What's On! Mission Music: Tony Ivan O'Hara

by Ellen Nguyen 

On July 26, 2024, singer-songwriter Tony Ivan O'Hara launched his latest album, Harder Times. Known for his soulful blend of blues, soul, and R&B, Tony’s music speaks to the heart - sometimes with humour and lightness, and other times with deep introspection and emotion. For more information about him and his tunes, visit tonyivanoharamusic.com.

A Lifelong Passion for Music
From an early age, Tony found solace and joy in songwriting. Growing up in an unstable home, music became his escape. After leaving for a foster home, he began sharing his talent, creating songs that made his peers laugh. In his late teens, Tony moved from foster care in Ontario to George’s River, Cape Breton, where he discovered a vibrant musical community. With encouragement from his family and friends, he started singing in a band and learned to play guitar. "Tony, when you were first playin', you were the worst guitarist I ever heard; but now you don't suck too bad," joked his friend, Mike Jessome. Tony took this as a challenge, working tirelessly to improve his skills.

Finding a Home in Mission
In the early 2000s, Tony settled in Mission. Immersing himself in the local arts scene, he quickly became a part of its musical fabric. From the Mission Folk Music Festival to open mics hosted by community legends like Roger Potter, Tony found his place among local musicians and friends. Liisa Nessim ran the Mission Coffee House (now hosted by Mark and Karen Humpage), while Deborah Handley led community choirs, and there were songwriting groups, blues jams at the Historic Dewdney Pub, and monthly blues jams organized by the Fraser Valley Blues Society. Fiddler/singer/ songwriter Jennie Bice also hosted her own open mic and later formed a strings group. Through these connections, Tony co-founded the award-winning band Roads Unknown with Michael Jantzen, Solomon Janzen, and Jennie Bice, and formed the blues duo Strong Bow & Wry with Bice.

Before forming Roads Unknown, Tony played in the Fraser Valley-based blues/R&B band Lazerkatz. They recorded songs with Maple Blues Award-winning harmonica player Harpdog Brown (who passed away in 2022) and Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Jimmy D. Lane. Lazerkatz were runners-up in the 2015 Fraser Valley Blues contest. Tony’s current duo, Strong Bow & Wry, won the contest in 2023, earning a spot at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Roads Unknown released their first album, Where the Winds Blow, in 2021, and Tony and Jennie’s duo has toured extensively, with an album release planned for 2025.

The Making of Harder Times
In April 2024, Tony traveled to Toronto to record Harder Times. Opting for an “old school” approach, he and his band, led by guitarist and producer Tony Smith, recorded live with minimal overdubs, capturing the raw, authentic energy of his performances. The album features songs Tony has performed for years in the Fraser Valley, and for those who have often asked, “Do you have a CD?” - the answer is now a resounding yes.

Connecting Through Song
Tony’s music is deeply personal, yet universally relatable. Songs like “Mess with My Blues” showcase his playful side, while tracks like “Reason to Smile” and “Not Your Fault” - a song for abuse and trauma survivors - reveal his depth and compassion. Influenced by legends like Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Jimmy Rogers, and U2, Tony’s sound is a rich blend of classic and contemporary. He loves singers with “just a little broken” voices, finding authenticity in imperfection.

Tony’s Vision and Future PerformancesTony’s goal is to create music that uplifts and comforts. “I hope to keep writing, singing, recording, and performing until I am no longer breathing, and I hope that doing these things will help me breathe a little longer than I would without them,” he says. 
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Catch Tony hosting the Acoustic Open Mic every other Thursday at the Historic Dewdney Pub and performing with Strong Bow & Wry at Mic’d Up Murrayville on November 28th at Porter’s Bistro in Langley. You can also find his music on Bandcamp and Spotify.

Tony Ivan O'Hara’s music is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and community - a must-listen for any fan of blues, soul, and authentic storytelling.