Tom Willner

Book Release Party With Live Music - April 17, 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 12:22:00 -0400

Come celebrate the release of my new book, "Having A Ball At Thirty" with live reading and music performances!

New Song - Not Gonna Let It Get Me Down

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 17:03:00 -0500

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Biviana Franco. She is the President and Founder of Feel Beautiful Today (FBT), an organization that helps women and girls affected by cancer through its innovative Arts in Health programs. As a fellow artist passionate about cancer, we had a strong connection, so when she asked if I would write a song for one of FBT's programs, I was delighted to do so.

"Not Gonna Let It Get Me Down" is the song I wrote and recorded for the "Through My Window" program. I officially released it last year, but I am finally getting around to letting you know! The pictures above are of people in the program hearing and singing the song. As always, you can download a copy for free, but if you choose to donate, I will pass that along to Bivi's organization and the amazing work they do. Also, I would encourage you to donate to Feel Beautiful Today directly. I hope you enjoy the song!

<a href="http://music.tomwillner.com/track/not-gonna-let-it-get-me-down">Not Gonna Let It Get Me Down by Tom Willner</a>

Make The Impossible Possible

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Wed, 5 Oct 2016 10:18:00 -0400

Three Critical Things I've Learned From Running Marathons

Running and I “dated” on and off for many years until 2012 when we finally tied the knot. I knew I needed some regular exercise, and I've always been attracted to how practical running can be - a good pair of shoes, and you can do it anywhere. But in 2012, I fell in love with running, and like Forrest Gump, I just kept going. Every week I pushed a little bit further. Fast forward to today, I'm about to run my fourth marathon.

When I started running, I never imagined I could run a marathon. I began running to improve my physical health, but the life benefits are so much more: Running taught me how to achieve something that I’d never before considered possible.

I discovered that when you set out to do something big, there are three critical things you must do: learn as much as you can about how to accomplish your goal, be willing to adjust when necessary, and know when to ask for help. First, the basics: I set a goal - finish a longer distance, beat a certain time - then make a plan, and execute each individual task one day at a time. Ah, if it were only that easy! I quickly found out I had a lot to learn, that I couldn’t just toss on some shoes and run forever. Aches and pains, running out of energy before finishing a distance, and battling the voice in my head telling me there was no way I could do this all threatened to thwart my efforts. So I Googled, I talked to other runners, I went to sessions at running expos, and I learned all about training plans, energy gels, foam rollers, and dynamic stretching, oh my!

That helped me get much further than before, but things seldom went as planned. I learned that you have to adjust your training to match your body’s current abilities. It’s a long slow build from where you are to where you want to be, and sometimes you have to take detours. Like taking a break to let an injury heal, or adjusting how far you go on a given day. I had to be willing to adjust my training and those day to day tasks if I wanted to reach my goal.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I found that no matter how far I could get on my own, sometimes the only way to get past a roadblock was to seek expert help. I began to have pains I never had before which were threatening my ability to continue. Finally, I went to see a physical therapist, who found that my treatment and operations from cancer over a decade before had my body all out of whack. Slowly but surely, she helped me fix all the issues. Only after I learned as much as I could, was willing to adjust when needed, and sought help to fix issues with my body I didn’t realize I had was I able to run my first marathon. Now I typically run a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, and a full marathon every year.

This experience has had a profound impact on so many aspects of my life. At work, I had an idea to create new mobile fundraising app. I learned what I could about how to make that happen, continuously adjusted my approach and efforts along the way, and of course sought the help of numerous people without whom we could never get the funding, the buy-in, and the code to create the app. The app raised about a million dollars in its first year, and is on track to do almost ten times that in its second year. It was just an idea a few years ago, and we created a plan, executed, learned, adjusted, and sought help when needed.

My journey continues both at work and on the pavement. We've embarked on a mammoth project to migrate our websites to a new platform. My approach is the same - a goal, a plan, keep learning as much as we can, and know when to adjust and get help. We’re almost there, just like my approaching marathon.

Turning Thirty, The Musical CEU Event

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 16:04:00 -0400

Once again, I had the privilege to perform my musical, Turning Thirty, about my experience with testicular cancer, to an audience of nurses, social workers, case managers, counselors, and physical therapists. In partnership with Anne McSweeney of CEU Concepts, I presented the musical and together we held an interactive session to discuss the patient experience and give everyone insight and tactics to help patients achieve better outcomes.

