Stephen Thomas delivered a high energy performance at the Woody Fest featuring DaBaby, Waka Flocka Flame, and the Ying Yang Twins.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Recording artist Stephen Thomas delivered a milestone performance in his home state of West Virginia, creating a night centered around gratitude, community, and legacy. After years of expanding his career across multiple genres and reaching audiences beyond state lines, Thomas returned to the stage in West Virginia with a vision to create more than just a concert… he wanted to create a moment.
For Thomas, the performance represented an opportunity to celebrate the people, businesses, and supporters who have continued to stand behind him while honoring the artists who helped inspire his journey. The evening became a reflection of his growth as an artist, his appreciation for his roots, and his commitment to using music to bring people together.
A major part of that vision included honoring the late multi-platinum recording artist DJ Unk known for HITS 2 Step and Walk It Out, who was not only an influence in music but also a close friend of Thomas. The tribute carried special meaning after the two had planned to collaborate on the “Outstanding” music video before DJ Unk’s passing. Through the performance, Thomas celebrated his friend’s legacy and reminded audiences of the importance of appreciating every opportunity, every relationship, and every moment.
Life is too short not to live it to the fullest.- Stephen Thomas
Understanding that a memorable performance begins long before stepping on stage, Thomas and his team prioritized wellness and preparation. In partnership with Vital Flow, Stephen, his band, and production team received IV hydration therapy before the performance to ensure they were physically prepared to deliver their best.
The performance was also made possible through the support of several local partners who helped bring Thomas’ vision to life. Calvin Broyles Jewelers helped create a memorable fan experience by providing the opportunity for Thomas to present a gold rose during the event, while Young Floral donated a dozen roses that became part of the emotional connection between Thomas and the audience. Together with Vital Flow, these partnerships represented the community-driven spirit behind the event.
The tribute served as a heartfelt reminder that life is precious and that music has the power to unite, heal, and inspire.
The performance also highlighted Thomas’ remarkable versatility as he showcased seven different musical genres throughout the evening. Fans experienced selections from his latest EP, The Universal Me, alongside original songs including “Feening For Love,” “Breaking Hearts,” “Come Home To Me,” and “Life Equals Purpose (Peace. Love. Unity.).”
Adding to the unforgettable experience were performances of songs made popular by Machine Gun Kelly, The Kid LAROI, Zedd, Jimmie Allen, Kanye West, T-Pain, and Chris Brown, demonstrating Thomas’ ability to seamlessly move between genres while making each performance uniquely his own.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came during “Feening For Love,” when Thomas invited a fan on stage and presented her with a gold rose just off the side of the stage.
More than just a concert, the event showcased Thomas’ commitment to excellence both on and off the stage. From prioritizing wellness with Vital Flow before the first note was played to delivering an emotionally charged tribute to DJ Unk and connecting personally with fans throughout the evening, the performance reflected an artist dedicated to every aspect of his craft.
With a sound that bridges contemporary pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, country, alternative, and inspirational music, Stephen Thomas continues to prove that great music transcends genres. His performances are immersive experiences designed to encourage audiences to embrace life, value relationships, prioritize wellness, and never lose hope.
I want every performance to leave people with more hope than they had when they walked in.- Stephen Thomas
About Stephen Thomas:
Stephen Thomas is an artist redefining genre boundaries and commanding attention across the music industry. Hailing from Charleston, West Virginia, and recently named an “Artist to Watch in 2025” by The Source, Stephen is a pioneering voice in what he calls the Universal genre – a blend of sonic influences that continues to evolve with his latest foray into rock and alternative music.
His transition into the rock space is already making waves. Stephen’s debut alternative record and music video for “Back Home” was featured on MTV, and the song continued to climb the Active Rock Radio charts into the Top 60. The single went viral on TikTok with over 500,000 views in just 24 hours, while both “Back Home” and his breakout anthem “Stay Strong” – a heartfelt tribute to military personnel, autoimmune warriors, and those facing mental health challenges – have been featured on major editorial playlists across Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, and more.
“Breaking Hearts,” and now The Universal Me, build on this momentum, showcasing a raw, emotive sound that reflects his bold artistic reinvention. Hitting over 100K streams in its first 12 hours of release as a New Independent Artist, the EP showcases Thomas’s gift for crossing emotional and musical borders and has drawn comparisons to artists like MGK, Jelly Roll, Carrie Underwood, and Shaboozey speaking to his wide-ranging appeal and boundary-pushing creativity.
As a national touring artist, Stephen’s resume includes five Grammy Award considerations as an independent act, a #2 spot on the iTunes Charts with “Best Days,” and global exposure through Revolt TV with his video for “Search Me.” From his early beginnings to signing with SkeeloMusik/Sony RED in 2013 and later finding his artistic home with Creative Hearts Entertainment, Stephen’s journey has been one of constant growth and reinvention.
Beyond the music, Stephen’s story and sound have been spotlighted in MTV, Vibe Magazine, Swagger, Hype Magazine, Earmilk, V13, and The Source, among others. He’s performed alongside iconic names and walked red carpets at major events including the BET Live Experience.
Ten years into his career, Stephen continues to follow the advice that shaped his path: stay true to yourself. It’s a message that drives his music and fuels his mission to inspire the next generation of artists.
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