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Tony Traguardo
"Popular music has an incredibly rich and colorful history. Through anecdotes, archival footage and recordings we can trace the careers of rock music's greatest performers, and learn more about what they were really trying to say."
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... has been playing music and hosting shows on 'terrestrial radio' since 1982. As a show host on both Tyme 109 and Podarama, and as a 'station guide' for Tivoli, Tony was a pioneer in the Internet radio industry. He has been lecturing and teaching since 1995.
In 1982, Tony debuted on WCWP-FM with both his weekly oldies program, and his unique 'Forward Into the Past' show. He played the great hits of the 60s and 70s, but also introduced audiences in the New York area to some great lost songs and forgotten bands. Tony and fellow Beatles fan Kathy VanTassell co-created the nationally recognized radio show 'BeatleTrax' in 1984. But by 1986 Tony was flying solo on the show, and in February of that year, he had the honor and distinction of presenting the first lengthy U.S. interview with original Beatles drummer Pete Best. 'BeatleTrax' also gained notoriety because the show's Tony's tendency to play 'rare' takes, unique mixes, and seldom-heard cuts.
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Tony is an archivist who has been collecting rare music and video footage for nearly thirty years. By day, he is a Media Librarian and Multimedia Technician for a major public library. He hosts, and selects performers for, the library's highly successful 'SoundSwap' live music events. During his 'off hours' he can be found lecturing at various libraries, universities and theaters. His Beatles-related lectures cover topics as varied as the 1964 Australian tour, the final 1966 tour, the recently 'discovered' Nagra audio reels of 'Let It Be' sessions, and the John and Paul 'feud in song' of the early 70s. Tony has also co-produced small theater tours for Art Garfunkel (2012-13), as well as musical events at the Hillwood Recital Hall in Brookville, NY.
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Tony featured on Channel 12 news
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Tony's foray into Internet-based radio began with the creation of his show '4F' (short for 'Free Format For Free') in 2005. The program first surfaced on the Live365 Internet network, but eventually landed at Podarama.com. With new co-host Winifred Boyd on board, the show led to Tony's return to WCWP-FM. Tony continues to host '4F', where he is occasionally treated to on-air visits from Winifred Boyd. He was also delighted to work with radio legend Denis McNamaraOldies Digital Curator of international stations for Tivoli Radio's 'EDG Files' from 2009-2011.
The voices of any one of the Beatles, Stewie Grffith, Yogi Bear, George Burns, and dozens of unique original characters will often sneak out of Tony's mouth, and his creativity has led to some interesting voice-over work. But it is his 'real' voice that has served him well as lead vocalist for the 60s and 70s band 'Shindig!', a group that celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2018.
Tony served on the Board of Directors of one of New York's oldest community theater groups for over a decade, and he wrote, directed and performed in a many shows for the organization. He is an internationally performed playwright, and his original stage adaptations of Hans Christian Andersen children's stories led Play Troupe to a tour of England, Scotland and Wales in 1995.
Tony also develops original programs with fellow industry professionals. With legendary New York DJ and author Pete Fornatale, Tony co-created what was lovingly referred to as the 'dog and pony stage show' lectures to promote the late DJ's books 'Simon & Garfunkel's Bookends' and 'Back to the Garden: The Story of Woodstock'. He also produced, engineered and edited the audiobook edition of 'Bookends'. He continues to do variations of the program that he co-produced, in honor of his friend.
Tony served on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame for nearly ten years. He was the primary scriptwriter for the group's five gala events, and produced and assembled many of the video presentations that accompanied each induction.
Since 2012, Tony has been delighted to work closely with two old friends, fellow Beatles historians Mitch Axelrod and Rob Leonard, as the co-creator and co-host of 'Fab 4 Free 4 All', a highly successful Beatles-related podcast series. He is also the Narrator for legendary folk duo Aztec;s Two-Step's 'Simon & Garfunkel Songbook' concert performances.
Have a look at some of Tony's music-related and computer-related multi-media lecture presentations available now for booking!
The voices of any one of the Beatles, Stewie Grffith, Yogi Bear, George Burns, and dozens of unique original characters will often sneak out of Tony's mouth, and his creativity has led to some interesting voice-over work. But it is his 'real' voice that has served him well as lead vocalist for the 60s and 70s band 'Shindig!', a group that celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2018.
Tony served on the Board of Directors of one of New York's oldest community theater groups for over a decade, and he wrote, directed and performed in a many shows for the organization. He is an internationally performed playwright, and his original stage adaptations of Hans Christian Andersen children's stories led Play Troupe to a tour of England, Scotland and Wales in 1995.
Tony also develops original programs with fellow industry professionals. With legendary New York DJ and author Pete Fornatale, Tony co-created what was lovingly referred to as the 'dog and pony stage show' lectures to promote the late DJ's books 'Simon & Garfunkel's Bookends' and 'Back to the Garden: The Story of Woodstock'. He also produced, engineered and edited the audiobook edition of 'Bookends'. He continues to do variations of the program that he co-produced, in honor of his friend.
Tony served on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame for nearly ten years. He was the primary scriptwriter for the group's five gala events, and produced and assembled many of the video presentations that accompanied each induction.
Since 2012, Tony has been delighted to work closely with two old friends, fellow Beatles historians Mitch Axelrod and Rob Leonard, as the co-creator and co-host of 'Fab 4 Free 4 All', a highly successful Beatles-related podcast series. He is also the Narrator for legendary folk duo Aztec;s Two-Step's 'Simon & Garfunkel Songbook' concert performances.
Have a look at some of Tony's music-related and computer-related multi-media lecture presentations available now for booking!