Ushering in a new golden age of live entertainment is Ted Garber, a genre-bending multi-instrumentalist whose “BluesAmericanaRock” combines classic showmanship with a captivating singer-songwriter sensibility. His smokey, bluesy vocals, howling harmonica riffs and screaming guitar licks are enticing audiences worldwide, taking us on a diverse musical journey from the Big Apple to the Big Easy, hovering in the Mississippi Delta before heading South of the Border.
Ask Ted about his musical influences, and four passions shine through- the iconic time-honored entertainers such as Elvis and Springsteen, his late folk-rock musician father, the rhythm and blues scene of New Orleans, and insatiable globe-trotting. His thirst for new experiences has led him to more than 30 countries on five continents. Whether it’s a dingy shantytown motel room in Tanzania, a Brazilian beach hut jam session, a single-mom waiting tables at Denny’s, or the smiling shoe-shining oracle on a New Orleans street corner, Garber’s walking, hitching, gigging, chicken-and-goat-bus-cultural-immersion is what steers his musical odyssey.
Ted kicked off his career performing covers on the streets of New Orleans for tips, where he balanced academic studies at Tulane University with his passion for playing. Inspired by the vibrancy of the city and realizing his natural ability to connect with a crowd, he honed his talent for original material. Ted went on to open for the likes of Pat McGee and has performed in venues as diverse as DC’s legendary 9:30 Club, Blues Alley, and the Strathmore, LA’s The Viper Room, and Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe. He is a two time winner of the WAMA Pop/Rock Recording of the Year for his albums “Live At Strathmore” (2011) and “American Rail” (2010), was named DC’s Top Entertainer by WUSA-Channel 9, and won On Tap Magazine’s Battle of the Bands “Taste of Arlington” Competition in 2006.
A highlight in Ted’s career was becoming an “Artist In Residence” (AIR) at the prestigious Strathmore Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC. The program offers six local artists, out of hundreds of applicants, access to an artist development fellowship program. Ted continued to hone his talent, selling out three consecutive concerts at the Mansion in early 2011. Two of these public concerts were recorded, and transformed into his highly successful 2011 album “Live at Strathmore”.
Ted’s most recent musical offering is “Santa Claus Is Goin’ To Town”, a collection of fresh interpretations of classic holiday songs. The album features beloved tracks like ‘Frosty the Snowman’, ‘Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer’ and the ‘Christmas Song’ ballad. Yet again, Ted showcases his trademark versatility and energy, with influences ranging from jazz, funk, punk, blues, and big-band, all wrapped up into one timeless holiday gift.
What’s next for Ted Garber? Anything is possible.