The event flyer

Turning Thirty, The Musical - A New Peformance

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 17:41:00 -0400

I'm excited to announce an intimate Turning Thirty, The Musical performance. It is designed for healthcare professionals seeking CEU credits, and we'll be discussing survivorship. It's this Thursday evening, please register to come and/or share with those you think may want to attend. Thank you to CEU Concepts for the opportunity and to Garden Plaza for sponsoring.

Relay For Life FUNRaiser Show

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:45:00 -0400

It's Relay season, and I'll be with my band Urban Blue performing live for a show and silent auction to support the American Cancer Society. Get your tickets now before they're gone! I hope to see you there.

Friday, April 25th, 6:30 - 9 PM
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
265 Peachtree Center Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Tickets: $20, $30/couple

The silent auction includes a weekend cabin getaway, a wine basket, gift certificates to local restaurants, and more. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

(Can't make it, but still want to help? Make a donation here.)

Vote for Urban Blue in the TAG Battle of the Bands

And by the way... As a member of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), I recently became aware of a Battle of the Bands competition and entered my band Urban Blue. The voting takes place this week until Friday April 18 at 5 PM EDT. If you would be so kind to click the link below, you can vote every day - once per email address. The top 5 bands at the end of the voting this week will perform live on May 1st to decide the winner.

Vote here for Tom Willner and Urban Blue in the TAG Battle of the Bands

"Turning Thirty" Musical Workshop Update

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Mon, 3 Jun 2013 17:15:00 -0400

Tomorrow the official workshop of my musical "Turning Thirty" begins. It has been a lot of work and exciting news pulling this all together, so let me just dive in and blab on about all the fun:

The Showcase Performance

Monday, June 10, 2013 from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (EDT)

Theatrical Outfit Balzer Theater

84 Luckie Street Northwest

Atlanta, GA 30303

Best of all, it's free! To get tickets, go here:
http://turningthirty.eventbrite.com

You can read more about the show at:
http://www.turningthirty.org

and more about the workshop I'm doing this week, along with the showcase here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/702388066/turning-thirty-a-musical-about-surviving-cancer

The Talent

Here are the talented folks who will be helping to make this the best show it can be:

Scott Warren - Director and Workshop facilitator
Michael Fauss- Musical Director

Jeremy Wood - Conlan
Laura Floyd - Halle
Pam Duncan - TC and others TBD
Bryan Mercer - The Wizard and others TBD
Jeremy Varner - Dr. Saxon and other TBD

Michael Fauss - piano, conductor
Adam Coletta - guitar
Stan Joseph - drums
Phil Buonpastore - bass
Luke Weathington - woodwinds

Press

There was a wonderful article about me and Turning Thirty, The Musical in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution this Sunday. Here's a link to the online version (subscription required):

Sunday Conversation with … Tom Willner
Cancer survivor’s musical explores disease, life

And here's a view of the print version:

The "Turning Thirty" Musical Workshop June 4-10

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Mon, 6 May 2013 22:51:00 -0400

I know it has been six months since my last update about my musical workshop that was successfully funded last summer through Kickstarter thanks to so many wonderful, generous people. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts kept getting in the way of making the workshop a reality. So this year, I rebooted and started all over.

I didn't want to report anything until I had things locked in, and I'm now happy to report that we are locked in! I have contracted with a two very talented people, Director Scott Warren and Music Director Michael Fauss, and we are scheduled to do the workshop from June 4th to June 10th. The showcase performance will be on Monday night, June 10th, at the Theatrical Outfit's Balzer Theater in downtown Atlanta.

In addition to Artistic Directors and potential investors, several Kickstarter backers will have VIP seating at the showcase. However, I'd like to announce that it will be open to the public, at no cost, on a first-come first-serve basis. I would love to see you there and would welcome your feedback on the show.

I am busy taking the first pass at scoring all the music, discussing and tweaking the script, and we're working on getting actors and musicians. I'm very excited, and want to thank all of the people who have supported this project. I hope to make the show the best it can be!

