Michael Johnson, the singer, song-writer, storyteller, and guitarist who has performed to sold-out audiences at Gustavus Adolphus College for over thirty-five years, returns to Björling Recital Hall once again. The tradition continues on Friday, December 10. This performance, Michael’s only performance in Minnesota this holiday season, begins at 8:00 p.m.
Johnson, originally from the Minneapolis area and now living in Nashville, first performed at Gustavus in the late 1960’s with the late John Denver and the Chad Mitchell Trio. Following his departure from the Trio one year later, Michael spent a year acting with an off-Broadway company and returned to Minnesota and to singing. Since that time, he has toured internationally eight times and has recorded eleven 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
When asked what he would want you to know about him, Michael 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.”
What one remembers of Michael 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.
Tickets are still available for Michael Johnson’s annual winter concert on December 10 at Gustavus. The performance begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students, senior citizens & GA staff. Gustavus student tickets are $5.00. For ticket availability, please call the Gustavus Ticket Center at (507) 933-7590 or the Office of Fine Arts at 933-7363. Tickets will go on sale one hour prior to the concert in Björling Recital Hall box office.
Become a part of the tradition.