The Beginning of a Rising Star
TommyG got into singing the way many kids do—he just loved it. From the start, he wasn’t afraid to get up in front of a crowd. In primary school, he’d jump at every chance to sing at talent shows and assemblies. While most kids were daydreaming through online classes during COVID, TommyG asked for more singing lessons. That alone tells you a lot about his drive.
Fast-forward a few years, and this Texas-born teen found himself spending his summer not at the pool, but on stage in New York City—performing at some of the most legendary venues in rock history. The Mercury Lounge. DROM. And the iconic Bitter End, where legends like Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, and Lady Gaga once stood. Not bad for a 13-year-old from the Lone Star State.
From Texas Gigs to the Big Apple
What makes TommyG’s story special is that he didn’t get there through some big talent show or viral video. Nope—his journey was a little more grassroots. After the pandemic, he joined a local band that needed a singer. They started playing at community events, school functions, and small-town venues around Brazoria, Texas. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real. He performed everything from Vince Gill to Chris Stapleton, learning how to handle a crowd along the way.
Eventually, his band director sent a video of him performing to Kids Rock for Kids, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that connects young musicians from around the world. TommyG, being the go-getter he is, followed them on Instagram and messaged them directly saying he wanted in. And guess what? When they put together the lineup for their July festival, they chose him.
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Meet Pangea: A Global Teen Rock Band
The band TommyG joined was called Pangea—a fitting name for a group that literally brought together musicians from across the globe. There was Yoyoka Soma from Japan on drums, Bay Melnick Virgolino from New York on guitar, Aanika Pai from Gibraltar also on guitar, Maximo Olmedo from Chile on bass, and Olivia Catalano from Long Island sharing vocals with TommyG.
Together, they rocked through three iconic New York venues in four days, performing covers that got real applause—not just the polite kind. The energy was raw, the chemistry was natural, and TommyG’s stage presence stood out.
The Bitter End: A Dream Realized
Of all the stages, playing The Bitter End was the ultimate highlight. Think about it—this is a venue with more than 50 years of music history. When you step on that stage, you’re standing in the same spot where careers were born. For a kid from suburban Texas, that had to feel surreal.
But TommyG didn’t just show up—he showed out. Confident, focused, and full of energy, he held his own among a lineup of young international stars. By the end of the festival, Pangea had left an impression, and TommyG had proven he belonged on stages that big.
The Joffrey Experience: Training Like a Pro
But here’s the twist—New York wasn’t just about the festival. TommyG had already been there for weeks attending the Musical Theater Summer Intensive at the Joffrey Ballet School. This wasn’t a summer camp—it was a serious audition-based program where students trained in singing, acting, and dance under Broadway professionals.
Each week focused on a new musical: Hell’s Kitchen, The Lion King (where TommyG played Simba), and Wicked. Between classes, the students even went to see the actual Broadway productions they were studying. Imagine learning choreography by day and then watching professionals perform it live that night—it’s like studying basketball and then watching LeBron play that evening.
The program, led by Matthew Prescott and Maximilien Baud, pushed every student hard. TommyG handled three weeks of nonstop rehearsals before even stepping into his Kids Rock for Kids gigs. That’s dedication on another level.
Back to His Roots
When the summer ended, TommyG didn’t slow down. Back home in Texas, he kept performing—this time at Opry nights in Alvin, singing classics like “Liza Jane,” “Chicken Fried,” and “Tennessee Whiskey.” Different vibe from New York’s rock shows, but that’s the beauty of TommyG—he’s comfortable in both boots and sneakers, in both country and rock.
He even performed “Die with a Smile” at his school’s pop show, earning big cheers from classmates. On top of that, he’s already writing his own songs. His latest single, “Good Life Lovin’,” dropped last summer—a laid-back, beachy tune that feels like a perfect soundtrack for summer break. Before that, he released “SIO” with a full music video back in February 2024.
A Family That Believes in the Dream
Behind every rising artist, there’s usually a strong support system, and TommyG’s family plays a major role. His dad helps manage the business side of things, his teachers help refine his sound, and his sister—who used to sing in the car—was actually the one who first inspired him to start singing seriously. It’s clear TommyG hasn’t forgotten where he comes from.
Conclusion: Just Getting Started
At 13, most kids are figuring out their hobbies. TommyG is already living his dream. From small-town stages in Texas to the bright lights of New York City, his journey shows what passion, hard work, and a little courage can do. He’s not just a kid with talent—he’s an artist with vision.
One thing’s for sure: this summer was just the beginning. TommyG is on the rise, and the world is starting to notice.
Follow TommyG on Instagram: @tommyg_ra