Director: Scott Warren

Scott Warren has kept himself busy onstage throughout the Atlanta area for 13 years. He has performed with Theatrical Outfit (Confederacy of Dunces, To Kill a Mockingbird, Keeping Watch, The Foreigner), Theatre in the Square (The 39 Steps, Sherlock Holmes the Final Adventure), Georgia Ensemble (Season's Greetings, The Foreigner), Actor's Express (Beautiful Thing), Aurora Theatre Company (Bob, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Gray Area, Bob), Georgia Shakespeare (The Tempest, Antony and Cleopatra, Noises Off!) and the Alliance Theatre Company (Class of 3000, Aladdin, Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales) among others.

In addition to performance, Scott has directed 12 new works at Dad's Garage Theatre Company, including Drove (2007) which made Creative Loafing's Top 50 of the Decade. He recently directed the world premiere of Two Drink Minimum at Theatrical Outfit, and will soon be directing the Southeastern Premiere of All Childish Things at the Aurora Theatre.

Scott served as the Interim Artistic Director twice for Dad's Garage Theatre Company, where he was also an ensemble improviser and writer. He is currently writing the Grimm Lives of Tweenagers for the Alliance Theatre Company.

Music Director: Michael Fauss

Michael Fauss has enjoyed a long career as a musical director, pianist, conductor, arranger, orchestrator and composer. Based in Atlanta for many years, he has been able to work for theaters in other states and countries as well as most theaters here at home. His Broadway credits include “Quilters,” “Peter Pan” and “Heartstrings.” He has a Masters Degree in Composition and has composed music for stage, chamber ensemble and solo voice. For his work as a musical director he has received an Independent Reviewers of New England award in Massachusetts and a Suzi Bass Award here in Atlanta. Since 2006 he has been fortunate enough to work in Key West every winter and has just returned from a wildly successful run of “The Drowsy Chaperone” there at the Waterfront Playhouse.

Alliance Theatre: Jacques Brel (Suzi Bass award for best musical direction 2008), A Christmas Carol, Tick, Tick . . . Boom!, Pacific Overtures, Leap, Chess, The Grapes of Wrath, Little Me, The Robber Bridegroom, Oliver, Music Man, Guys and Dolls, The King and I, Brigadoon, Cotton Patch Gospel, Falsettos, A Little Night Music, Candide, Peter Pan, Annie Get Your Gun, Forever Plaid, Once On This Island, Woodie Guthrie: An American Song, The Boys From Syracuse, Hot Mikado, Up on the Roof, Carnival, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Cabaret, A History of the American Film, I Do! I Do!, She Loves Me, Three Penny Opera

Lyric Theatre: The Music Man, A Funny Thing Happened . . . Forum, Smokey Joe’s Café, Jerry Herman’s Girls, Man of La Mancha, Secret Garden, Jeckyll and Hyde, Evita, Summer Cabaret Series

Regional: Pacific Overtures (Independent Reviewers of New England award for best musical direction 2004), Little Me, Cotton Patch Gospel, Oh, Coward!, Sweet ‘n’ Hot in Harlem, Quilters, Trumpets and Drums, Falsettos, Reefer Madness, Urinetown, Naked Boys Singing, Musical of Musicals, The Full Monty, Little Shop of Horrors, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Promises Promises, Heartstrings, Peter Pan, Grease, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Drowsy Chaperone

Broadway: Quilters, Peter Pan, Heartstrings

Europe: Casper, Spiderman, The Mask, The Dream Machine (4 original musicals in England), Die Schone und das Biest (Germany, Austria & Switzerland), concert tour of Italy with Capitol City Opera Company

Fall Fun and Fulfillment

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 01:14:00 -0400

I don't mind saying that this past week was friggin' great. Seriously, I had fun and was fulfilled on so many levels. You know, it's important to enjoy life, doing things you love to do and that are important to you. So I spend quite a bit of time thinking about how to spend my time, which is probably inappropriate unless I really enjoy spending my time planning how to spend my time, which I don't. (A mentor of mine once said to me "always have a plan, but remember that planning is overrated." Clearly I was too busy planning to pay attention.) But I digress.

However I managed to pull it off, last week was sweet. Check this out:

Tuesday
I was the keynote speaker at a dinner honoring cancer survivors. I told my story about my experience with cancer and what I now do both with music and working for the American Cancer Society to support the cause. I also performed the song I co-wrote for the Relay for Life Luminaria ceremony called "Every Candle Has A Name." It was the North Fulton Survivors Dinner, at the lovely Roswell River Landing, funded by the kind people from ADP, with excellent food donated by the kind people from Outback.

