newsMore Fundraiser DetailsMarch 04, 2009 This year, I will donate my fundraiser donations to the LSS Safe House, a shelter for homeless youth. (Statistics show 60% of this population are glbt.) Safe House has a lot of great programs, including learning about the politics and class related to healthy food. And the staff and residents cook together, which I love. Give, if you can, via paypal, using my email address. I am matching the first $300 and, since I volunteer there, my company will double my match. Translation? You give $20 and it magically turns into $80. I will post the final tally in a couple weeks. The latest developments Feb 22, 2009 It has been too long since I have checked in here to let you know the haps! I took a straight gig and am often on the road consulting and training, hence no time for band leading and such. Of course, I still jump in whenever I can. I sang at a gorgeous place in Belize recently, (Maya Breeze, north of Placencia). I also had the honor of being asked by guitarist, Sean Harkness (hear him on, Daydreamin, from my last album) to sing with the legendary Jimmy Norman. oooeee I am still shaking! They have the best band in the nyc and can be seen on Saturday nights on the upper west side. I am getting ready to dive back into the tracks for my 3rd original CD and my friends and I are cooking up a new acoustic combo with African influences called Soukousize. I am planning a March fundraiser, as I do for my birthday every year. I usually send the money to womens causes abroad. Given the economic situation right here at home, this year is for the Harriet Tubman Center in Minneapolis. I am raising mean green to provide fresh, organic veg for families affected by domestic violence. If u r interested in contributing, you can paypal a donation via my gmail account. (see contact link on this website) New remix on iTunes Feb 22, 2009 I just found a remix of my song, Feel Your Heart, on iTunes. This version is by (the talented, beloved) Bryan Gerard and is listed under Keston and Westdal. Alas, no credit listed for moi, but I really like Bryan's version. check these out Jan 18, 2008 www.changingthepresent.org http://www.lnd.dk/burkaband_eng.htm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8fCXUKLQyg iTunes Jan 04, 2008 Both of my records are available on iTunes. Also look for "Feel Your Heart", listed under Keston and Westdal. Home with a Heart May 28, 2007 I wrote this article for the newsletter my friend, Beverly, has for her orphanage in Nepal: The first thing we noticed as we walked the path toward Ghar Sita Mutu was the expansiveness. The traffic, noise and congestion cleared, making way for the big blue sky. For the first time since our arrival, my heartbeat slowed and I took in full breaths. Beverly welcomed us unto the grounds of the sweetest, happiest spot I'd seen in all of Kathmandu. The bright colors of the buildings, the neatly-kept grounds, the flowers, the cheery murals along the playground...I hadn't imagined such a light-hearted place could exist within the city. On our first stop on the tour, we found a group of women in the library, sitting on mats and deeply engrossed in their literacy lessons. Children's paintings, some showing such skill and insight, hung on the walls. In contrast to many of the interiors in Kathmandu, all the buildings on the grounds are sunny and airy, giving the feeling of possibility. We stopped by a room lined with sewing machines...the shelves brimming with puppets and crafts. Next door, a group of women were giggling and whispering together, up to their elbows in suds as they slipped their hands across the felt-making table. We were greeted at the door of the home by a woman who blessed us with water, tikka and flowers. My sister, my niece, her cousin, Amit and I entered with tears on our faces and our hands to our hearts. Everything inside is sunny and airy, with happy, welcoming colors. Women were in the kitchen, preparing food for the children's return from school. We were on the rooftop with Beverly when the kids skipped up the walk in their school uniforms, calling out greetings. They quickly changed clothes and gathered in the lunchroom. Everyone made room for us to sit and we felt so privileged, sharing soup and bread with these gorgeous little ones. The kids were shy at first, which soon gave way as their curiosity and hospitality bubbled to the surface. While we ate, the house manager laughed as he described his entree. He’d been a young guy, loving life in the city. He worked a bit at the orphanage but his priority was being in the action. Soon, though, he realized he didn't want to spend any time away because the kid’s had captured his heart. Now he's even moved to be close to them. We also met an artist volunteer from Brazil. She and her husband sacrificed and saved for a year to make her visit possible. Her eyes filled with tears as she said that everything in her life had been in preparation for being with these kids. After the meal, we watched