Blair to do Pair of ‘Street Beat’ Shows in Susquehanna Valley

"Singer at Large" and Rock'n'Roll artist Johnny J. Blair continues his series of "Street Beat" performances in anticipation of his next album, "I Like the Street." He will perform two dates in the Susquehanna Valley: Friday, March 18 at Alabaster Coffee, 410 Pine Street, in Williamsport (6-8pm) and Saturday March 19 at Brews'n'Bytes, 20 Lower Mulberry Street in Danville (6:30-9pm). He will be joined by percussionist Jason Shuman. The Danville event is a share billing with singer-songwriter Jonathan Haley.

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."

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."

Recently Blair finished mixes on "I Like the Street," which Blair described as "songs dedicated to friends I've known and loved: Grifters, the star-struck, fashion models, role models, addicts, the pedigreed, the imprisoned, poets, punks, barkers, preachers, the homeless, and the magnates. It's the best recording I've made." Songs like "If I Could Dress Like Clive Owen" have already gotten airplay. Musicians include Mike Garson (David Bowie, Smashing Pumpkins). Release is scheduled for Spring 2011 on the Wampus Multimedia label.

Blair spent several years as a bicycle messenger in San Francisco. He said, "I was on the street ten 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.

Soundclips can be heard at www.johnnyjblair.com and on Blair's "Singer at Large" Facebook musician page.

In Danville, there will be an opening set by recording artist Jonathan Haley. The classically-trained guitarist is also a singer-songwriter who draws comparisons to Phil Keaggy and Paul McCartney.

There is no cover; donations will be taken to support the performers and CDs will be sold.