For 45 years, Michael Johnson, singer, song-writer, storyteller, and guitarist, has delighted audiences at Gustavus Adolphus College. The College is delighted to have him back again this year as Johnson continues the tradition of performing in Björling Recital Hall at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, with favorites from his 45-year career and his newest release, Moonlit Deja Vu. This concert on the Gustavus campus is the only performance the national recording artist will present in southern Minnesota this Christmas season.
Johnson, now living in Minneapolis after residing in Nashville for a number of years, first performed at Gustavus in April 1968 with John Denver as part of the trio of Denver, Boise and Johnson. Following his departure from the trio one year later, Michael spent one year acting with an off-Broadway company and returned to Minnesota and to singing. Since that time, he has studied and toured internationally eight times and has recorded eighteen albums, which include ten hit singles and two #1 country songs of the year. Even those who don’t know his name will recognize his hits: “Bluer Than Blue,” “Give Me Wings,” “Ponies,” and “Rooty Toot Toot for the Moon.”
His web site is simply titled “Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist.” When asked what he would want you to know about him, Johnson replies “Tell them I play guitar and that I am a soloist at heart.” He prefers the intimacy and spontaneity of solo performance, especially in a concert hall like Gustavus’ Björling Recital Hall, where acoustics and closeness to the audience allow Michael Johnson the showman to shine. “I love to talk to people and I love to make them laugh. And of course, I love to move them with my music. Without that, there is no reason to be on stage.”
After the concert, what one remembers of Johnson’s performance is the texture of his voice, the meaning of the lyric and the music of the guitar. Singer, song and sound. And the feeling of being at home with a friend.
With gift support from long-time friends at Gustavus, tickets are available for Michael Johnson’s return concert for only $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for seniors, students and staff. Tickets for Gustavus students are free with a Gustavus ID. Tickets are available online at gustavustickets.com or by calling the Gustavus Ticket Center at (507) 933-7590. Any tickets remaining will go on sale one hour prior to the concert at the Björling Recital Hall box office.
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