Tony Vani has been making music in the Belleville area for decades. Folks in the music community know his as a versatile performer, cranking out blues and Classic Rock with the Stir, Gospel Blues with, Tony Vani and The Holy Blues Band, solo performances and some work with slide guitarist Kenny Pauze. He is also founder of the yearly Belleville Downtown Blues Festival.
Tony, on his own, performs as a compelling single act. He is also a leading member of three other dynamic groups,"Tony Vani and the Holy Blues Band", The Stir." and "Tony Vani and Kenny Pauze." As a solo act, he combines both his own original material mixed with some popular cover tunes. Tony Vani and The Holy Blues Band perform Gospel infused blues as well as other gospel favourites in other genres that suit his audience. His band, "The Stir," is Blues and Classic Rock based and have played in the local area for the past 20 years. As well, Tony has teamed up with slide guitar specialist Kenny Pauze to form Tony Vani and Kenny Pauze. Their music focuses on Delta Blues and Folk styles but covers a range of styles, from boogies to down and dirty blues.
Tony's last CD of originals is called "Her Blues". CD Columnist David Reed in his review says, "Tony is a respected singer and guitarist, but it is his harmonica playing that really grabs me by the throat. The best description of his playing is "authentic."I hear flashes of of Charlie Musselwhite and the immortal Little Walter in his playing. You should buy this record." He is now working on a CD of originals with a dog theme as he owns 6 of them.