Sandy Leavens
The Broadside
Anyone who has attended the Sister’s Folk Festival can probably remember guitar strumming, story-telling musician Johnsmith. He has attended the Americana Song Academy several times over the last 10 years. He will be appearing at Central Oregon Community College on Feb. 2 and 9 at Willie Hall in the Campus Center at 7 p.m.
The Sisters Folk Festival provides a year-round celebration of Arts and Music. Every year around Labor Day the Folk Festival is a three-day celebration of American roots music, from Blues to Bluegrass.
Johnsmith is touring to promote his sixth CD “Gravity of Grace.” It covers a broad spectrum of genres from Folk to Blues, from Gospel to Celtic. Johnsmith said that he loves Oregon, Bend especially.
“‘The people are down to earth and open minded, and they seem to like my kind of music”. He said.
Johnsmith has a busy schedule this year packed full of dates around the country.
“Every time I come to the area someone falls in love with my stories and music and I get another gig,” he said. “So every year my tour just keeps growing.”
Brad Tisdel is the executive director of the Sister’s Folk Festival. Tisdel described Johnsmith as a a fantastic songwriter.
“[He’s] a master story teller and craftsmen of the music that matters to the heart. He’s smart, articulate and gifted in bringing people together through music that moves people emotionally,” said Tisdel.
Johnsmith will be doing a couple of musical workshops: “A beginner’s journey into songwriting”, and “Songs of the heart: A song writers inspiration and craft.”
For more information visit www.johnsmithmusic.com.
(Contact SLeavens@cocc.edu)
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Great article, Sandy! Is there no end to your talents?
Everyone seems to love bend, oregon and yes the people are real down to earth and that is refreshing and Johnsmith heart songs move a lot of people through his music.