Artist description It can be a real challenge sometimes to surround yourself by people who are uplifting in the music industry. A pure heart and magnetic energy, one second with Jeff Twardzik is all you'll need. Born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Jeff has been residing in the Philadelphia area for six years. He graduated from Temple University in 1993 with a B.S. in civil engineering, and put off music for a while. He has done nothing but plunge ahead musically ever since last May. So what, your ask, is a civil engineer for the Philadelphia Water Department doing when he is not at work? Working. On country music, that is. A natural singer since he was a child, Jeff began to explore the area of song writing a few years ago. He also began playing the guitar and accompanying himself, now performing throughout the Philadelphia and New Jersey areas at venues including the Keswick Theater, Trump Marina, The Point and the ever-popular Twisters Café. "My dream is to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. I'm doing everything I can now to get to that point," Jeff says with a usual air of modesty. If you've ever heard Jeff's mighty piercing voice, you'd agree that his dreams might not be so far off after all. And, with songs like "Holly Won't You Let Your Hair Down," which recently placed as a finalist in the LoveSongs international music contest, he's on his way. Smooth melodies and brilliantly simple-crafted songs that often recall the styles of influences such as Hal Ketchum and Radney Foster, Jeff writes songs from the heart. Songs that could easily find a crossover audience. And the catchy kind that you find yourself singing in line at a grocery store. Or at the water plant maybe. Currently working on finishing his first full production album, Jeff is continuing to perform live, as well as making trips to Nashville. His goals are impressive, his pacing unforced and wise, and his talent unmistakable. But, above all, what stands out most about Jeff Twardzik is his character. He's the guy standing in the middle of a room of fellow musicians. You know the one who exudes such warmth that all of a sudden everyone else there feels comfortable. The one whose soul shines through his song, and whose voice rises above. Keep your eyes out for a much-needed twist coming out of Philadelphia. The pipes are rumbling, and a little bit of Nashville is ready to burst right through.

Music Style Folk/Country

Musical Influences Hal Ketchum, James Taylor, Radney Foster, Billy Joel, Garth Brooks

Similar Artists Hal Ketchum, Garth Brooks

Artist History Jeff recently opened for Dwight Yoakam at the Keswick Theater, Diamond Rio at the Trump Marina in Atlantic City, Patty Loveless at the Broadway Theatre in Pitman, NJ, and John Michael Montgomery at the Keswick Theatre. Jeff has also been playing all the local original music venues including The Point and the Tin Angel.

Group Members Jeff Twardzik - vocals, guitar

Instruments Guitar

Albums Currently working on production of a full studio album to be released in the fall.

Press Reviews Andy Kimbel: "This guy should move to Nashville immediately!" Peter Tork(The Monkeys): "This guy has some really great stuff." Mark Waas: "You have to see this guy, he's the next big star in the area." Greg Simon (singer/songwriter): "Well crafted songs." Colleen McFarland: "Wonderful voice, great songs."

Additional Info He recently met some of his songwriting heroes, including Tony Arata, Kim Williams, Kent Blazy, and Pat Alger. He dueled with Raghib

Location Philadelphia, PA - USA

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