The view, from the deck

My view, while performing music

The event begins

The survivors and caregivers

Wednesday
After many months of effort, my team successfully launched a new version of the American Cancer Society's flagship website, cancer.org, in an effort to make using the site easier and better.

On the same day, I traveled to Seattle with two great friends and talented musicians to meet up with two more great friends and talented musicians to rehearse late at night for two shows later that week.

Thursday
Enjoyed a day with friends in Seattle.

Though technically not in Seattle, Adam, Lee, and I stop at a Casino to catch Wade performing with another band.

In front of the original Starbucks. No beans were harmed in the making of this photo.


Sadly, the Copacabana was closed. We were disappointed, though not as much as Lola and Rico*.

Pike Place Market

Ingredients to a new favorite drink. We had more of these than I care to admit.

Friday
Crossed the mountains to Moses Lake. Played a show at Michael's Market and Bistro. Great fun playing with these guys, and an appreciative crowd.

Urban Blue and Friends at Michael's Bistro

Lee, me, and Adam

Kile and Wade

Saturday
Halloween fundraiser. Incredible fun to perform with such talented people, to dress up for a costume party, and to raise money for the cause. This event put Terry, Donna, and my fundraising efforts from the past few years over the $50,000 mark.

We're getting the band back together.

Said band.

The music begins.

My partners-in-crime, Donna and Terry.

Even Lance made an appearance.

Sunday
Returned home.

Breakfast before heading back.

This week I'm back with my family, goofing with my kids. Soon I'll be Indiana Jones, hanging out with my neighbors and taking the crew trick or treating. I guess the fun and fulfillment continues.

* - Rico was rumored to have worn a diamond.

New Song - Parts Gone Missin' (demo)

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:09:00 -0400

Parts Gone Missin' (Demo) by Tom Willner It's been a while since I shared a new song, so I decided to post this even though it's still just a demo recording - me and piano. Let me know what you think. This one is inspired by my old flame cancer, with whom I had a rocky relationship at best. I thought it might be fun to create a song where I sing to the ol' Big "C" as my former girlfriend, and what better genre to do it in than country! I've posted this on my music page where you can stream it, or if you provide your email and zip you can download a copy for yourself.

Independent Musician Stories: 2) Three steps, no fail

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Wed, 2 Feb 2011 07:00:00 -0500

Back in the early days of dreaming about a career in music, I was always looking for good information to help me achieve that dream. Oh sure, I would be lying if I said I didn't imagine getting signed to a major label, touring, and performing in stadiums to thousands of adoring fans, but I was pretty sure the jump from recording songs on a four track cassette recorder in my basement to super stardom involved quite a few steps in between. I always had a bit of a practical streak in me. Back when I turned sixteen and many of my fellow classmates were talking about the Chevelles and Camaros they desperately wanted to own, my dream car was one with four wheels that started every time I turned the key. So I guess it made sense that the book I was drawn to was one by Jana Stanfield called The Musicians Guide to Making and Selling Your Own CDs and Cassettes. This seemed a much more attainable step from my vantage point, not to mention that the subtitle, How to make tens of thousands of dollars a year performing and selling your own music, sounded like a respectable realization of my dream.

The book was terrific, and exactly what I needed at that moment. Stanfield detailed all the steps she took and things she learned that enabled her to go from having a career in broadcasting to having a career doing what she truly loved, music. I felt the similarity to my own situation; I decided to get an engineering degree rather than one in music so I'd have something to fall back on, yet that fallback position quickly became my career that seemed to continuously pull me further and further away from my dream.

Interestingly enough, there was one thing from this book that has consistently stuck with me more than anything else I've read or any advice I've received. She called it "three steps, no fail." It basically goes like this: You need to build a bridge from where you are to where you want to be. You don't have to be able to see the other side, just the first three steps. Once you take the first three steps, you'll be able to see the next three. And the three steps must each be something you couldn't possibly fail doing in a week's time. That's it. It's that simple, which is why I think it's so powerful.

