Billy Jonas - Guest-in-Residence 10/14-10/18

Billy Jonas will be a Guest-in-Residence at Unit One/Allen Hall 10/14 – 10/18. He will be performing, leading workshops, and speaking each evening of his residency. All events are open to the public and take place at Allen Hall, 1005 W. Gregory, Urbana.

Billy Jonas is a singer/songwriter, guitarist, "industrial re-percussionist," and a one-man-band. A Billy Jonas performance is an explosion of energy. In singalongs, bangalongs, whisperalongs, as well as improvised songs, his primary instrument is the audience. Jonas' original pieces are played on fanciful "industrial re-percussion" instruments made from found objects. He sings in a clear tenor voice; his guitar work is adventurous, alternately percussive and lyrical. Previously a member of the highly acclaimed duo, "The Billys," he has been featured at prestigious festivals and venues nationwide. Jonas has shared stages with some of the world's favorite acoustic artists, including Patti Larkin, Ani DiFranco, David Wilcox, Richard Thompson, and Pete Seeger.

Sunday, October 14
7:30pm – Opening Program: A Trashcan Troubadour’s Junkadelic Journey (main lounge)
Performance/talk/discussion. Billy Jonas believes everything is sacred – including pots, pans, tin cans and cast off fragments of language and experience. Hear how he has woven it all together.

Monday, October 15
7pm – Creative Process: How to Maximize Your Creative Potential (south rec)
Tools and techniques that have allowed great thinkers, scientists, artists, musicians, and others to remain inspired and inspiring throughout their lives.

9pm – Neo-Tribal Sing-Bang-Move: THE VOICE (south rec)
Come expand the boundaries of vocal possibility. Fun, original, neo-tribal chant, call and response, and harmony.
(participants who are interested can join Billy in his performance on Thursday night)

Tuesday, October 16
7pm – Brainstorm! Charting a Creative Course for Your Life, Starting TODAY (south rec)
Create a “Personal Creative Declaration of Inter-Dependence” – individualized creativity manifestos to help focus the next 100 years of your existence!

9pm - Neo-Tribal Sing-Bang-Move: THE BODY (south rec)
Come get physical with performance. Jump, Squat, Twirl, Handjive. (participants who are interested can join Billy in his performance on Thursday night)

Wednesday, October 17
7pm - Neo-Tribal Sing-Bang-Move: RHYTHM (south rec)
Everything is an instrument. Come bang, twang, tap, and rap with all manner of found objects.
(participants who are interested can join Billy in his performance on Thursday night)

Thursday, October 18
7pm – Neo-Tribal Sing-Bang-Move: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER (main lounge)

9pm – Billy Jonas and the Neo-Tribal All-Stars: Live at Allen Hall – One Night Only!! (main lounge)