Tom Willner leads a double life. By day he’s a self-described “math nerd” and technology director at Georgia State University. By night, he’s a musician, singer-songwriter, speaker, and author.
On Friday, April 12, Willner will give a special concert of original music at Midtown’s Ponce Church. There will also be inspirational stories alongside his Urban Blue band and GSU’s Voices of Victory gospel choir led by Jeremiah Brown. Drinks and dinner by Sweet Georgia Brown’s Catering will be available for purchase.
“I love a small live concert experience,” Willner said. “A mix of original songs and a few covers with a particular ensemble in a place that’s amazing – all for under $50.”
Music helped Willner process his cancer diagnosis and treatment a quarter century ago. He underwent major surgeries for testicular cancer only to have the disease spread to his lungs. After more surgery and chemotherapy, he was cancer free. During his recovery, his wife became pregnant with their first of three children via IVF, since Willner’s treatments left him unable to conceive naturally. To make sense of these highs and lows, Willner wrote a musical called “Turning Thirty.”
“Music was my catharsis,” Willner said. “So, I started using my music and stories to help people understand my patient experience and life lessons learned. I don’t take anything for granted.”
To date, Willner has taught 2,500+ health care workers and graduate students, reached 110,000+ viewers with his TEDx Talk and wrote a book chronicling the creation of each song for his musical.
The small live concert experience is his latest vehicle for using stories and music to foster compassion, wisdom, and joy. Last year he performed with a string quartet and French horn. This year he sought a gospel choir accompaniment.
“As a GSU staff member, I contacted the music school and was immediately connected to Jeremiah Brown,”…
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