Thomas Sneed is a mandolin player and musicologist with an interest in American Roots Music. He is based in Alta, Wyoming where he is the Director of the Targhee Music Camp. For over 30 years, he has participated in music festivals and gatherings around the world. In 1997, he was a founding member of the old-time stringband, Reeltime Travelers, which became a widely known old-time performance band, which included work with producer T-Bone Burnett on the “Down From the Mountain Tour” and the “Cold Mountain” movie soundtrack. Thomas has worked for the Archives of Appalachia, Center for Appalachian Studies and the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance. His passion for old music led to friendships and collaborations with National Heritage Fellowship Award winning fiddler, Ralph Blizard (1918-2004) and fieldwork with folklorist, Mike Seeger (1933-2009). He has performed at numerous festivals and venues including the Grand Old Opry, Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Kennedy Center. Currently, he performs with New Reeltime Travelers and as a duet with Ben Winship. Thomas has been the Camp Coordinator since 2011, and his vision has been a positive and inspiring asset to the Targhee Music Camp.
Photo by Glenn Oakley
www.oakleyphoto.com