David Thomas is a writer, singer, songwriter, actor, producer and director within the self-proclaimed genre of the Avant-Garage. Co-founder of two legendary bands, Rocket From The Tombs and Pere Ubu, and a multitude of musical collaborations, including David Thomas and two pale boys. Thomas is credited with rewriting the rules of both popular and experimental music since 1975. His career began as a writer and columnist for weekly magazine The Scene, in Cleveland, in the early 70s.
Thomas has written two operas, Mirror Man (1998) and Bring Me The Head Of Ubu Roi (2008), which both premiered at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, before touring internationally. The latter was animated by cult filmmakers, The Brothers Quay. Thomas co-starred in a limited, sold out run of the 'junk opera' Shockheaded Peter in London's West End in 2002. London's South Bank Centre and UCLA Performing Arts staged four and three day festivals, respectively, dedicated to his writing and music. The Knitting Factory in New York City presented a three-day festival of his work.
This event is free and open to all.
Sponsored by OHio State's Center for Folklore Studies and Smog Veil Records.
About Smog Veil Records
Smog Veil Records was founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 1991 and focuses on underground, challenging and bombastic music. The label roster includes Rocket From The Tombs, Batusis (Cheetah Chrome and Sylvain Sylvain of New York Dolls), Peter Laughner, Pere Ubu, Complaints Choir, This Moment In Black History, OBNOX, The New Hope v/a compilation, Tin Huey, Easter Monkeys, Pistol Whip, Unknown Instructors (Mike Watt, George Hurley, Joe Baiza, Dan McGuire, Raymond Pettibon, David Thomas), Teacher’s Pet, Thor, Amps II Eleven, New Christs (featuring Rob Younger of Radio Birdman), Rubber City Rebels and others. The label and various bands on the roster have been featured in esteemed publications including Rolling Stone, Wire, SPIN, The New York Times, Artforum Magazine, Audubon Magazine and CBS Sunday Morning.
Co-sponsors of the David Thomas Performance Talk: The Ohio State University‘s Barnett Center for Integrated Arts and Enterprise; Wexner Center for the Arts and the Departments of English, Comparative Studies, Dance and History.
