Tons of Fun University

Tons of Fun University

Infobox musical artist
Name = Tons of Fun University


Img_size =
Landscape =
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Genre = Spoken word
Years_active = 2003-present
Label = Battle Axe Records
Current_members = Shane Koyczan, C. R. Avery, Mighty Mike McGee

Tons of Fun University is a musical, spoken word trio based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, which formed in 2003. It consists of Canadian poets Shane Koyczan and C. R. Avery, and American poet Mighty Mike McGee.

The group tours their self-described "talk rock" around many of the North American music festivals and theaters. Tons of Fun University, also known as T.O.F.U., are historically rooted in poetry slam. In 2000, Koyczan became the first international slam poet to win the National Poetry Slam Individual Grand Championship, an award won by McGee in 2003. Avery became noticed in the Vancouver poetry slam scene by incorporating keyboards, harmonica, poetry and beatboxing – simultaneously – throughout his performances. These elements are heavily used in the group's performances, along with influences pulled from hip hop, rock and roll, folk music and spoken word. They have described themselves as a cross between LL Cool J and Sylvia Plath. [ [http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/arts_life/story.html?id=7ca8a190-ef9e-4ce2-bfed-d698ebacaec6&k=4550 Musical grace amid rants] ]

Tons of Fun University was formed in August 2003 by Shane Koyczan and Mike McGee and first performed at the Café Deux Soleil on 16 December 2003. C.R. Avery joined in 2004 with the trios debut at the 2004 Vancouver Folk Music Festival. [ [http://www.reginafolkfestival.com/performers/?a=va&c=41905110245 2007 Regina Folk Festival] ] The group was commissioned to write a poem/song for the mainstage event called "Come A Long Way". The groups performance at the 2005 Vancouver Folk Music Festival was seen by Youthink Magazine as one of the highlights of the concert. [ [http://www.youthink.ca/reviews/concerts/VanFolk.html VFF Showcases Eclectic Music From Around the Globe] ]

Discography

"The Them They're Talking About" (EP), 2005

References

External links

* [http://www.myspace.com/tonsoffununiversity Tons of Fun University's Official Myspace Profile]
* [http://www.mikemcgee.net/tofu Tons of Fun University's Homepage]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Shane Koyczan — Shane L. Koyczan (born 22 May 1976) is a Canadian poet.Born in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, he grew up in Penticton, British Columbia. In 2000, he became the first Canadian to win the Individual Championship title at the National Poetry… …   Wikipedia

  • Mighty Mike McGee — Mike McGee, November 18, 2005 Michael Matthew McGee, more commonly known as Mighty Mike McGee (born January 12, 1976), is an American slam poet.[1] Born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, McGee is the oldest of eight children from several marriages. He… …   Wikipedia

  • New Cutie Honey — Cover art of North American Essential Anime release by ADV Films, 2004 …   Wikipedia

  • James Marshall (author) — James Marshall (October 10, 1942 October 13, 1992) is a children s author and illustrator and was born in San Antonio, Texas where he grew up on his family s farm. His father worked on the rail road, was a band member in the 1930 s, and his… …   Wikipedia

  • Sideways — Infobox Film name = Sideways caption = Theatrical Poster director = Alexander Payne producer = Michael London George Parra writer = Novel: Rex Pickett Screenplay: Alexander Payne Jim Taylor starring = Paul Giamatti Thomas Haden Church Virginia… …   Wikipedia

  • Michael Zagurski — Infobox MLB player width = 150 name=Mike Zagurski position=Relief pitcher team=Philadelphia Phillies number=59 bats=Left throws=Left birthdate=birth date and age|1983|1|27 debutdate=May 25 debutyear=2007 debutteam=Philadelphia Phillies… …   Wikipedia

  • Cabbage — This article is about the vegetable. For other uses, see Cabbage (disambiguation). Cabbage Cabbage and its cross section Details …   Wikipedia

  • Lou Monte — (April 2, 1917–June 12, 1989) born Louis Scaglione, was an Italian American singer best known for a number of best selling, Italian themed novelty records which he recorded for both RCA Records and Reprise Records in the late 1950s and early… …   Wikipedia

  • performing arts — arts or skills that require public performance, as acting, singing, or dancing. [1945 50] * * * ▪ 2009 Introduction Music Classical.       The last vestiges of the Cold War seemed to thaw for a moment on Feb. 26, 2008, when the unfamiliar strains …   Universalium

  • Business and Industry Review — ▪ 1999 Introduction Overview        Annual Average Rates of Growth of Manufacturing Output, 1980 97, Table Pattern of Output, 1994 97, Table Index Numbers of Production, Employment, and Productivity in Manufacturing Industries, Table (For Annual… …   Universalium

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”