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.

Archive for the ‘ Uncategorized ’ Category

Jazz and Wine this Friday Jan 20th

Jan 18, 2012 Uncategorized

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.

 

 

House Concerts – a fantastic way to enjoy live music!

Jan 16, 2012 Uncategorized

On Sunday January 28th the trio is playing it’s first ever house concert. If you have never been to a house concert and like jazz in a small intimate setting with like minded people who enjoy listening to jazz, then you should definitely consider attending. Kay and Jack Douglas are hosting their first house concert in Poolesville, MD. Here is a link to the event http://www.concertsinyourhome.com/event-kdouglas20120128.html . There will be a light supper and it’s BYOB. Space is limited and you need to get an invite to attend. You can email Kay at kay.douglas@verizon.net for an invite.

The event has a suggested donation of $20. Kay and Jack are hosting this because they love music and are just very cool people. They are not making any money  - it’ll all go to supporting us starving musicians. (Have you ever been cornered in a dark alley by a starving musician? It’s scary)

I hope you can make it.

Anita Thomas Trio

Anita – clarinet/sax/vocals

Bob Sykes  - piano

Jay Miles – bass

Olives Friday Dec 23rd!

Dec 21, 2011 Uncategorized

Anita, Bob and Jay will be setting a Christmassy tone at Olives this coming Friday. 9pm-midnight.

The band will be swinging and you can’t beat the great food and atmosphere of Olives in Frederick, MD. Visit http//www.olivesfrederick.com

Hope to see you there!

Anita

Knob Hall with Tom Colgan

Dec 8, 2011 Uncategorized

Tomorrow (Dec 9) I play at Knob Hall Winery with the incredible Tom Colgan on piano. Don’t miss this one. We play 7pm-9pm. Knob Hall wines are exceptional. Perfect holiday gifts too! Drop by, sample some wine and listen to jazz. What more could you want. Knob Hall Winery is at 14108 St Paul Rd, Clear Spring, MD 21722, Ph 301 842 2777 www.knobhallwinery.com

 

Artomatic and FCC jazz trio with Anita Thomas

Oct 6, 2011 Uncategorized

Artomatic is a great art event going on in Frederick at the moment. http://www.artomaticfrederick.org

This Friday Oct 7th at 9pm I will be very pleased to be play there with a rhythm section trio from the Monday night jazz group at Frederick Community College.

Dan Puziss on drums, Alex Tragert on piano, Stefan Sandman on bass. I will be playing alto sax.

This trio is very cool and I am really looking forward to playing with them. Please drop by to hear these great new jazz players on the scene.

The Anita Thomas Trio is playing Olives in Frederick

May 23, 2011 Uncategorized

Great news! The Anita Thomas Trio is now playing the fourth Friday of every month at Olives in Frederick, MD from 9:00 PM – midnight.

Come on down. Olives has a great atmosphere, fabulous food, and a very busy bar with all sorts of tasty goodies and an unbelievable selection of martinis.

Is this a blog?

Apr 12, 2011 Uncategorized

I’ve never done this before, so don’t expect too much.
I am blogging right now….shhhhh….don’t interrupt me. This takes a lot of concentration.
Two eyes, Anita, two eyes!!
Ok, that should do it.
Thanks, see you next time,
Anita

Learning Jazz Improv

Feb 26, 2011 Uncategorized

Anita is teaching Jazz Ensemble at Frederick Community College on Monday nights. Each week a new song is introduced and everyone learns how to take a solo over that song and previous songs are rehearsed. The semester ends with a concert performing all the songs in small ensembles. The class continues to expand every semester.

If you are interested contact Anita.


Template design by CBStudios LLC