“Singer at Large” to Perform Holiday Set

On Friday, Dec. 17, "Singer at Large" and Rock'n'Roll artist Johnny J. Blair will perform a special acoustic set with "holiday songs" at Alabaster Coffee, 410 Pine Street in Williamsport. Music will begin at 6pm.

Having performed in venues ranging from CBGB's to The Fillmore, Blair's music is described as "a burst of soul, with urban irreverence, romantic abstraction and bittersweet spirituality," drawing musical comparisons to David Bowie and Brian Wilson, who called Blair "a virtuoso." With a melodic mix of punk energy, old school soul, and sunny pop, Blair's set includes originals (from his many recordings) with "ironic cover tunes pulled out of the hat" from glam-rock to spirituals to psychedelia. Clyde Stubblefield, legendary drummer for James Brown, performed with Blair and dubbed him "a white James Brown." Earcandy.com called him "a delightful entertainer."

"Here's my job: play music with so much passion that the audience breaks some off and takes it home with them," says Blair.

Blair spent several years as a bicycle messenger in San Francisco. He said, "I was on the street 10 hours a day, seeing the best and the worst in people. I called it 'the asphalt ballet.'" That period "put a treadmark" on his song choices, singing about everything from abuse to love to coffee addiction ("I'm a certified caffeine-aholic"), with lyrics referencing the Bible, Raymond Chandler, and The Marx Brothers.

In 2003, Blair borrowed members of The Badlees to record an remake of The Velvet Underground's "Sunday Morning" for a Lou Reed tribute CD, AFTER HOURS-a project endorsed by Reed himself. Shellybay.com listed it in their "the Top Forty best cover versions ever." Blair is currently working on I LIKE THE STREET with musical support from Mike Garson (David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails) and members of The Badlees.

Putting on an energetic performance is one of Blair's trademarks. He has shared the stage with Howie Day, The Dead Kennedys, Bob Geldof, Chris Isaak, Stephen Stills, and others. Blair frequently records and tours with Davy Jones of The Monkees. "I've learned immeasurable amounts of stagecraft from him," noted Blair, "and I always include some Monkees in my set." Soundclips can be heard at www.johnnyjblair.com.

There is no cover charge; donations will be taken and CDs will be sold.

For more information contact Alabaster Coffee at 570.478.0043 or http://alabastercoffee.com/