Anita Thomas, a native of Sydney, Australia, has performed all over the world. As a freelance musician she began her career in Sydney working in clubs, pubs, and concert venues (the Sydney Opera House many times). She also played for musical theater and stage shows and toured Thailand and the South Pacific with various swing groups. Anita performed with local and international artists including James Morrison, John Morrison, Don Burrows, Monica Trapaga and Eugene J Wright. Her own jazz quintet was very popular on the Australian jazz festival scene. She has two self titles CDs and recorded for many other artists including the world renowned children;s music group, the Wiggles. 

Anita spent 5 years living in California where she was a regular with notable big bands - the Tim Davies Big Band, the Jack Ranelli Big Band, and the west coast Glenn Miller Orchestra. In L.A. she furthered her saxophone studies with alto sax great Jeff Clayton and played on occasion with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. She also began serious studies on the double bass with the legendary Eugene J Wright (Dave Brubeck Quartet). In smaller groups she played at jazz festivals along the west coast and in Los Angeles she recorded with many diverse artists in jazz, rock, blues, gospel, and also recorded for television and film. Anita's didgeridoo playing was recently featured on the Grammy nominated composition "Counting To Infinity" by Tim Davies.

Both in Australia and the US, Anita has been involved in music education. She currently gives private lessons and teaches jazz ensemble at Frederick Community College. She is also the clarinet/saxophone instructor at two summer jazz camps in California.

Living now in Maryland Anita plays saxophone with the Brooks Tegler Big Band and performs regularly with her own jazz quartet.

Jazz and Wine this Friday Jan 20th

Once again Tom Colgan (piano) and I are playing at Knob Hall Winery this Friday.

Wine Down Fridays (7:00 pm)

In 2010 Knob Hall wines won 3 Gold Medals in the Maryland Govenor’s Cup Competition. Come and taste some wine and see why they are award winning. Also Ashley Haywood from Skyline Food Source will be there with some tasty goodies.

Knob Hall Winery has the best wine in the region – if not all of the east coast and they are here, practically at our back door.

Hope to see you there on Friday. We play 7pm-9pm. $5 admission and $1 for first glass of wine.

 

 

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