MEET THE BAND
Django’s Tiger is a mid-Missouri based trio featuring two guitars and a double bass. These musicians bring their own sound to classic gypsy jazz inspired songs and instrumentals. Although their personalities are quite different, their enthusiasm for the music has forged a common bond to create a dynamic ensemble. The result is a stylish, captivating sound that leaves a lasting impression.
THOM HOWARD
Lead Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals
Harnessing his strong technical background and gift of a good ear, Thom Howard provides impeccable lead guitar and vocals as the front man of Django’s Tiger. His diversity and unique melodic technique supplies the fundamental elements of countless styles tastefully being injected into one.
Thom has been playing music for more than thirty years. At age 12, he started group lessons in his elementary after-school program, landing his first paying gig at 15. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Music from Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. He fine-tuned his jazz skills while studying with international Gypsy Jazz scholar Michael Horowitz.
His musical journey has taken him throughout Belgium, Ireland and Switzerland; including the Brosella Festival, the Ulster-American Folk Park, the Over Easy Bluegrass Festival and the Musee des Instruments de Musique. He has also performed throughout the Midwest, showcasing his skills at the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, Pea Ridge Historic Battleground, and the Rocky Mountain Ragtime Festival. Thom has been recognized as a Kansas State Fingerpicking Champion, received Honorable Mention in the Latin Music Category of the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, and released a solo CD, Sometimes a Guitar is Just a Guitar.
POY DE LEON
Rhythm Guitar
Poy de Leon drives the rhythm with an abundance of energy and self-expression. He brings a steady swing to the chugging la pompe rhythm on the guitar.
When he reached the age of 15, Poy began learning the guitar. Throughout his teen years, he focused mainly on rock and blues tunes. After moving abroad, he was introduced to additional genres. He quickly became immersed in the classical compositions of Andres Segovia, the flamenco techniques of Sabicas and the jazz manner of Django Reinhardt. He spent four years traveling about Europe, discovering the traditional stylings of genuine gypsy jazz musicians.
Poy spent several years performing in bands while in Japan and England. He also focused on teaching guitar to promising young musicians. He moved to Columbia in 2004 and continues to shine in Django’s Tiger as he builds excitement in his heavy, insistent beats.
MARK ATKINS LIEBERMAN
Upright Bass
Mark Atkins Lieberman offers skillful technique as he walks the bass line in Django’s Tiger. His creativity, infectious personality and ability to play many different styles have music lovers taking notice.
No stranger to the stage, Mark has been performing for more than 34 years. Growing up in NYC, his parents frequently exposed him to a diverse range of music. He honed his proficiency in stringed instruments while studying at the Brooklyn Conservatory Of Music, and gigging around NYC and The Catskills
Mark is an exceptionally supportive accompanist, creating dynamic bass lines and excelling at more than a few stringed instruments. Throughout his career, he has worked as a freelance guitarist and bassist and has helped propel many of the Midwest’s finest bands. He continues to maintain a vibrant groove while charming listeners.