For Stephen Thomas, taking the stage at Woody Fest was also a homecoming. Performing in West Virginia alongside a lineup featuring DaBaby, Waka Flocka Flame, and the Ying Yang Twins, Thomas used the occasion to reconnect with the community that has supported him and to reflect on a friendship that left a lasting mark on his music.

The performance brought together several threads of Thomas’ career, from his multi-genre approach to his emphasis on relationships, wellness, and hope. At its emotional center was a tribute to the late DJ Unk, the multi-platinum artist known for songs including “Walk It Out” and “2 Step.”

Remembering a Friend and Musical Influence

DJ Unk’s connection to Thomas extended beyond musical inspiration. The two were friends and had planned to collaborate on the music video for Thomas’ song “Outstanding” before DJ Unk’s death.

That unfinished collaboration gave the Woody Fest tribute particular weight. Rather than allowing the loss to remain separate from the celebration, Thomas incorporated his friend’s memory into a performance centered on gratitude for the people and opportunities that shape a life.

“Life is too short not to live it to the fullest,” Thomas said.

That message carried throughout a set that treated music as a way to acknowledge relationships, celebrate the present, and remember those who are no longer there.

Seven Genres on One West Virginia Stage

Thomas also used the performance to demonstrate the range that has come to define his work. Across the evening, he moved through seven genres, drawing from contemporary pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, country, alternative, and inspirational music.

The set included material from his EP The Universal Me, along with original songs such as “Feening For Love,” “Breaking Hearts,” “Come Home To Me,” and “Life Equals Purpose (Peace. Love. Unity.).”

Thomas also performed interpretations of songs associated with Machine Gun Kelly, The Kid LAROI, Zedd, Jimmie Allen, Kanye West, T-Pain, and Chris Brown. Together, the selections reflected an artist comfortable moving between styles rather than remaining within a single musical category.

Bringing the Community Into the Performance

The connection to West Virginia extended behind the scenes through collaborations with local businesses.

Before the show, Vital Flow provided IV hydration therapy for Thomas, his band, and his production team as part of their performance preparation. Calvin Broyles Jewelers and Young Floral contributed to another part of the evening, helping create a fan interaction involving roses.

During “Feening For Love,” Thomas invited a fan onstage and presented her with a gold rose. At the same time, a dozen roses donated by Young Floral also became part of the audience experience.

The moment offered a quieter counterpoint to the energy of the larger festival set, bringing the focus back to direct connection between performer and listener.

A Homecoming Built Around Hope

For Thomas, Woody Fest provided a chance to bring the different parts of his artistic identity together in the state where his story began. His genre-spanning music shared the stage with memories of friendship, support from local businesses, and personal moments with fans.

“I want every performance to leave people with more hope than they had when they walked in,” Thomas said.

At Woody Fest, that intention took the form of a home-state celebration grounded in music, community, and remembrance, with DJ Unk’s legacy remaining an important part of the night.

The post Stephen Thomas Brings Music, Community, and Legacy Home appeared first on The Hype Magazine.