"Living The Dream"

Faith - the confident belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing. Throughout my life, faith has been a driving force in my journey.

I was blessed with parents who nurtured my musical abilities. From the early age of five and through middle school, days were spent singing and playing the accordion, In high school, it took on a more serious note and I began professional vocal training. In college, Music Education seemed the logical choice, giving me the chance to study voice with some very talented teachers, including renowned Boston Opera singer Eunice Alberts. Little did I know then that the discipline learned with classical training would be the foundation I needed that would lead me down the road in pursuit of my dreams.

Let us flashback to the year 1980. My college roommate had a brother who studied rock/jazz guitar at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and was looking for a new lead singer in his band. Something ignited! I wanted this gig! So I auditioned and became the new lead singer for the band - Elusive Butterfly - a Rhode Island nightclub act that was well established in the area. Life was good! I was young, single living on my own and making good money. The local celebrity status was not bad either! Now I was "living the dream" ! A few years later, I got into a bad accident and broke both ankles. It left me on crutches for a few months. The band broke up and so did my life. It was around that same time that my Dad lost his battle with Leukemia. I had little money.Things could not get any worse. thru it faith kept me going.

I recuperated in time to enter a talent and beauty contest for the title of "Miss Northern Rhode Island", which must to my surprise, I won. With that scholarship money I decided to go back to college. This is where the radio bug bit me!

After stepping foot into the Dean College radio station, WGAO, I felt right at home and was convinced that my beloved deceased Father sent me there!! I actually remember getting a chill when it all hit me! You see, during World War II, Dad was a Navel radio operator on the USS Helena, a fighter ship. He had indeed guided me to this pursue this profession!

After graduation, I moved to Cape Cod and immediately began working as a disc jockey (DJ) at WKPE. Soon after, I caught wind of a new radio station ready to launch an exciting new format to Cape Cod listeners. In January of 1987, WPXC-Pixy 103 began broadcasting classic hits and classic rock with me, radio personality Suzanne Tonaire at the helm from 10am-3pm. For over 20 years I have enjoyed talking to and playing music to thousands of listeners! The biggest joy has the ability to bring them along with me to concerts to meet and greet rock stars, like Aerosmith, Elton John, Nickelback, Rush, Van Halen , and so many more! Talk about living the dream!

Some additional accomplishments include creating and producing "Homegrown", the very first local music show to air on Cape Cod radio, and was even given an award from the Mass Assoc. of Broadcasters for excellence in programming. The Homegrown show was originally created to give the local music scene a chance for their music to be heard on the radio, including my own original rock band Magnificent Tourist. We have been writing and producing music and videos for over 35+ years! Our new albums self titled and "gone native" you can hear  the completed tracks and video at www.magnificenttourist.com, and/or on our Facebook page.

Through these illustrious years in broadcasting, I have tried hard to use my powerful and influential voice to help dozens of local charitable organizations raise money and awareness, including The Cape and Islands Special Olympics, The Muscular Dystrophy Assoc., The Family Food Pantry of Cape Cod, The Noah Shelter and Housing Authority Corp, The Champ Homes, Cape Cod Cares for The Troops, The Independence House, and The American Red Cross just to name a few, who in 2009, recognized me with the Consumer Educator Hero Award.

    My personal website, suzannetonaire.com includes audio samples of my voice over work and choice links to the projects I am involved in. 

     Never stop believing that you can achieve your goals, no matter how old you are or what curve ball life may throw you.  Always keep the faith and keep praying!  It certainly has helped me get through many hard times!  So far, it has been one heck of a ride, and it is not over yet!!!

Magnificent Tourist