Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Bluebird of Spring
It's been a long winter in St. Louis. A. Very. Long. Winter.
So, even as snow piles up outside Johnny's house and a Wii Sports marathon wages on in the living room, Johnny and Michelle are in the office, looking ahead to a spring date at The Bluebird Cafe.
The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville is a songwriter's Mecca. Every week, songwriters come from across the country hoping for a chance to perform at Monday Open Mic Night. Sunday nights feature a "Sunday Spotlight" performer--and on Sunday, March 6, that featured performer will be our own Johnny Henry.
Now, Garth Brooks played both Open Mic Night and Sunday Writers Nights before being discovered--at The Bluebird--and signed to Capitol Records. So, this legendary 100-seat listening room has some enormous power. Kathy Mattea is a regular guest performer. LeeAnn Rimes, John Prine and Phil Vassar are all friends of the cafe, which is owned by the Nashville Songwriters Association International.
Johnny's relationship with The Bluebird began last year when he contacted them about a tour called "Country Throwdown". The Bluebird was sponsoring a "singer-songwriter stage" on the tour and asked Johnny to join them in Chicago. He met a lot of new people and made a great impression--so great, in fact, that when he contacted the tour coordinator this year, they not only remembered him, they offered him a coveted Sunday Spotlight Show--the only show with ONE highlighter performer/band.
So, who's up for a road trip to Nashville?
When: Sunday, March 6, 6:30 pm
Where: The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville
Who: All ages welcome, no cover, $7 food and drink minimum
For More Info: http://www.bluebirdcafe.com
So, even as snow piles up outside Johnny's house and a Wii Sports marathon wages on in the living room, Johnny and Michelle are in the office, looking ahead to a spring date at The Bluebird Cafe.
The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville is a songwriter's Mecca. Every week, songwriters come from across the country hoping for a chance to perform at Monday Open Mic Night. Sunday nights feature a "Sunday Spotlight" performer--and on Sunday, March 6, that featured performer will be our own Johnny Henry.
Now, Garth Brooks played both Open Mic Night and Sunday Writers Nights before being discovered--at The Bluebird--and signed to Capitol Records. So, this legendary 100-seat listening room has some enormous power. Kathy Mattea is a regular guest performer. LeeAnn Rimes, John Prine and Phil Vassar are all friends of the cafe, which is owned by the Nashville Songwriters Association International.
Johnny's relationship with The Bluebird began last year when he contacted them about a tour called "Country Throwdown". The Bluebird was sponsoring a "singer-songwriter stage" on the tour and asked Johnny to join them in Chicago. He met a lot of new people and made a great impression--so great, in fact, that when he contacted the tour coordinator this year, they not only remembered him, they offered him a coveted Sunday Spotlight Show--the only show with ONE highlighter performer/band.
So, who's up for a road trip to Nashville?
When: Sunday, March 6, 6:30 pm
Where: The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville
Who: All ages welcome, no cover, $7 food and drink minimum
For More Info: http://www.bluebirdcafe.com
Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Happy Birthday, Johnny! (aka "Looking Back, Looking Forward")
To celebrate the birthday of the man, the myth, the legend, Johnny Henry, allow me to finally get around to telling everyone about the phenomenal evening that was the "Old Fashioned Girl" video release party at The Gramophone last month...
A cousin of mine used to say about such evenings: "A good time was had by all--camaraderie was at an all-time high." I think that's the perfect description. Spirits were flowing and spirits were high as we welcomed singer/songwriter Barb Soetebier to the stage where she warmed up the crowd with her own special blend of bluegrass-rock. After Barb got the party started, Johnny turned the attention of the crowd to a wonderful organization that provides musical instruments to St. Louis kids, Play It Forward. By then, the audience was ready for some Johnny Henry Band and who better to introduce them...? Producer (and former Keith Urban guitarist) Scotty Huff brought on the music!
The concert streamed live on Ustream. Johnny rocked the house with all our faves including (of course) "Old Fashioned Girl" and "Now"...then came the moment we'd all been waiting for...the debut of not ONE, but THREE exclusive videos, shot by Glenn Sweitzer of Fresh Design. If you missed them that night--fear not! I have links for you! It will almost be like you were there!
