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Tom Neilson

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What they say about Tom:

“Tom is fabulous; politically cutting-edge, incisive, warm, & very funny. His raucous political satire & social commentary, quick wit, & pointed humor had everyone laughing & engaged.”

— Cathy Gilbert, Miami Dade Green Party

“Creative & compelling, he skewers the outrageous behavior of the greedy & powerful in corporations, the media, & government.”

— Ray Korona, musical activist & member of the Peoples’ Voice Café Collective, NYC

“Does a great job of reminding people of what is really important, and the power of folk music to say it.”

— Michael Stock, WLRN, Miami, FL

” Uncensored political satire that responds to lies and oppression with passion and wit.”

— The House, Amherst, MA

“Humor, compassion, and outrage in songs about real people’s struggles.”

— Java Hut, Sunderland, MA

“He will teach you about the world you live in.”

— University of Maine, Orono

“It would be great to turn on the radio and hear Tom sing the news each day.”

— College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME

“tells the stories about people’s struggles against greed and violence.”

— Lori Keene, The Putney School, Putney, VT

“Tom’s contemplative and moving critique of the media’s manipulation of the news is perceptive, intelligent, and right on. Using a blend of lyrical humor, stark fact, and compelling rhythm, he speaks to all of us who struggle towards truth.”

— Sarah Underhill, People’s Music Network

“entertains and informs about contemporary issues and local problems.”

— Liz Hogan, Smith College

“At AFD’s founding convention in San Antonio, he showed the role of music in the political process.”

— Ronnie Dugger, Alliance For Democracy

“With children he is remarkable for his unusual combination of playfulness, tenderness, and respectful forthrightness. He is ‘way cool’ and kids know it.”

— William Spademan, Creative Thought & Action

“consummate and gifted performer with a human & compassionate touch…one of the most savvy political songwriters I know.”

— Derrick Jordan, Vermont Citizens Awareness Network

“Whether singing a rollicking, pure nonsense children’s song, a tender love ballad, or a protest song with a sense of urgency, Tom’s honest, forthright voice & his solid guitar work are spellbinding.”

— Susan Link, Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum, Hadley, MA

“great documentation of people’s stories and local history.”

— Ron Bosch, MCTV

“Armed with guitars and vocal harmonies, Tom and Mark shoot from the hip on stage.”

— Bruce Watson, Amherst Bulletin

“Neilson brings together some of the finest elements of song & comedy.”

— Lewiston Tribune

“Sophisticated lyricist, wonderful voice, superb educator.”

— Marie Falbo, Stone Soup Collective, Orlando, FL