Press Kit
Tommy Thomsen is a consummate performer whose charismatic stage presence and heartfelt vocals captivate audiences of all ages. Backed by The Ambassadors of Western Swing, the group’s talent is undeniable—each member showcases extraordinary musicianship, whether it’s through soulful steel guitar solos, toe-tapping fiddle melodies, or a rhythm section that keeps the crowd dancing all night. Their performances are a perfect balance of nostalgia and vibrancy, appealing to Western Swing enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether at a local dance hall, a music festival, or a private event, Tommy Thomsen and The Ambassadors of Western Swing create an unforgettable atmosphere that celebrates the rich history of this beloved genre.
I wholeheartedly recommend them for any occasion that calls for live music of the highest quality. They are professional, reliable, and an absolute joy to work with. If you’re looking to bring authentic Western Swing to your event, you won’t find a better band than Tommy Thomsen and The Ambassadors of Western Swing.
Janice King
(President) — Sonoma Valley Jazz Society
For Bookings contact Tommy at — pueblotom@aol.com
Instagram Page
Tommy’s Band “The Ambassadors of Western Swing”
(Tommy on piano, guitar and vocals)
Keyboards ——-— Wendy Dewitt “The Queen of Boogie Woogie”
Drums ————-—-Kirk Harwood (Norton Buffalo)
Doghouse Bass -— Mike Price (Dan Hicks)
Fiddle Master —- --Paul Shelaski (Jim Kewskin)
Jacob’s Sax ————-Kenny Snakebite (Kinky Friedman)
Trombone Master - Mike Rinta (Everyone….!!!)
“Tommy Thomsen has performed at the Sebastiani Theater on many occasions, and has always had an outstanding show, with many talented musicians. He is an incredible entertainer, musician, singer, and a real crowd pleaser. The people always love his show. I highly recommend him to any venue.”
Roger Rhoten — Executive Director — Sebastiani Theater
“Hi Tommy!!! Hey, all you promoters, Tommy’s the real deal!“
“He's got that kind of personality that brings people together when he gets up onstage.”
“Tommy is a real pro. He's got a good demeanor with audiences. He's one of those guys keeping the tradition alive.”
Steve Hathaway — Western Swing expert
'Tommy's the real deal. He's a very interesting guy, a fabulous musician. People love the personality.”
Ken Brown — Three-Time Sonoma Mayor
“Tommy Thomsen is not only a true aficionado of the Western Swing genre, he is a consummate musician and fantastic band leader. Our interactions have been of a high caliber and also a pleasure to perform his variety of crowd-pleasing songs!! For a night of high quality and fun entertainment, Tommy always delivers.“
“Tommy Thomsen is the finest raconteur of Western Swing music and the proprietor of “The Church of Western Swing” at the home of Bob Wills in Turkey, Texas. This man is the real deal and always has the best musicians playing with him.”
“As the host of a very popular and syndicated radio program I call Swinging Country, and most honored to be inducted into Four Western Swing Halls of Fame, I can wholeheartedly recommend Tommy Thomsen and The Ambassadors of Western Swing for any venue wanting authentic Western Swing music done right for any event.”
“Tommy Thomsen, to see him perform live in person is a thrilling experience to behold. Tommy takes hold of the crowd and never lets it go. He is a dynamic performer to say the least. He holds a crowd in awe as he sings and swings through his set… He’s been known to play for hours on end till the crowd heads home. A true professional in his element onstage. My advice is to hire that man…..! You won’t be disappointed.”
BB Morse — Bass Player — (Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Freddy Powers)
Hall of Fame Awards
1995 Sacramento Western Swing Society Hall of Fame
2007 Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame
2008 Seattle Pioneers of Western Swing Hall of Fame
2012 California Country Music Hall of Honor, Sacramento, California
2018 Cowtown Society of Western Swing Hall of Fame, Ft. Worth, Texas
2019 Sonoma Valley High School Hall of Fame - for Musical Achievement
2019 Academy of Western Artists Will Rogers Award for Best Group
Discography
Album Title - Date - Label
Western Jazz - 2001 - Pueblo
A Tribute to Wills Point - 2002 - Pueblo
Me and The Buffalo - 2002 - Pueblo
Live In Sonoma - 2006 - Pueblo
Thinking of You - 2008 - Pueblo
Crazy ‘bout Her Gravy - 2015 - Red Newt Records
Timeless Treasures for a Living Legend - A Tribute to Leon Rausch - 2019 - C.O.W.S. Records
Frank Sinatra Meets Bob Wills at the Church of Western Swing - 2020 - Pueblo
References
Mason, Clark, Western Swing Hall of Famer Tommy Thomsen of Sonoma is back in the saddle, The Press Democrat, Dec 11, 2015
Webber, George, Tommy Thomsen wouldn’t change a note, Sonoma Valley Sun, Oct 16, 2023
Curley, Tim, Tommy Thomsen brings some swing to Sebastiani Theatre, Sonoma Index-Tribune, Jan 1, 2025
Pepito, Joy, MARVELOUS MUSICIAN | Tommy Thomsen, Sonoma Sun, Jan 4, 2025
Soper Reese Theater: This site features information about Tommy’s performances and collaborations, including his work with Wendy DeWitt.
North Bay Live Music: Lists Tommy’s upcoming and past performances in Sonoma and Marin counties
GigSalad: Provides details about Tommy’s accolades and availability for performances.