Over the next three years he played all the local bars,
lodges, fairs, rodeo's and Grange Hall dances while practicing
endless hours with his bass in the ranch's "bunkhouse".
During his senior year in high school he received two "Louis
Armstrong Jazz Awards", which his school granted for vocal
and instrumental work in stage band and jazz choir.
After
graduating high school he left for Portland to study music and
play with various rock bands. In his early '20's Tony joined a
gospel/pop group led by Alan Kuatt, which toured the Northwest
playing various churches and festivals. At age 25, he returned
to his country music roots with lifelong friend Lee Anderson where
he played for the world famous "Pendleton Round-Up"
rodeo fans and many other similiar events.
In
his late 20's Tony joined the long-time popular southern rock
band "Southwind" playing clubs in the Portland area,
until 1992 when he attended a local jam session hosted by Dub
DeBrie. "My musical life changed when I met Dub" says
Tony. "He's the best of musicians because he combines high
level musicianship with dynamic vocals and superb song arrangements,
plus he is a quality person".
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