&feature=related

http://cdbaby.com/cd/mackjump

Shilombish – Indigenous Folk Music - A fusion of Native American flutes, Australian didgeridoos, a bit of jazz and a hint of blues. This unique sound blends the smooth flute Indian melodies with the beat of drums, guitar and vocals.
(home.earthlink.net/~gwcope/shilombish/soundclips2.htm)

Mizfits –Combining the low key folk vocals and guitar of Lou Stant with the big band saxophone of Mel Chance has truly achieved a unique sound. The music is rich with flavor and connects with the audience with a bit of humor and charm.

Lou Stant info | Mel Chance info

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.

Ken & Debbie Wilson – profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=87546459
Ken and Debbie Wilson have performed as a duo since the late 1970's. Brian Sherwood began playing in rock and southern rock bands about the same time. Ken (vocals, 6- and 12-string guitars, harmonica), Debbie (vocals, keyboard, flute), and Brian (vocals, bass) have been playing as Wilson & Company since early 2005. Ken still performs as a single--or as a duo with Debbie--when the occasion requires. A passion for good music and solid lyrics drives their desire to perform.

Wilson & Company performs a variety of acoustic numbers. Their passion for good music and solid lyrics drives their desire to perform. Audiences are always pleased to hear their original tunes and melodious folk sounds.

Jerry & the Kidds – Imagine kaleidoscopes swirling around as you listen to funky sounds of the boogie blues. Here master Kaleidoscope maker and musician, Jerry Farnsworth leads an eclectic mix of be-bop, rock and blues players.

Jerry's Kids include these great musicians: 
Bobby Burns .. Bass Vocals
Mike Stigletz .. Guitar Vocals
Nelson Batalon .. Sax Vocals
Paul Schneller .. Congas Vocal
Jerry Farnsworth ..Guitar Vocals

www.kaleidoscopeheaven.org/ and www.jfarnsworth.com/

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.

CS Marks – www.elfhunter.net CS Marks lives in the Midwest, where she is a professor at a small liberal arts college. An avid horsewomen, she makes her home in the midst of a vast forest, together with her husband, Jeff, and an assortment of dogs and cats, and her five horses. Author of the Elfhunter Trilogy (which includes the book titles:   Elfhunter, Fire-Heart and Ravenshade), she also created the artist cover of the three books, and in her spare time writes, sings and performs her own music. CS Marks appears onstage for guest appearances and special book signings.

See the video trailer everyone is talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3CPuc_F8vc

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.

Barry Johnson – This talented singer, songwriter and actor is smooth mix of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Neil Diamond. Barry sings his original creations with a bit of winsome soul and has written songs for many country singers.

Guitarist Dan Dritt frequently accompanies Barry when he plays at the FigTree.

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.

Hear the band at the FigTree: ca.youtube.com/watch?v=vsxT26G0gC4

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 sounds with bluegrass, folk, and an occasional country flair for their audiences.

Drew Silver – www.thevampirewithin.com

Caleb Hawkins – With a mixture of influences of Johnny Cash, Merle Tavis and Pete Seger, Caleb has created a unique style of early country blues with a bit of historic roots. To hear more: www.myspace.com/calebhawkins

Karla and Doug Spencer – This couple from Avon, Indiana know a thing or two about love. Their honest and clear messages are easily relatable and, to those who slow down to listen, an encouragement to every heart. The best of traditional Americana - A Healing for the Lovesick Heart!! www.spencermusic.net

Lloyd Woods has been a long time Brown County entertainment tradition. After years of "retirement", Lloyd is making the rounds again with his old time country favorites mixed in with a bit of good family humor. He is accompanied by his long time partner, Bret Raper, who currently serves as Commissioner of the Monroe County Circuit Court in Bloomington, Indiana.

Williams Remodeling –A bit of country, a bit of blues-grass and a bit of old time jug, jive and scat, these long time friends have combined to play a bit of fun for the FigTree. The Band is named after John Williams (who incidentally owns a remodeling company) who creates the unusual mix of wry humor, poetry and music. Always a lot of fun when this group is here.

Ghosttown Settlers –Blues, rock and a bit of jazz, these fine young musician rejoin the FigTree family after being busy with work and college. Led by musicians Joe Drake and David Sisson, the Fig will surely be a "happening" place...IU students are most welcome!!

Travis Creek –