Meet Tommy Thomas | Carolina Bluegrass Style

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tommy Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tommy, what principle do you value most?
Carolina Bluegrass Style is a four piece Bluegrass Band consisting of Guitar, Banjo, Fiddle and Bass. The Band was born 18 months ago when musicians David Prosser (Banjo), Tyler Chasteen (Guitar), Don Ashley (Fiddle) and Tommy Thomas (Bass) were asked to put together a band to perform with Palmetto Chamber Orchestra. Every member of the band had performed professionally for years but this band had a different concept. Everyone wanted to bring to an audience a variety of music genres played in a Bluegrass Style. Thus the band Carolina Bluegrass Style was born.

The Values and Principles of the Band began to emerge. The focus was on entertainment. The performances had to be fun, exciting and powerful for both the audience and the band. Audience participation was a major goal. The Bands plays without a set list, has a depth of music available and adapts every performance to the crowd. Requests are strongly encouraged. The better the crowd response the better the band plays.

We believe that our love for the music, special attention to our fans and sheer fun have contributed to our rapid rise in popularity. The growth has been way beyond our expectations. We thank our fans and venues for everything.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Each member of Carolina Bluegrass Style brings something to the Band. Artistically, David Prosser and Don Ashely bring years of experience with the band Carolina Rebels. A highly successful group playing nationwide and in Canada. They had the opportunity to perform with the cream of the crop of Bluegrass artists. Their experiences, skill with their instrument and Don’s ability as MC are invaluable.

Tyler Chasteen, Guitar and vocals help to bind the group and sound of the band. His talent, versatility and vocals allow us to play a wide range of music from Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet to Bill Monroe.

Tommy Thomas, Bass brings to the group his experience playing Jazz, Big Band, Classical and Bluegrass. With the ability to play a straight bluegrass rhythm or a swinging walking line.

What we have learned along this path is that each member brings something unique. You have to take advantage of that skill. We constantly listen to each other as we play. We play as a group not individually.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
All the members of the Band live in the Columbia, SC Metropolitan Area. Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce are all vibrant cities within Greater Columbia. The music scene is an important part of the areas life. A vibrant Jazz scene, Solo Musicians, Classical Productions and bands of all types perform daily. Bluegrass Music has strong roots in the community with Bills Picking Parlor, the home of South Carolina Bluegrass and Traditional Music Association and a short drive away, The Southeaster Bluegrass Association in Darlington, SC.

In Columbia Carolina Bluegrass Style is proud to perform regularly at Hazelwood Brewing Company Bluegrass Thursdays and Savage Craft Ale Works.

While the Band is based in Columbia we have been fortunate enough to broaden our reach into Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina.. With the ability to also base out of Boone and Asheville we have been invited to play at a number of historic Bluegrass Venues. Blue Mountain Pizza, The Marshall Depot, The Orchard at Altapass, Saunders Old Country Store and festivals in Burnsville and Spruce Pine, NC. Georgia has produced opportunities at Everett’s Barn, Twin Oaks Bluegrass Festival and The West Georgia Opry. The Band is currently expanding it’s presence in Tenneesse with WDVX Knoxville, Boyd’s Jig and Reel, The Woodshed and The Mountain Opry Chattanooga. And finally our home state we have played Fiddle and Bow, The Beacon Spartanburg and Electric City Bluegrass Radio.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost credit has to be given to Maestra Suzanna Pavlovsky. Suzanna believed in the band from the beginning. She encouraged us to form the band, gave us the initial platform to perform and has been a mentor ever since. She has shared her talents with us and is a visionary musician, artistic director and conductor in her own right.

Second we could not make it without our fans. Our audiences drive the band. They are what make all the work, travel and performances so much fun. With their support we have a packed schedule for the rest 2024 and are now booking in to 2025.

Third has to be the venues. We have met so many great people who provide the avenue for us to perform. We would have to thank Matt at Blue Mountain Pizza in Weaverville, NC. Our second performance came as a result of a email to Matt asking to play at Blue Mountain. We now consider Blue Mountain Pizza to be our home stage and we perform there every month. We are currently booked there through April 2025.

Website: https://carolinabluegrassstyle.com/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolina_bluegrass_style/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089259771221

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Carolina_Bluegrass_Style