Fine Arts Forum: Artists

WHO IS THIS GUY?

"Here's my job description: Play songs that fill the soul and play them
with conviction," says singer-songwriter Johnny J Blair. Known as a
"singer at large," some describe him as a "Californianized
Pennsylvanian." He says, I was born in PA but became a bi-coastal urban
gypsy, ending up in San Francisco. As a bicycle messenger I rode around
the hilly streets, seeing all kinds of diversity--the cruelty and the
kindness all at once. I called it 'the asphalt ballet.'"

Blair sings about coffee drinking, dancing, baptism, hope, love,
smiling, racial harmony, religious hypocrisy and, when he's not singing,
he creates visionary instrumentals. His sunny brand of innovative pop
blends world beat rhythms and layers of gospel and "American-roots
music."

Blair's recordings have harvested a global audience. On these
recordings, Blair was blessed with musical support from "Pistol" Allen
(Motown), John Bechdel (Fear Factory), Sandy Gennaro (Robin Gibb, Cyndi
Lauper), "Master" Henry Gibson (Curtis Mayfield), gospel singer Monette
Newsuan, Michael Roe (The 77s), famed stickman "Funkmaster" Jab'O Starks
(James Brown) and Davy Jones of The Monkees--with whom Blair works as a
producer and occasional sideman in concert.

In 2001, Blair and Jones partnered to form Fire Inside Productions. As
a producer he has a continual stream of projects running in the studio.

In 2003, Blair collaborated with The Cellarbirds (a.k.a. The Badlees)
to record "Sunday Morning." The song appeared on "After Hours: A
Tribute to Lou Reed" (Wampus International), and Lou Reed himself
commended the project.

Putting on a high-energy performance is one of Blair's
hallmarks--entertaining audiences with his singing and lyrical stories.
Over the years he has shared the stage with the Jerry Garcia Band, Buddy
and Julie Miller, Stephen Stills, and others. His admirers include
surf-guitar hero Dick Dale, British pop music legend Cliff Richard and
Brian Wilson (Beach Boys)--who called Blair "a virtuoso."

Blair is happily married and lives in Williamsport, Pennsylvania (home
of Little League Baseball), with his daughter Jade and wife Cassie, a
graphic artist and singer who appears on his projects. With excitement
and purpose, he exclaims, "Artistic and spiritual purpose is a mobile
thing. My music is an extension of my faith, my community, my marriage
and my travels. The challenge and fighting the good fight keep me
fresh."

Upcoming Events by the Artist

Johnny J Blair Fri, Sep 17, 2010 7:30 pm	What can we say? Johnnie J Blair is a WILD MAN! When he's on stage he simply owns it! When he's not playing bass and singing backup for Davy Jones, or in the studio, he's peddling his own view of the universe. It's in your face, vividly colored, and extraordinarily spot-on! We don't know why he keeps coming back to our little corner of the universe, but we're really glad he does! Please come out and see the Williamsport native with enough energy to blow the roof off of Ten West! You will be ever so glad you did!	Ten West Espresso Cost: $2.00 adults, $1.00 students, free under 12.

Past Events by the Artist

Johnny J Blair Thu, Feb 10, 2005 7:30 pm	A terrific performer from Williamsport will be here for the first time to rock the house!	Night & Day Coffee Café Cost: $2 Adults, $1 Students, 12 and under Free. Advance tickets include a free drink!

Johnny J Blair Fri, Nov 17, 2006 7:30 pm	Williamsport singer-songwriter Johnny J Blair has been called "the Harry Houdini of the music world" by Spotlight magazine. Goldmine magazine wrote, "Blair delivers pop music with a conscience, framed by gospel, jazz, punk and techno." Come see a rare local appearance by this seasoned world traveler.	Ten West Espresso Cost: $2.00 general public, $1 for students, free to kids 12 and under

Johnny J Blair Fri, Sep 5, 2008 7:30 pm	Johnny J Blair, Singer at Large... The wild man is back! Johnny plays bass for Davy Jones and a little of everything else when he's out on his own. Goldmine magazine described his music as "Pop Music with a Conscience." Others have chimed in with "Tasmanian Devil of the coffee house set" and "the Harry Houdini of Pop". Or perhaps this: "If Raymond Chandler went busking on David Bowie's old 12-string guitar... Stop on by and greet this long-time friend of the Fine Arts Forum and make a statement of your own.	Ten West Espresso Cost: $2.00 general public, $1 for students, free to kids 12 and under

Johnny J Blair Fri, Apr 23, 2010 7:30 pm	Johnny J Blair - where to start? He plays bass in the Davy Jones band, and he does his darnedest to promote music down in the Williamsport area. He's got a popular radio show on WVYA-FM. When he comes to visit us he plays guitar, jumps around and generally is a mini tornado in front of the coffee shop. He's an incredible songwriter and he's GUARANTEED to make you smile! C'mon out and see for yourself why he's one of our favorite performers (though we do not, as a matter of policy, pick favorites!...)	Ten West Espresso Cost: $2 adults, $1 students, free kids under 12


	Johnny J Blair WHO IS THIS GUY? "Here's my job description: Play songs that fill the soul and play them with conviction," says singer-songwriter Johnny J Blair. Known as a "singer at large," some describe him as a "Californianized Pennsylvanian." He says, I was born in PA but became a bi-coastal urban gypsy, ending up in San Francisco. As a bicycle messenger I rode around the hilly streets, seeing all kinds of diversity--the cruelty and the kindness all at once. I called it 'the asphalt ballet.'" Blair sings about coffee drinking, dancing, baptism, hope, love, smiling, racial harmony, religious hypocrisy and, when he's not singing, he creates visionary instrumentals. His sunny brand of innovative pop blends world beat rhythms and layers of gospel and "American-roots music." Blair's recordings have harvested a global audience. On these recordings, Blair was blessed with musical support from "Pistol" Allen (Motown), John Bechdel (Fear Factory), Sandy Gennaro (Robin Gibb, Cyndi Lauper), "Master" Henry Gibson (Curtis Mayfield), gospel singer Monette Newsuan, Michael Roe (The 77s), famed stickman "Funkmaster" Jab'O Starks (James Brown) and Davy Jones of The Monkees--with whom Blair works as a producer and occasional sideman in concert. In 2001, Blair and Jones partnered to form Fire Inside Productions. As a producer he has a continual stream of projects running in the studio. In 2003, Blair collaborated with The Cellarbirds (a.k.a. The Badlees) to record "Sunday Morning." The song appeared on "After Hours: A Tribute to Lou Reed" (Wampus International), and Lou Reed himself commended the project. Putting on a high-energy performance is one of Blair's hallmarks--entertaining audiences with his singing and lyrical stories. Over the years he has shared the stage with the Jerry Garcia Band, Buddy and Julie Miller, Stephen Stills, and others. His admirers include surf-guitar hero Dick Dale, British pop music legend Cliff Richard and Brian Wilson (Beach Boys)--who called Blair "a virtuoso." Blair is happily married and lives in Williamsport, Pennsylvania (home of Little League Baseball), with his daughter Jade and wife Cassie, a graphic artist and singer who appears on his projects. With excitement and purpose, he exclaims, "Artistic and spiritual purpose is a mobile thing. My music is an extension of my faith, my community, my marriage and my travels. The challenge and fighting the good fight keep me fresh."