Morgan Cross / B次元官网网址 staff

Though Bill JohnsonB次元官网网址檚 international tours ended a decade ago, the celebrated Canadian blues guitarist and singer continues to perform for his community.

On August 3, Johnson holds a cozy house concert at the Brentwood Bay Village Empourium. Seating only 30 people, the Empourium is an opportunity to witness Johnson without his band, trading his usual electric guitar for acoustic and speaking on the origins of his music in a quiet and intimate setting. The artist has been ranked among the likes of Canadians Colin James and Michael Kaeshammer, while incorporating unique country and folk elements in his music.

B次元官网网址淟ast yearB次元官网网址檚 [house concert] was very good. I was surprised how many people came and what an enthusiastic bunch they were,B次元官网网址� said Johnson. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of serious music fans in Brentwood.B次元官网网址�

Leslie Gentile of the Brentwood Bay Community Association said, B次元官网网址淲hen he played acoustically, it added another dimension to his musicianship. To hear him acoustically is a very special evening.B次元官网网址�

Johnson appreciates performing in his community and the crowds who come out to support local musicians, in particular singer-songwriters. Though he maintains his edginess and gruff, smoky voice in singing, performing in the Empourium allows him to play what he calls B次元官网网址渓ess aggressiveB次元官网网址� versions of his normally electric songs.

B次元官网网址淚 write all of my stuff on acoustic guitar,B次元官网网址� he said.

At the concert August 3, he will perform tracks from his latest album Cold Outside, previous album Still Blue, as well as a few songs not yet recorded. He describes his latest album as more angsty than previous ones.

B次元官网网址淟ifeB次元官网网址檚 gotten a little tough for musicians lately, and this CD kind of reflects that,B次元官网网址� he said, adding that his songs are all stories containing drama and tragedy, and sometimes without happy endings.

Leslie Gentile commented about the latest album, B次元官网网址淚t is one of the most intriguing blues discs in Canada this year. He is improving and improving as a songwriter.B次元官网网址�

As the venue is small, space will sell fast and tickets should be bought in advance to ensure a seat at the 8 p.m. show. Tickets can be purchased at Brentwood Bay Village Empourium for $19.50.

B次元官网网址淭his is an incredible opportunity to come out and hear truly magnificent talent in a very intimate setting,B次元官网网址� Gentile said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 like sitting in your living room and having one of the greats perform for you.B次元官网网址