Now I have always been a compulsive list maker. I occasionally stumble across lists I made years ago, and I can't help but test how well I did accomplishing each of the goals or tasks. Surprisingly, the results are usually favorable. It kind of falls in line with an idea from Deepak Chopra, which is about the power of intention. If there's something you want, make your intention known and the universe will respond. Ever notice how if you write something down, you almost don't need the paper anymore to remember it, but if you don't write it down, it's so easy to forget? I believe there is a power in making these lists, in setting these goals, and making that intention known even if it's just to yourself. One of my most noteworthy and visible to-do lists is one my wife and I made years ago on a chalkboard in my house with the following tasks on it: replace screens, yard sale, re-pot plants, sign up for yoga and aerobics, cure cancer, become daddy/mommy. They are all crossed off, except cure cancer, which I am too nervous to cross off, even after over a decade of being cancer-free.

OK, so back to three steps, no fail. That method has had a hand in almost every success I've experienced in my music career - CD releases, my musical, press, gigs, travel, contracts, you name it. I take things one or two projects or opportunities at a time, and while lately I have begun setting larger goals and creating a business plan, I still take these small steps toward things that I know I want to do at the time without fully knowing where it will take me. This week, I decided to contact venues about a CD release party, contact an event planner for ideas and potential help, and create this blog post. Last week I made a band rehearsal plan, sent off my new CD and artwork for replication, and had my lawyer review a publishing contract. They are all achievable single steps to take in my musical journey of a thousand miles, and it makes it possible to make progress toward what I want while I'm doing what I must.

Have you ever used this method or something similar? What were your results?

The Middle Ages

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Tue, 4 Aug 2009 17:25:00 -0400

It has arrived, my 40th birthday. I don't feel any different. A late night with good friends at Eddie's Attic listening to music (specifically Lynette Suzanne) and drinking Sweetwater 420 gives me about the same rough feeling in the morning as it did back when I was 39. So why all the fuss over this particular number?

Well for me, it marks 10 years as a cancer survivor, or my 10 year "cancerversary" as I've heard it called. And, frankly, that feels pretty damn good.

So I'm celebrating. I took the day off. I'm playing with my new Ipod Touch. I helped my son build a lego bionicle. I met my wife for lunch. I danced with my daughter to "All Mixed Up" by 311. I played a gig at John Howell Park for National Night Out.

It's nothing like I ever imagined, and everything I could ever hope for.

Many thanks to everyone for all the good wishes and to ansik on flickr.com for the cool photo.

The Stupid Cancer Show Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Tue, 7 Jul 2009 14:35:00 -0400

It is always a pleasure to talk to Matthew Zachary. He has so much passion for what he does, he's funny, and his show is always interesting. It was a real treat to be on The Stupid Cancer Show once again.

Yesterday's show is available in its entirety to stream and download here. If you missed it, it's worth a listen. I've posted just the portion of the show that was my interview below. I hope you enjoy it.

Download my interview on The Stupid Cancer Show

Tonight on The Stupid Cancer Show

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Mon, 6 Jul 2009 13:20:00 -0400

I will be interviewed tonight on my second appearance on the Stupid Cancer Show, an internet radio show begun by I'm Too Young For This (i[2]y) founder, Matthew Zachary, for young adults affected by cancer. Tonight's show is called "Music Makes The People, Stupid Cancer," and features breast cancer survivor and author, Cindy Papale, and singer-songwriter Andy Dumiak and me as two contributing artists to i[2]y's second benefit CD. It should be fun, so be sure to tune in to the show tonight at 9 PM.

Recent Press

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:59:00 -0400

In the last few months my music and story have appeared in print and online. I'd like to share those two articles with you.

First, I had my story published by Joel Martin of the Columbia Basin Herald, the newspaper of choice in Moses Lake, WA, which many of you will recognize as the hub of operations for my west coast tour. It was a pleasure to speak to Joel, and I was honored by his article. Click here to read a copy of "Tom Willner: Good Humor Goes A Long Way" from a special Relay for Life edition of the Columbia Basin Herald. Pardon the large file size - it's a scanned copy (which probably breaks copyright laws). UPDATE: Joel Martin kindly sent me a smaller, cleaner PDF version now linked to instead.

