Dominique Thomas Presents Welcome to Strong Island
Description
Tickets $20 online, $25 at the door.
Online tickets end at 4pm on the day of the show.
Doors at 6pm
Dominique "Dom" Thomas
Dom is a dedicated percussionist from Philadelphia who began traveling and studying percussion at age 14. He and his mom traveled to Senegal and Mali, West Africa, to study drum
and dance with the Nat'l Ballet of Mali along with other masters. He then attended Berklee College of Music to further his studies.
He continued to learn under some of the greatest players, such as Giovanni Hidalgo, Horacio Hernendez, and his great friend and mentor, Doc Gibbs of the "Emeril Live" cooking show.
Dom has played with a number of groups and bands in and around the tri-state area, starting with his mother as the lead drummer of a West African drum and dance group called
"Kuumba." He later toured with the Apollo Circus of Soul band as the percussionist. Continuing on his journeyDom has played with some of the top hip/hop and R&B artists such as
John Legend, Jill Scott, Eminem, French Montana, Ty Dolla $ign, G-Eazy, Alicia Keys, A$AP Ferg, Quest Love & Black Thought from the Legendary Roots Crew, Common,
Yolanda Adams, Mos DEF, BILAL, RAHEEM DEVAUGHN, K'Jon, Syleena Johnson, Kindred The Family Soul, also performing on "Dancing with the Stars and Jay Leno" with Grammy
award-winning R&B singer Maxwell. Other TV shows performed on include: Jimmy Kimmel, Ellen, The Voice, Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, Soul Train Awards, and The White House
(BET's- "Love & Happiness" special as a farewell to the Obamas) Tidal X and the NAACP Image Awards. Dom has toured with artists such as Eminem (South American Lollapalooza Tour),
Jaheim (US & South Africa). He is currently working with John Legend and Jill Scott. Dom endorses Pearl Drums, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Remo drum heads, and JH Audio in-ears.
Damon Bennett-Keys
Thelgin Allen-Trumpet
Elliot Garland-Bass
Jake Morelli-Guitar
Dominique Thomas- percussion
https://dominiquethomasmusic.com/
LADY ALMA
House Music mainstay LADY ALMA is one of many reasons Philadelphia's sonic scene is so world-renowned: her uplifting anthems are considered instantly infectious wherever they are heard. The Philly
songstress has made a worldwide name for herself with her eclectic and uplifting musical repertoire. LADY ALMA is known for a range of uniquely inspirational jams, among them "Happiness," "Believe,"
"Chances," "Hold It Down," and "Peace You'll Find." Fans of LADY ALMA recognize not only the magic of her skillful vocal arches but also her amazing songs, and motivating messages amid a firm foundation
for the extensive musical and vocal instruction gleaned from illustrious Philadelphia institutions such as Girard Academy Music Program, Settlement Music School, and the renowned Freedom Theatre,
where she also studied theatre and dance. Count that among the top reasons “Gimme That Music”, her virtual residency at World Café Live, named after her jam with Peter & Tyrone, rocks its crowds so well
with such consistency, complemented by the presence of Vertical Current. And now comes the release of her new single, “JOY (Hallelujah)” produced by Grammy Award winner DJ Marley Marl, 88 Fingaz,
and written by LADY ALMA.
“Even if you’re into something completely different — punk, indie rock, bluegrass — you won’t be able to resist the Power of the Pipes: She just blows you away,” opines the Philadelphia Weekly. “And the more
she sings — and scats and wails and whispers — the more excited the audience gets until you’ve got a full-on revival-style meeting. LADY ALMA is the real deal.”
Armed with critical global acclaim, standing-room-only shows, and a discography that rivals the music industry’s heaviest hitters, LADY ALMA has made an artistic impact that even she can’t yet fathom.
It’s the effortless mix of fire, humility, and poise that serves as the foundation that’s catapulting her to dizzying heights.
Hiruy Eskinder Tirfe
Fresh off the acclaimed release of his debut album 10,000 Hours — which earned a 4-star review from DownBeat and was recognized among the “Top 10 Jazz Records of 2024” by
acclaimed jazz publicist Dan Ouellette — Hiruy Tirfe has emerged as one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic and multifaceted musical voices. A distinguished saxophonist, composer, arranger,
educator, bandleader, DJ, musical director, film scorer, and Voting Member of the Recording Academy, Tirfe continues to build a career defined by artistic versatility, musical excellence, and
community leadership.
