About Me

Tony Wagner

Originating out of Appleton, WI, Tony studied at the famed Lawrence Conservatory of Music, where he began his career with the nationally known jazz fusion group Matrix.  After leaving Matrix, Tony became a long time member of Janet Planet’s jazz combo. In the Fox Cities, Tony also founded and operated the widely known Tony’s Drum Shops. These  stores  catered  to drummers and percussionists. In addition he became well known for his reputation in educating  young drummers. The drum shops in Green Bay & Appleton had over 250 students taking lessons on a weekly basis. During his ownership of the drum shops Tony brought many of the world’s most famous drummers to the area for semi-annual drum clinics such as Steve Smith, Dave Weckl , Anton Fig and Jack DeJohnette.

For decades, Tony was also the founder/leader of the the award winning & Milwaukee based band Streetlife, the house band for the Milwaukee Bucks.  While in Streetlife, Tony toured the U.S & Europe, playing music festivals and recording 4 CD’s with Streetlife. After moving to Central WI, Tony joined Otis & the Alligators, blues band for 2 years.  He now continues his career as an independent artist spearheading a unique musical venue, bringing world class musicians to the area. Tony recently opened a state of the art private drum studio to once again personally educate young drummers, while maintaining a busy performance schedule of 100 concert dates per year.

Recordings:

A Night in the Park- Streetlife

Live at the Red Mill- Streetlife

Conversations- Streetlife

Both Sides of the Street- Streetlife

What is This?- Lifetime with Janet Planet

Musical Groups:

MoJoe & Flipside,  Alex Wilson Band, Daddio

My Work

Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble, Streetlife, Janet Planet, Matrix, Fire & Ice

Otis & the Alligators, Alex Wilson Band

News:

I have just signed a contract to endorse Yamaha Drums and am playing the new Recording Custom in Surf Green,  the Custom Live in Black, and the Manu Katche in Blueberry.

This September I finished recording sessions with Alex Wilson for his upcoming CD. I will keep you posted on its release date.