Second, a story about "Turning Thirty," my show about my experience with cancer, was published online at the "Journal of Family Life," an online journal published by Emory University. Here's more about the journal:

Journal of Family Life was created to continue the path-breaking work of the Emory Center on Myth and Ritual in American Life (MARIAL), which is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The journal is available only online. It is both scholarly and sophisticated, offering general-interest articles and creative works dealing with how modern families (with an emphasis on the American family) make and transmit meaning in their lives as families through story, myth, ritual and celebration.

Click here to read "Life Is Good," my story, which also includes an MP3 of my song of the same name.

My 2009 West Coast Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:32:00 -0400

It was my one city, two show west coast tour, and it was a blast. I had the pleasure to meet and play with guitarist Marcus Ruffalo, performed at both the Relay for Life and at Michaels' On The Lake restaurant, and even got true rock star treatment. More on that in a moment.

It all started at 5 AM on the east coast through two long flights to Phoenix and then to Spokane. From Spokane a rental car to Moses Lake, where it's kind of like a desert but with a big lake. First show, the Relay for Life. I met up with Marcus for the first time in person, having only communicated through email until then. We had an impromptu rehearsal then performed at the Relay that night. I closed with "Every Candle Has A Name" for the Luminaria ceremony.

The next day, after a welcome extended sleep, it was over to Michael's on the Lake, where Sam the bartender created the All Fruits Ripe Martini, named after my song. Marcus and I setup and did a sound check courtesy of Dale Roth (DJ, soundman, and good friend) and had some food. I made a quick stop back at the hotel where I was picked up by a limo (herein lies the rock star treatment). It was quite fun, riding with key members of my official Northwest Fan Club, including Terry, Don, Donna, Al, Samantha, and "Mom," and turning some heads at the restaurant.

Enjoying several AFR martinis, I played with my man Marcus from about 6:30 to past 10. Michael's is a wonderful place, and we got to play on the patio overlooking the lake. Many thanks to Jordan and all the good folks at Michael's for an excellent time.

Anthony and Terry were kind enough to videotape and post several songs out to YouTube. Click here to see All Fruits Ripe (Live) on YouTube. You can also download the All Fruits Ripe (Live) video here. For those of you who subscribe to my podcast, this should automagically download to your iTunes and iPod. I hope you enjoy it.

The next morning began the long trek back to Atlanta. I feel so fortunate to have so many friends out in the middle of the beautiful state of Washington, and I'd like to give a particular shout out to my new friend and fantastic musician, Marcus Ruffalo. Check out his stuff on MySpace. He's a true professional with years in the business out in LA, but more importantly a terrific person with an incredible story. Here's to you my friend, and to everyone who made my west coast tour such a success.

Relay For Life - Atlanta, GA

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:16:00 -0400

Once again, I had the honor to perform at the Atlanta Adams Stadium Relay for Life. I performed "Every Candle Has A Name" and "Celebrate" at the Luminaria ceremony. The event has already raised over a half million dollars.

Click on the photo for a larger version. The photo was taken by Kelli Rosenthal, and I shamelessly copied it to my flickr account without her permission. I also got to hang with DJ Gary Braner, my good friend and long time partner in crime at the Adams Relay.

Relay For Life - Cullman, AL

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:36:00 -0400

It had rained for three days straight prior to the event, and puddles of water still remained throughout beautiful Heritage Park in Cullman, AL. But that did not dissuade the kind, generous folks of Cullman from hosting their Relay for Life. I had the honor of being asked to perform at the event, found online by my friend Keillian and the Tomb Raiders team, a team made up entirely of people under 15 years of age, who raised almost $4000.

I had the privilege of performing with several other very talented people. I cannot remember everyone's names, so if there are some Cullman peeps out there who could comment and let me know I'd truly appreciate it. I'd also love it if you could send some pictures from the event.

Finally, I'd like to thank Allison Barksdale, who arranged everything for me to come. I had a terrific time, sold enough CDs to reach my Relay fundraising goal, and got to watch the local school principal dress up as Paula Abdul in the funniest American Idol spin off I have ever seen!