Raised in the rich musical culture of Philadelphia and educated through the Upper Darby School District, Tirfe developed his musical foundation through both public school arts education and
prestigious extracurricular programs including the Kimmel Center Creative Music Program. He later attended University of the Arts, earning a Bachelor of Music in Saxophone Performance
with a minor in Music Education in 2017, followed by a Master’s degree in Music Education the following year. During this period, he established himself as one of Philadelphia’s most
sought-after sidemen, recognized for his professionalism, adaptability, and commanding musical voice.
Throughout his artistic development, Tirfe studied under respected Philadelphia jazz educators and performers including Mike Cemprola, Mark Allen, and John Swana. Their mentorship
helped shape the technical mastery and musical sensitivity that continue to define his work today.
In 2022, Tirfe founded Tirfe Music World, a full-service music company that contracts premier musicians for performances ranging from private engagements to national touring productions.
Through this venture, Tirfe has provided musical direction and live entertainment for organizations and clients, including the American Association for Cancer Research, NBC10
Philadelphia and the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, while also contributing extensively to Philadelphia’s live music scene through collaborations with initiatives such as Moody’s
Klubbhouse, led by Chill Moody.
A dedicated advocate for arts programming and music community development, Tirfe also serves as a lead organizer and producer for the Delaware County Jazz Jam Festival, a growing
regional festival launched in partnership with Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation and Upper Darby Township. In this role, he oversees artist booking, contracting, accounting, stage
management, and festival hosting.
Tirfe’s extensive performance résumé includes collaborations with an impressive range of internationally recognized artists and cultural figures, including Patti LaBelle, The Roots, H.E.R.,
Brandy, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Trombone Shorty, Lloyd, Solange Knowles, Bilal, Tye Tribbett, Gerald Veasley, Eric Roberson, Jeff Bradshaw, and many others. Whether performing on major festival
stages, in intimate clubs, or within studio environments, Tirfe has earned a reputation as a highly respected and dependable musical collaborator.
Beyond live performance, Tirfe has contributed his artistry to film and television productions, including the feature film A Nashville Legacy, where he worked alongside actors Andrea Lewis,
Pooch Hall, and Roz Ryan. He also contributed to All Things New, the Grammy-nominated gospel album by Tye Tribbett.
In June 2026, Tirfe was honored by the American Federation of Musicians with the Freelance Organizing Award in Ottawa in recognition of his advocacy and organizing efforts supporting
freelance musicians and advancing labor standards for artists working outside traditional classical music settings.
Continuing his artistic momentum, Tirfe is preparing for the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album “The Threshold” featuring collaborations with Khemist, Mare, Chill Moody,
James Poyser, Saunders Sermons, Damon “Tuba Gooding Jr” Bryson, and additional special guests, further cementing his place as an innovative and influential voice within contemporary
music.
Fabian Alkilles & band
Fabian Akilles is an independent international singer, songwriter, and recording artist known for blending reggae, dub, hip-hop, and world music. Often drawing on themes of freedom, he gained global recognition through his project On the Run. For the "On the Run" Project, inspired by a year and a half spent in northern Brazil, which he describes as "escaping Babylon," he recorded material for his work. His album On the Run was produced entirely by Rick Friedrich. The EP features a storytelling approach to his life.
In December 2025, he recorded a live set at The Philadelphia Record Company, further solidifying his connection to the Philadelphia music scene. His musical journey spans various regions, often highlighting influences from Latin America and Spain, particularly linking his work to Barcelona. His work often features conscious roots reggae and dub elements, acting as a critique of systemic issues. He also tackles heavy socio-political topics in his music, such as the single "Refugee," which touches on the realities of war and displacement.
Dj Nil
DJ Nil will open the night and play in between performers.
Chill Moody
Rapper Chill Moody grew up in West Philadelphia. He honed his skills as an artist and put on shows with the hopes of elevating the city's hip-hop scene. Years later, he became Philadelphia's music ambassador, a distinction he earned for his work as a community organizer and advocate for Philly talent.
https://www.instagram.com/chillmoody/
10% off Taqueria Cresta with your Fallser Club ticket!!
By Car or By Train
The East Falls Train Station is a short walk from the Fallser Club. Parking in East Falls is no problem! There is ample free on-street parking near the East Falls train station driveway at 3610 Midvale Ave and a paid municipal lot three blocks away at 4100 Ridge Ave. Midvale Ave and Ridge Ave are both well-lit!
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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