by Lorie Lewis Ham
I have been enjoying Thomas Hayes’ beautiful voice on stage for a number of years, as he has performed in numerous shows here in the Valley, including recently in The Secret Garden at Roger Rocka’s—reviewed here in KRL. He attended Dinuba High School and currently lives in Fresno. I have watched him grow as a performer and continue to be impressed by his talent. Recently, I also became aware of his solo work and decided it was time to sit down and chat with him about his music. Now seemed the perfect time, as he will be doing some holiday shows this December.
Thomas in GCP’s production of “The Secret Garden”
KRL: When did you first begin singing?
Thomas: Gosh, the farthest I can remember singing in front of a crowd was eight years old. Growing up I dealt with asthma and feet that are flatter than pancakes, so I wasn’t too great at sports when I was a kid! One day my mom suggested I try out for the community musical to see if I liked it since I enjoyed singing around the house. Ever since then, I haven’t stopped
KRL: When did you begin performing your own concerts?
Thomas: I dabbled in small gigs such as weddings during college, but it became too hard to balance my school schedule. It wasn’t until after Covid I came back full swing performing places up and down the valley.
KRL: What type of music do you perform?
Thomas on stage
KRL: Do you perform with an instrument, band, recorded music?
Thomas: When I perform, I typically perform solo with my acoustic guitar, and depending on the gig and atmosphere, sometimes I’ll integrate some drum tracks to help plus up the arrangement.
KRL: What is your typical concert like?
Thomas: Pretty low key, but I tend to try and play a big mix of stuff.
KRL: Where do you perform?
Thomas: I don’t have a set place honestly, but lately I’ve been at The Backyard Social Club in Clovis, The Woodward in Fresno, Summer Fox Brewing, and Kings River & Ramos Torres Wineries. Aside from the public gigs I’ll also play at the local Country Clubs, Weddings, and Other private parties
KRL: Do you write your own music? If not, how do you choose your songs?
Thomas: I don’t write my music, I’ve considered it, and if you go through my phone, you’ll find a good handful of partial lyrics and voice memo recordings of some melodies that pop in my head. Definitely something I’ve considered, maybe for next year. Overall though people I wanna hear what they know, so when I go out and play, yeah, I play stuff that I like, but I also try to think of what people in the area or at the venues I’m going to would like.
KRL: Do you have a CD/EP?
Thomas: I do not, maybe if I get some songs off the ground
KRL: I know you from your singing in shows, can you tell us a little about performing in musicals and when was your first time in a show?
Thomas: Yeah! Musicals are what really got me singing in the first place. First one I ever did was when I was eight years old The Wizard of Oz, ever since then, I’ve never really stopped throughout the years, at this point I’ve done over 30 shows
KRL: Wow that’s a lot! What are some of the shows you have been in, and what were your favorite roles?
Thomas: Oh gosh I’ve done a lot at this point, currently I’m wrapping up playing “Dicken” in The Secret Garden with Good Company Players up in Fresno. However, both of my favorite roles have been at the Selma Arts Center, dream roles for me, Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame which I did back in 2017, and recently Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys which I did this last summer.
Thomas as Frankie Valli at Selma Arts Center
KRL: Loved you in both of those shows! What is the hardest, singing in a show or in a concert?
Thomas: Definitely a musical, I don’t have to do this a lot as I tend to keep my voice in good shape, but if by chance my voice is tired or not up to where I usually am, I can play around with the keys of the songs to fit how my voice is feeling. In a musical, however, I can’t do that, the keys are locked in, and I have to hit the mark every performance.
KRL: What do you like best about each one?
Thomas at recent gig at Ramos Torres winery in kingsburg
KRL: Where can people find you online?
Thomas: They can find me on Instagram at: @ThomasHayesMusic559 and Thomas Hayes Music on Facebook. That’s where I post all my events in the valley.
KRL: What shows do you have coming up?
Thomas: Currently this month I’ll be playing at Howlin Wolf on November 12, twice at The Woodward on November 16 & 29, and Vinhos Wine bar in Merced, on November 22.
KRL: Are any of them holiday concerts?
Thomas: In November, no, but in December yes! All my gigs in December I integrate holiday music unless I am asked otherwise by the establishment. I’m still working on some dates but currently in December I’ll be back at The Backyard Social Club Dec. 8th, Axis Coffee in Madera Dec.13th, Kings River Winery Dec. 14th, and Table Mountain Casino in The Eagles Landing Steakhouse Dec. 20th
KRL: Future goals for your music?
Thomas: I think like any musician just to get out there more and perform more, and maybe try to start writing, it’s been in the back of my head for a while now.
KRL: Anything you would like to add?
Thomas: Just thank you for the interview and please follow me to where I’ll be at next @ThomasHayesMusic559 on Instagram and Thomas Hayes Music on Facebook!
Be sure to check out some of Thomas’ shows and if you are looking to enjoy some holiday music don’t miss his December ones!
Check out more local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. And don’t miss out on Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast where we feature mystery stories read by local actors!
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