Nobody Jones

By: Jo'Siah Shonp

60mins, 18+

Artistry takes you to & through some crazy places. From the humble beginnings growing up in Meadville, PA (exactly.. where???) Let’s just say near Pittsburgh. I’ve managed to grow my skill a vocalist, pianist, & artistry that is globally recognized. But, having the privilege of performing in over 12 countries, 3 continents, in 4 languages, to audiences as diverse and represented as the White House pretends to be is not an easy task.

Beginning in 1998, I traverse through years of experiences meant to destroy my spirit and hush my voice, only they’ve taught me the true reason a cages bird sings.

Spring of 1999-Summer of 2009 (Act 1)
The show begins with Tyree Jones, roughly age 4 shyly walking up to a local church pianist and asking to learn “how to move my fingers that fast”. Undoubtedly impressed with my drive to seek what I want, I acquire my first Music teacher (voice only) who shows me the fundamentals of ear-training until my siblings and I are removed from our abusive mother’s home, separated from one another, and made to live an experience no child should ever have to live.

Summer of 2009-Winter of 2017 (Act 1.5)
After being removed from our childhood home, I lose access not only to my music teacher, but to an entire community of people I never believed I could live without. I fell into a despair. Having only a few songs stored in my memory to hum for comfort. This is until I land in the city of Aliquippa where by chance it’s discovered that I can sing, very well. Thrust aggressively into the dying art scene of this community, I eventually found a home my art could grow in. But not just my art, a deep understanding of self as a Black Male Artist. For the first time in almost a decade, I feel, “maybe I could be an artist” until my first major audition where it’s disclosed to me during an audition that I am not going to be considered for a role because of my height & my race. The experience shattered me. But, in picking up the pieces I discover, I can wallow in pity thinking about the things they say I can’t do, or I can remember who I am and always be mindful of one fantastic quote. “Your playing small, doesn’t serve the World.”

Fall of 2017- Fall of 2022 (Act 2)
Fall of 2012 marks my first year at Norfolk State University. Meaning only to study theatre, as I’ve made my determination I must become a producer of Theatre. Walking through the halls miserably I stopped by Professor Stockard who inquired about my piano and voice skills as they’re listed on my resume. ALWAYS LIST YOUR SKILLS ON YOUR RESUME. ALL’UM!

For four years I serve as the exclusive Musical Director and help produce such works as The Color Purple, Once On This Island, Tribute to Motown, Whitney Houston, & Aretha Franklin, as well as work with another theatre in Norfolk who shall remain nameless where I was ultimately fired for refusing to break protocol. I haven’t been able to find work in Norfolk since. It breaks my heart and drives me into a deep year-long depression that is upending with an offer to sing and play piano for cruise ships & yachts all around the world.

Fall of 2022-… (Act 2.5)
Traveling the world sounds like a dream & at times it feels like it. But “cruise life” as they affectionately call it has just as many lows as it does highs. For the first time in my life I’m offered cocaine (multiple times) & find it increasingly more difficult to refuse. I receive some of the most glowing and impassioned compliments (some sexually charged ones as well). I have my first experiments with make-up, high heeled shoes, and clothes that glimmer! First kiss with a boy. Soooo many firsts.🫣 for the first time, I take a deep bracing look at my naked form after a long night of drinking (will be censored on stage) and truly begin my journey of self-love. have to learn how to operate the business world of music and art with no experience, no agent, no family to call on cause none have ever traversed this far. I must find my strength within. There is no one left to rely on. Well.. except me. I’ve been with me the whole journey. And the journey’s not over. Only the things I thought I wanted, I no longer want. What’ll I do?

Featuring:

Tyree Jones
Jo’Siah Shon