When mathematics professor Anthony Thomas passed Nov. 9, Special Assistant to the Provost Arthur Ranney took initiative to organize a tribute concert for his former band-mate, friend and colleague while helping University of Wisconsin-Platteville students financially.

“When you lose someone, you’re helpless and you have an urge to do something,” Ranney said. “I thought maybe I could make something good come out of this tragedy.”

Musicians, friends and loved ones of Thomas are invited to attend the Concert for Tony from 6 to 10 p.m. March 3 at The Barn, 6911 Moundview Road, Platteville. Opening acts include Goodnight Nobody, The Mascot Theory, and Corey Jennings and Mojo Busted. Ranney’s band, The Fallen Roadies, will headline the concert.

All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Tony Thomas Scholarship.

“[Thomas] would be so humbled to have his name on the scholarship,” Thomas’ spouse Beth Shoup-Thomas said. “I don’t think he knew how much he was loved and that was his personality—he was very humble.”

Qualifications are as stated by the scholarship draft: “The student must be (1) enrolled and (2) in good standing at UW-Platteville.” It is suggested that applicants have an interest in mathematics and a dedication to music.

The concert will have an admission fee of $5, which includes a CD of choice at the door. Ages 12 and younger will be admitted free of charge. Those giving additional donations will receive:

• $10—“Delusion Roulette,” a solo CD created by Ranney, dedicated to Thomas
• $20—CD, shirt, autographed poster and vintage one-of-a-kind Fallen Roadies item
• $500—CD, shirt, autographed poster and on-stage appearance during a Fallen Roadies summer show
• $2,000—CD, shirt, autographed poster and private Fallen Roadies concert in your living room

The venue, merchandise, and musicians and bartender’s time is donated by members of the Platteville community and friends of Thomas. Ranney has funded the production cost of “Delusion Roulette,” and Fallen Roadies lead singer Erik Kjelland created the poster design. The printing costs of the poster were donated. T-shirts are also funded by Chicago’s Best on Second Street and Cleveland State Farm on Main Street.

“I try to help any cause going on in the community,” Chicago’s Best owner Randy Grimes said.
Bartender Betsey Ralph will be tending the cash bar. Ralph was a student of Thomas and has attended a number of his Fallen Roadies concerts.

“It was a no-brainer to jump in and help out,” Ralph said. “I’ve worked for a non-profit organization since graduation. Giving back is really important to me.”

Shoup-Thomas hopes to connect with students and former colleagues of Thomas’ during the concert.

“I would love to talk with them about their personal experiences with him,” Shoup-Thomas said. “I go to the [Pioneer Athletic Center], and I always wonder if the students I see were one of his.”

For more information on ‘Concert for Tony’ or the Tony Thomas Scholarship, contact Ranney at ranneya@uwplatt.edu.