Tom Vella of Westfield , NJ taught himself how to play the acoustic guitar when he was 22, the year was 1999. At fint, he would simply thumb around songs of artists he liked and occasionally write originals as they came to him. Soon, pulling out his guitar and playing for friends at parties became commonplace. However, he believed that this would only be something he did for fun.

In August of 2002, the owner of the Windsor Diner of Clark, NJ, (a cousin of a friend), requested that Tom, "bring his guitar, his voice. and a few friends," to help stir up some new business. Tom hesitantly agreed. The show was a success and a positive buzz quickly formed. Soon thereafter, The Blue Collar Inn of Garwood, NJ requested that Tom play for their patrons. On the night of August 22 nd 2003 , Tom filled The Blue Collar Inn to capacity for the first time in the bar's history.

Eager to see what the buzz was about, the booking agent for The Crossroads at Garwood , NJ , one of the premier music venues in the central New Jersey area, soon approached Tom. They requested an hour set, as a trial to see whether their interests could be met. After a strong performance and stellar turnout, he was quickly booked with a regular monthly slot at The Crossroads. Since that time, Vella is now billed as. "one of central New Jersey 's premier acoustic rock solo artists." The State Theater of New Jersey billed Tom by saying. "...supporting Tim Reynolds will be newcomer Tom Vella, a Westfield , NJ native who has burst onto the scene with his own fresh acoustic sound."