Exploring New Ways Of Caring For A Generation In Transition

tom went from high school graduation to touring as opening act for Billy Joel. Performing for thousands sharing the stage with Aerosmith, The Mamas and the Papas, Tom Rush, Peter, Paul and Mary, Jonathan Edwards and Lucy Kaplansky, and before his own audience, tom has excited many for thirty years. His recording hits include In You and Everything You Do and his movie recordings include Video Love, which was heard in Valet Girls, and the movie sound track development for One Strike You’re Out. His recordings were heard in the Japanese television series Ari Deka. He has written well over two hundred songs and been published for other artists. He has produced records for artists such as the Fabulous Heavyweights and Chris Kleeman.

tom has also spent many of his years pursuing entrepreneurial ventures such as establishing and operating Camelot Music, Inc., and Wild Card Entertainment, Inc. both Massachusetts based music booking and artist management companies and Wild Card Records, an independent record company. He was co-owner/operator of Broadbeard Productions, a New York City based publishing, recording, and artist management company directing the careers of such artists as Debbie Gibson and Denise Lopez. He was more recently co-owner/operator of Just Sit Back & Enjoy The Ride Production Company, Inc., a company with corporate marketing and movie theater divisions. In his capacity as owner/operator, he was responsible for day-to-day management of the businesses including oversight of business development, accounting, sales and marketing, and human relations.

tom has been very involved in the philanthropic world as trustee of a family foundation furthering the needs of children, education, women’s issues and the environment.  Presently he is working with Seeds of Peace to bring five internationally known music artists to spend two days with the campers in workshops and shared experiences. (This organization brings children from conflict areas such as Palestine and Israel to a summer camp in Maine to learn of peace and caring for each other as future leaders of their countries.) He has also spent time speaking in schools on following your dreams even if those dreams take you in directions away from the norm and towards artistic expression.

tom recently finished his latest commissioned work of four songs written, performed and recorded for Highland Valley Elder Services to be released as part of a self-empowerment picture book/video presentation for outreach to all generations and a video presentation of the Taking Charge initiative.  As tom willits/Metamorphosis, he is performing these songs, throughout the country, as part of a ninety minute song/dialogue presentation titled, Exploring New Ways Of Caring For A Generation In Transition. The presentation speaks of the opportunities for the baby boom generation and beyond to think creatively about their lives, while living through their transitional years, and to share their years of experience with both younger and older generations communicating by action the joys of community service.

tom’s latest full-length cd,  keep the faith, a collection of thirteen self-penned songs, except for giulia’s song, ( co-written by Lindsay Fogg-Willits ) was released in January 2002.  He spent 2003 performing house concerts in living rooms across the Northeast and in well known acoustic clubs.

tom has also collaborated with dancer/choreographer, Harriett Jastremsky, to create and perform music for a new modern dance piece called...spark...which premiered in Northampton, MA in September 2001.

tom has written a book about growing up adopted, You Can’t Get There From Here.

tom has spent time teaching music and entrepreneurship and coaching basketball.  He is currently teaching part-time seventh and eighth grade music at the Pioneer Valley  Performing Arts Middle School.

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