One man who was in the house that night was very special guest Robert Reynolds, former bass player and founding member of Grammy-award-winning band The Mavericks. Reynolds was a part of the recording team for Digital Rodeo, the show's sponsor, and interviewed Johnny throughout the evening for an upcoming project. Details are still to come on this one, fans, but I'll keep you posted...
Now what would a party with Johnny be without a little "Mama Let Him Play"?
The boys did not disappoint! The dance floor filled up quickly and everyone sang along to this fan favorite, as always! And Johnny recognized some very special folks in his life for their support along the way with shadow-box-framed, autographed CDs.
Now what's to come? What are we looking forward to? Well, most immediately, join our birthday boy, Johnny and Rob Boyle at Satchmo's this Saturday night, 1/8/11. Warm up your January with us! And keep following us for more information on upcoming tours and projects. Happy Birthday Johnny!
A cousin of mine used to say about such evenings: "A good time was had by all--camaraderie was at an all-time high." I think that's the perfect description. Spirits were flowing and spirits were high as we welcomed singer/songwriter Barb Soetebier to the stage where she warmed up the crowd with her own special blend of bluegrass-rock. After Barb got the party started, Johnny turned the attention of the crowd to a wonderful organization that provides musical instruments to St. Louis kids, Play It Forward. By then, the audience was ready for some Johnny Henry Band and who better to introduce them...? Producer (and former Keith Urban guitarist) Scotty Huff brought on the music!
The concert streamed live on Ustream. Johnny rocked the house with all our faves including (of course) "Old Fashioned Girl" and "Now"...then came the moment we'd all been waiting for...the debut of not ONE, but THREE exclusive videos, shot by Glenn Sweitzer of Fresh Design. If you missed them that night--fear not! I have links for you! It will almost be like you were there!
One man who was in the house that night was very special guest Robert Reynolds, former bass player and founding member of Grammy-award-winning band The Mavericks. Reynolds was a part of the recording team for Digital Rodeo, the show's sponsor, and interviewed Johnny throughout the evening for an upcoming project. Details are still to come on this one, fans, but I'll keep you posted...
Now what would a party with Johnny be without a little "Mama Let Him Play"?
The boys did not disappoint! The dance floor filled up quickly and everyone sang along to this fan favorite, as always! And Johnny recognized some very special folks in his life for their support along the way with shadow-box-framed, autographed CDs.
Now what's to come? What are we looking forward to? Well, most immediately, join our birthday boy, Johnny and Rob Boyle at Satchmo's this Saturday night, 1/8/11. Warm up your January with us! And keep following us for more information on upcoming tours and projects. Happy Birthday Johnny!
Friday, December 24, 2010
White Christmas Wishes
Well, friends, there was a 19% chance of a white Christmas in St. Louis.
Apparently, we beat those odds.
I'm looking out my bedroom window, at a very steady snowfall and trying to organize my mind for the rest of the day. But before this house is enveloped in a flurry of cooking and last minute cleaning I wanted to take just a moment to wish our friends, fans and supporters a beautiful holiday season...from Johnny and all the "J girls" and from me and my family as well. It's been an exciting year, culminating in the Video Premiere Party at The Gramophone earlier this month--look for more pics and rave reviews on the blog next week--and a couple of gigs this last couple of weekends.
But I really like this "beating the odds" thing. Reminds us that anything is possible. It's a great way to move into this last week of 2010. Check out the blog next week for "Looking Back, Looking Forward"--until then, Happy, Healthy Holidays to all!
Apparently, we beat those odds.
I'm looking out my bedroom window, at a very steady snowfall and trying to organize my mind for the rest of the day. But before this house is enveloped in a flurry of cooking and last minute cleaning I wanted to take just a moment to wish our friends, fans and supporters a beautiful holiday season...from Johnny and all the "J girls" and from me and my family as well. It's been an exciting year, culminating in the Video Premiere Party at The Gramophone earlier this month--look for more pics and rave reviews on the blog next week--and a couple of gigs this last couple of weekends.
But I really like this "beating the odds" thing. Reminds us that anything is possible. It's a great way to move into this last week of 2010. Check out the blog next week for "Looking Back, Looking Forward"--until then, Happy, Healthy Holidays to all!
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