Turning Thirty - Take Two

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Wed, 6 May 2009 16:55:00 -0400

Thanks to all who made it out to the second ever performance of Turning Thirty, The Musical. Once again I am so grateful to everyone involved - Kristi Budd, Pam Duncan, Jose Cordero, Lee Hansen, Adam Coletta, Lee Nunn, Talmadge Hickman, Dan Browning, Bill Duncan, Sheryl Skelton, Allison Bower, Allyson Willner, Olivia Budd, Madeline Budd, Jack Duncan, Annie Duncan, and more. This version brought it up a notch with a full theater stage and lighting. The Artistic Director from a highly acclaimed Atlanta theater came to see the show, and another who could not attend requested a script and CD. There's now interest in two additional performances and potentially a third. Here is some of what the audience had to say:

"Last night's performance was just wonderful--musically, emotionally, and spiritually."
"OH MY GOD!!! It was awesome...You all should be really proud of your work putting that together...it took everyone to bring it to life in such a compelling way."
"We were blown away. It was breathtaking."

Finally, it looks as though once again we were able to raise $1000 for a great cause - for Paideia School financial aid.

If you'd like to see some behind the scenes pictures from setup and rehearsal as well as pictures from the show, click here for a slideshow.

Turning Thirty Video and Tickets

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Mon, 6 Apr 2009 10:46:00 -0400

Save the date - Saturday, May 2, 2009, 7:30 PM - and get your tickets. Once again, I'm excited to bring you Turning Thirty, The Musical, the show about my experience with cancer. It will be at the Paideia theater in Atlanta, GA, and proceeds will benefit financial aid for the Paideia School. Watch the trailer video above of the debut performance from October 2008. Here's what people had to say about the show:

Fantastic! Such a great show... I would highly recommend it to others.
Bravo! Tom and the cast were amazing - what a great show!!
I was blown away by the music and the movement of the story. Huge success!
What a wonderful and moving show.
Turning Thirty was a blast. Amazing vocal talent ...a top-notch cast all around.
Thank you for having the courage to share your personal story with the world.

So, don't delay, buy your tickets now!

Turning Thirty, The Musical

Based on the true story of Tom Willner's experience with cancer

Saturday, May 2, 2009, 7:30 PM

Paideia Theater

1509 Ponce de Leon Ave.

Atlanta, GA 30307

$10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Turning Thirty DVD and CD Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:55:00 -0400

I laughed. I cried. I'll see it again and again. Of course, I'm talking about "Turning Thirty, The Musical - Live Debut Performance" because now you can do just that. The DVDs and CDs of the debut performance of my musical about my experience with cancer have arrived. I don't have them completely available online yet, but if you'd like to get an advanced copy I have several options for you:

1) Sign up for my email list by April 15th . One lucky person from the list who signs up between now and then will receive either a DVD or a CD - winner's choice.
2) If you are already on my email list, do nothing! I will also select one lucky person from my existing members to receive a DVD or CD.
3) Order one directly from me . DVDs are $12 and CDs are $10 (both for $20). I will send you them myself.

But wait there's more - proceeds from the sales of this DVD and CD will benefit the American Cancer Society Relay For Life! So if you purchase one, you will also be supporting a great cause - fighting cancer - the reason the musical exists in the first place.

There's a limited supply, so act quickly! Of course, if I'm fortunate enough that demand exceeds supply, have no fear; like with Doritos, we'll make more. It may just take a little longer for you to receive your copy.

Many thanks to Andy Huff for all his video work, Mary Diers for her wonderful design work, and Wally Buckner for his DVD and duplication work. The performance was October 25, 2008, so it took a lot of work over five months to churn out the finished CD and DVD of the show. Also, the show was only possible thanks to the time and efforts of so many people who volunteered - over 20 at my last count. As something I've been wanting to make happen for over eight years, this is quite a happy moment for me.

Plus, stay tuned, as soon tickets will go on sale for the next live performance on May 2nd of Turning Thirty, The Musical...

i[2]y Benefit CD, Volume 2

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Wed, 4 Mar 2009 22:58:00 -0500

My song, Rescue Me, was chosen to be included on a benefit CD for the organization I'm Too Young For This (i[2]y), a non-profit for young adults affected by cancer. This is the second benefit CD they have created; their first was wildly successful. I'm excited to be included in this project for a great cause, and will be receiving 50 of them to sell to benefit i[2]y.

You may remember that I was interviewed on their internet radio program The Stupid Cancer Show back in June of 08 by founder, musician, and cancer survivor Matthew Zachary. I originally met Matthew when we both performed at the Celebration on the Hill in Washington, DC.

Click here to see the promo page and check out the mug in the lower left corner...

