Art Thieme

Art is America's best-loved troubador. Many years ago, a great singer by the name of T. Texas Tyler was known as "the man with a million friends". Unfortunately, Tex is no longer with us, but that title has passed on to Art Thieme. Art is a one man skiffle band. His main instruments are his guitar and banjo, but he plays everything from the saw, to the jew's harp, to the nose flute, as well as another dozen or so weird gadgets. None of them, however, is as wierd as his sense of humor. He tells the most outrageous puns and stories so well that you laugh even if you've heard them a dozen times or more. He has donated his time and talents to getting dozens of folk clubs started. He has taught children to make and play home-made instruments. He has taught other musicians, as well. He shares his songs with anyone who will listen. He has written many articles for folk publications. He has folk music radio shows. He he has performed in schools, in concert halls, at concerts, by campfires, and on riverboats. He has collected songs (and bad jokes), while travelling across the country, from hoboes, children and other musicians. Like a real balladeer, he may never sing or play a song the same way twice, but adds new interpretations with each performance. He is a real treasure!