Bio:
Papa Thom will be in Holland from April 12 to May 12, 2025 to Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation. Papa's Father was Major Murray Thom of the Royal Canadian Dragoons and he led his squadron into the city of Leeuwarden on April 15th, 1945. He will be honouring his Father at several locations across Holland.
(this picture is his father leading his men into Leeuwarden)
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Imagine the power of music bringing hope and funds where they're needed most. BC singer-songwriter Keith “Papa” Thom is embarking on a heartfelt Canadian tour, using his songs and stories to lift up the unhoused and undernourished across the country.
He will be doing a fundraiser for Wilmot Family Resource Centre on Saturday, October 25th, at St George Anglican Church in New Hamburg from 3 to 5pm.
Keith “Papa” Thom is travelling from BC to Ontario at the end of September for 5 weeks, performing Fundraisers to support those in need of housing, nutritious food and any non-profit that assists persons who require assistance of any kind.
From 2009 to 2014, he drove across Canada every winter, cooking Shepherd’s Pie in homeless shelters. In those 5 years, he cooked for over 3000 folks and donated 48 guitars to the same shelters.
He is 71 years old now, so he has decided that driving before the snow falls is a safer alternative; his wife also advised him that it is a better choice. I think she loves him lol. Along with music, he is also the Deputy Mayor of Peachland, BC.
Keith “Papa” Thom can be contacted at keithpthom@gmail.com or visit his website at papathom.com . You can also call him directly at 250-870-8891.
Thank you for your time.
Mary Lynn Pallett / Manager / Wife / Biggest Fan
From 2008 to 2012 he travelled across Canada in the dead of winter cooking Shepherd's Pie in various soup kitchens where he would invite the media and local politicians to attend as a means of raising awareness of the issues of homelessness, addictions and mental illness.
Papa Thom began his musical adventure over 50 years ago, playing the clubs and coffee houses of Toronto and then crossing the ocean to spend a year in Europe. He played gigs in sunny Spain, North Africa and in Holland where he was warmly received as the 'Canada Kid'. An original tune, Bush’s Inn went to #3 on Dutch radio stations.
While his chosen genre of music is best categorized as folk, Keith "Papa" Thom is an accomplished singer/songwriter in numerous styles. He’s a natural on guitar with fingers flowing effortlessly over the frets. His voice is strong, diction clear, and range impressive. Of particular strength, though, is his lyrical brilliance. As a songwriter, Keith applies verbs, nouns, and adjectives to music scales like a master artist applies brush and paint to canvas. His literary work generally happens with ease.
“I write about life, about people – what they do, how they feel. I guess I analyze a lot of what I see and hear and then try to make sense of it all through a song.”
Capital News 2013