Tom and Shondra's Sedona Mission

(Sedona, Arizona) - If not for local clairvoyant, Jewels Carlson, also Shondra's sister, Sedona may have never been blessed with the talents of entertainment team Tom and Shondra Jepperson.

Acting on Jewels' encouragement, the singing and acting team made the move to Sedona from the southern California four and a half years ago. Since then, there's been no time to look back.

Tom studied acting at UCLA, the famed Desilu Studios in California, as well as independently with Stella Adler and the Jack Waltzer Workshop in New York City. He co-owned his own theme party production company for ten years. He received vocal training from numerous well known vocal teachers and coaches in L.A. and New York.

Shondra, MIDI sequencing guru of the duo, received scholarships and studied acting at the world renown Julliard School of Drama, and picked up her vast knowledge of vocalization and musical arrangement through years of traditional lessons and practical experience.

A couple for the past twenty-nine years, Tom and Shondra did not form their entertainment partnership until 1996 at the prompting of fans, friends and family.

The list of Tom and Shondra's local engagements and accomplishments would fill a collegiate note book. For the sake of space, here is the short list. Shondra is the director and chairperson of the breakfast business networking show at Los Abrigados called Good Morning Sedona and she is also the co-anchor and voice over talent along with John Conway of local cable Red Rock TV Channel 16.

Tom performs nightly as the irrepressible Otis at the Blazin' M Ranch and the two of them have also been performing their own show at the ranch called "Cowboys on Broadway & More!" on Monday nights. Together, Tom and Shondra perform "Sunday Night Live," a soulful, celebratory music filled service beginning at 7 pm at the non-denominational Unity Church at Sedona. The Canyon Moon Theater also benefits from their talents as does Arizona Library System where they produce exciting and informative programs for children at libraries throughout Arizona. Add to the list various Emcee gigs, private parties, Shondra's new DJ service as well as giving singing and acting lessons and you will get a basic idea of this team's non stop schedule.

When speaking with or watching Tom and Shondra perform, their strong sense of joy for life radiates. The couple is genuinely thankful for the opportunity to bring happiness through their works. This enthusiasm combined with their consummate professionalism is guaranteed to produce a top notch entertainment experience.

Tom and Shondra do not hesitate to express their gratitude for all the good things they have found here in Sedona. Their thanks extend to many, including John DePoe at Sedona Racquet Club who gave them heir first break when they arrived four and a half years ago; Al Comello who introduced Shondra to Channel 16 and Good Morning Sedona and Al's wife, Pam, Youth Director at the Sedona Public Library, who got the ball rolling for them with the children's programs. Demetri Wagner of Casa Rincon and Mary Guaraldi of Canyon Moon theatre Company have also been staunch supporters.

All this generosity has been turned outward by Tom and Shondra in all that they do. Yes, entertainment earns them a living but, more importantly, it provides the couple with the opportunity to give back to the community by gifting performances and mentoring youth whenever possible. Their stated mission: to uplift, inspire and entertain, has met with vast success here in Sedona.

MIDI Sequencing: a "synthesizer" or sound module is an electronic device that, when connected to and controlled by a musician playing an electronic keyboard, produces hundreds of sampled musical instrument sounds. A "MIDI sequencer" is a PC software program that connects to the keyboard and sound modules which allows for the programming, recording, and playback of various musical instruments and melodies that must be first played and arranged manually by the programmer/musician. [Back]

To learn more about Tom and Shondra or to contact them for bookings, lessons, etc. please go to their web site at www.tomandshondra.com, or call 928.282.3530.