The Ryon Thomas Group , began in October of 2006. Ryon Thomas joined up with former drummer Robert Dossa , and together they began to create a uniquely edgy acoustic rock sound. After a year of acoustic performances, they were able to achieve the full, electric rock sound they were looking for by hooking up with accomplished bassist Anton Cuyugan . Dossa later parted with the band and moved to San Francisco, eventually re-joining his former band Punchface. Within months, Thomas and Cuyugan quickly added lead guitarist Gideon Labarre and drummer Bryan Panzeri to complete their unique sound. Influences includes bands such as Dashboard Confessionals , Green Day , Muse , Foo Fighters , Counting Crows , Our Lady Peace , and Third Eye Blind .
The new group continues to play shows at various rock venues throughout L.A. and Hollywood, which include the Viper Room , The Derby, Room 5 , Tangier , and The Mint .
Ryon Thomas began playing and writing music 14 years ago in the small town of Weatherford, OK . His best friend and future Faces East bass player, Doug Mitchell , had joined a 4-piece band named Destination Heaven as the lead singer. After watching them perform, Thomas asked to attend a few practices and quickly found an aptitude towards the guitar and writing. Within a month, he had joined the band as the rhythm guitarist and back-up vocalist, and continued to perform with them for two years.
In August of 1996, Destination Heaven decided to move in a new direction and reformed as a 3-piece band named Faces East. Thomas took over on lead guitar and lead vocals, Mitchell moved to the bass and back-up vocals, and Ryan Klein (also in DH) continued to hold down the drums. While each member attended college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University , the band's reputation for impressive live performances quickly grew and Faces East quickly found itself playing weekend shows in various cities throughout Oklahoma.
In 1997, Faces East began recording their first album with Trent Bell , guitarist of the Chainsaw Kittens. In January of 1998, they released their first 12-track album titled, " Maybe Me ". An immediate hit with fans and friends, the album solidified the group's initial success and provided the credibility they needed to begin performing at some of the most well-known rock venues in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
In the summer of 2000, Faces East once again teamed with Bell and eventually released their second album in 2001 titled " Where I'm At The 14-track album effectively captured Faces East's unique, dynamic live sound and was a final testament to the band's tremendous 5-year success.
In the summer of 2002, Ryon Thomas departed Faces East and headed west to test the musical waters in sunny California. Within months, he joined the rock band ListenTree as the lead guitarist and back-up vocalist. The band consisted of members, Nilesh "Neil" Makwana (rhythm guitar, lead vocals), Keith Dowling (bass), and Gio Fuentes (drums). The band's electric, Dave Matthew-esque sound led to a flurry of LA and Hollywood performances at such venues as The Derby and The Knitting Factory . ListenTree disbanded in 2004.
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