Toby Hanson

Piano • Accordion
Music Director

Joy Street’s music director, Toby Hanson, is in not one, but two Halls of Fame: For his contributions to performing and teaching Western Swing music, Toby was inducted into the Northwest Western Swing Hall of Fame and the Sacramento Western Swing Hall of Fame.

Working as a soloist, a bandleader, a music director for theatrical productions, as well as a composer and arranger, Toby has been a professional musician for more than thirty years. He has performed at venues across the US and Canada including the Kimberley International Old-Time Accordion Championships, Milwaukee Repertory Theater and the RFD-TV Theater in Branson, Missouri. Toby joined Joy Street in 2003 and, in addition to his duties as music director, he’s created more than 400 arrangements for the orchestra.

Unsurprisingly, Toby is also the leader of the Smilin’ Scandinavians polka band, and performs regularly with Rouge, The Jangles, Cowgirl’s Dream, the Apple Valley Wranglers, and frequently makes guest appearances with other ensembles. 

Although he rattles off numerous “great things” about playing with Joy Street, Toby’s favorite is hearing his arrangements brought to life by the cadre of elite musicians that comprise the orchestra. That feeling of hearing top-shelf musicians create something he had only heard in his head will never get old for our Maestro.

Something that brings Toby joy: One of his greatest joys is his longstanding membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, where he has held the post of Grand Master of Washington and also Grand Musician. 

Something Toby is proud of: He is most proud of his years of raising a family while working full time as a professional musician, no mean feat. 

Toby’s favorite dessert: Chocolate cream pie.