This artist can provide virtual programming for American Music Abroad.
Biography
Tony Memmel is a singer-songwriter, speaker, and teacher with unique charisma and creativity. Though he was born with one hand, he taught himself to play the guitar by building a special cast that he designed out of Gorilla Tape.
Tony has toured to 47 states and 17 countries, sharing his music and his message of hard work, determination, and resilience. His work ranges from composing symphonies, to writing and arranging music for children, visiting schools, hospitals, and churches, to performing in historic concert venues, and helping people with hand/limb-differences (like his) to develop their own adaptive methods that allow them to make music a part of their lives.
“OUR BAND IS UNIQUE in that we formed to tour with the American Music Abroad program. You brought us together! In 2017, our band was preparing for our 6-week AMA tour to Southeast Asia when our guitarist, Ben, had to leave the group for a family commitment. As I searched for his replacement, I was introduced to Joey through a mutual friend. I was looking for someone who was both an amazing musician, AND a good hang. To me, band chemistry is just as important as band talent and professionalism. He was a great fit, and we are now great friends. Alex joined in a similar way: We were invited to tour Saudi Arabia, and Lesleigh (our co leader, pianist, percussionist… and my wife) was pregnant with our first child. Joey said, “You have to meet Alex. He’s one of us.” We met. We jammed. He joined. In 2019, we toured to 7 countries together.
We’re excited that because of virtual programming, Lesleigh, Alex, Joey, and I can all participate and serve together while tending to family responsibility, AND living in two different states!”