New Song - Every Candle Has A Name

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:32:00 -0500

This month's download is a song about the Luminaria ceremony at the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event. It was mostly written by my friend Jack Storey - it was his words and his ideas for the music that I had the privilege to work with and complete. He was kind enough to offer me co-writing status for my contribution, but I am just honored to be associated with the song and the event.

Jack asked me to finish this song and perform it for the Relay For Life Nationwide Summit in 2008. I posted about that event earlier - Jack videotaped the performance and posted it on YouTube. Since that event, I promised to record a version of the song to make available to anyone who would like it for their Relay For Life. After many months, I finally decided that what I recorded for the original demo I shared with Jack really captured something raw and good, and so I post that version here. Maybe someday I'll re-record the song with a much fuller arrangement, but for now, I give you the simple, heartfelt piano and vocal demo. I hope you enjoy it. Please do let me know.

By the way, the picture above is courtesy of "Cowboy" Ben Alman via Flickr.com and shown here under a creative commons license. It's from the Luminaria ceremony at the Watertown, MA Relay For Life. Thanks Ben!

Every Candle Has A Name (Demo) by Tom Willner

Turning Thirty Show A Success

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:15:00 -0500

First I want to thank all of you who came to the debut of my musical, Turning Thirty, last month, as well as all the folks who contributed, volunteered, and helped out in so many ways. My heartfelt thanks to my fellow cast members Kristi Budd, Pam Duncan, and Jose Cordero; my fellow band members Lee Hansen, Adam Coletta, Lee Nunn, and Talmadge Hickman; producer and stage director Bill Duncan; narrator Dan Browning; Derek Ennis for providing sound and recording; Andy Huff for shooting, editing, and producing video; and Allison Bower, Jennifer Vice, and Allyson Willner for handling all sales. In particular, I'd like to thank my wife Allyson and my kids Klara and Elliot for all the support they've given me to help make this project happen. I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out; the show was well received, we've been asked to perform the show at two other locations, and I'm talking with a local theater company about the possibility of them putting on the show. Perhaps most importantly, however, thanks to you, we raised $1000 for the American Cancer Society.

I'm currently working on the production of both a CD of the music and a DVD and other short videos from the live performance. I've included a download of the show's opening song "Life Is Good" below. Enjoy!

Download "Life Is Good"

Turning Thirty Live Benefit Show

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Willner) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:03:00 -0400

Turning Thirty, The Musical by Tom Willner
A Benefit Show - American Cancer Society
Saturday, October 25, 2008, 7 PM
The Druid Hills United Methodist Church
1200 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306
Purchase tickets in advance for $10
($15 at the door)

Mark your calendars for an American Cancer Society benefit show you will not want to miss – “Turning Thirty” the musical I wrote about my experience with cancer.

As many of you know, my life has been changed by cancer. Back in 1998, I lost my father to prostate cancer. Less than a year later, right after my 30th birthday, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. My wife and I had been struggling with the decision to start a family when suddenly the debate took on a new urgency.

After two operations we thought our ordeal was over, but six months later, the cancer returned. I endured another major operation and many rounds of chemotherapy. Aggressively trying to beat the disease, we also struggled to bring a new life into the world.

During this ordeal, I composed seventeen songs about my experience. Now, for the first time, I will share my story through music at the live debut performance of what I hope you will find to be an unforgettable show, “Turning Thirty.” I will be joined by a group of talented musicians and singers all donating their time and talent for the event.

I have also decided that all proceeds from the show will go to a great organization, the American Cancer Society. I’ve been involved with the Society for many years now: I have spoken and performed at numerous Relay for Life events across the country; I performed at both Celebration on the Hill events; and I wrote and recorded two original songs for American Cancer Society videos.

In addition to the information here, you can visit my Turning Thirty website at http://www.turningthirty.org/. At both of my sites you can hear the original recordings I did while going through my experience. At http://www.turningthirty.org/ you can read more about my story and the musical.

In addition to tickets, I’m also accepting donations to help make this show a reality. In case you are from out of town and cannot come to the show, you can also make a donation to the show to help increase the proceeds that will go directly to the fight against cancer:

I’m very excited about this show – this is one of the largest music endeavors I have ever undertaken. I hope to see you there! Please invite your friends – Eventbrite makes it easy to do:

Invite friends to the show