the younger girls, immersed in their homework. They'd been told that, if they finished in time, they could walk to the temple with us. The kids clearly love their routine and being part of this remarkable family. They gently helped and encouraged each other until their work was done. As soon as we hit the path, the little girls really became animated...skipping and giggling and vying for attention. They launched into a chorus of, Bob Marley’s, "No Woman No Cry”, followed by nursery rhymes like, "Georgie Porgie". They even surprised us with a refrain of Nepali rap. I'll never forget our walk along the winding, hilly path...encountering intrigued onlookers, cows and little dogs…all the while under a backdrop of mountains. I sang a chorus of Stevie Wonder, to which one said, "Nice! Is that Avril Lavigne?" They are so lovable and charming and free and happy. Too soon, the girls had to return home. We parted ways, still suspended in the spirit of that happy place. One girl said, "Auntie, you live very far away, so it will be hard for you to visit us again?" I do live far away, but I visit Ghar Sita Mutu every day, as the kids’ voices still ring in my ears. www.gharsitamutu.com May 04, 2007 I just returned from an incredible adventure in Kathmandu, Nepal, where my sister, niece and I spent a memorable day at a really special place. Check it out and contribute if you can: www.gharsitamutu.com. Darfur Benefit Update March 20, 2007 Our benefit event was a blast. Thanks to all of you who brought such great energy to Dashen! Donations are still coming in and so far, we have $3.5k to send to the IRC. (I checked the currency exchange for the Sudan and it's 738,942 dinar. In a place where people are lucky to make $1 US per day, our efforts will go a long way.) Thanks most of all to Pam Eslinger, for her mastery of administrative details. Along with many individual contributors, Karen Molosky and Steph Bauman collected the lion's share of donations for the raffle and silent auction. We had over 50 prizes and auction items! And Tonya Bachman was the top of the heap in raffle ticket sales. Onsite at the event, Aaron Crenshaw and his friend Robert, Sharon Beckford, Steph, Pam and Tonya were incredible. And the musicians!...thanks to Brian Ziemniak, Serge Akou, Ray Rivera, Ken Komtanghi, Ras Kwami, Jocko MacNally, Siama Matuzungidi and Van Nixon. Such a line-up! Finally, thanks to everyone who helped get the word out...Pat Courtmanche, MCTC, Gretchen Williams at www.vita.mn, Tom Horgen at the Star Tribune, Andrea Canter from www.jazzpolice.com, Greg Burke at Cities 97 and Tony Paul and Rachel Joyce at KFAI. Remember what my friend (www.paulcorbitbrown.com) said, "anyone can see how many seeds are in an apple. But who can say how many apples are in a seed?" Every time we do something with love, it matters in a big way. Darfur Benefit Event: Expect the Unexpected March 10, 2007 Dashen (E Lake St, MPLS) Sat, 3/10, 8:30p-11:30p I'm hosting an exciting event to benefit the International Relief Committee's program which directly benefits the people of Darfur. I'll be performing & welcoming a number of incredible international musicians. We're having a raffle for great prizes, the event will include a silent auction and, of course, Dashen has the best Ethiopian food in the city. Join us to have a great time and contribute to an urgent and worthy cause. "Expect the unexpected." Check this website for updated info, list of raffle prizes & silent auction items, etc. Fri, Mar 2, 9p-1a Feb 28, 2007 Join me, Soli, Serge, Wendell and Brian Zimniak at Rossi's (DT MPLS). We always have a great time there and hope you can make it. I recorded a song this week with my long-time fave blues guitarist, Donald Kinsey. After over 20 years as a fan, this is dream-fulfillment for me. I'm finishing tracks for my next CD, releasing this spring. Upcoming Shows Feb 03, 2007 Thur, 2/22 5-9pm Soli and I will be at Rossi's for an early show. Stop in after work for an unplugged set and something good to eat. Cindy Sheehan Feb 01, 2007 After a year of trying to find a way to get Cindy a copy of my song, "We Can Do Better", my friend gave it to her when she was here the other day. Her speech at St. Joan's was really inspiring. Check her out whenever you can. She reminded us that true democracy happens between elections, so keep calling those public officials and make your vote count. Have you joined ONE? Dec 25, 2006 www.one.org (tell everybody) Check out my friend's new record: www.dorothycowfield.com Jan 12 at Rossi's in MPLS Dec 16, 2006 Join us for another 9-midnight show: Mark Haynes on bass, Soli Hughes on guitar and Trenon Graham on drums , joined by Viviana Pintado on piano. Vote on the Current Dec 14, 2006 I have a song, "feel your heart" on Keston and Westdal's latest release, "Truth is Stranger". Go to this URL to vote it into the top list for '06: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/services/the_current/features/specials/top89 Dec 9 at Rossi's Dec 05, 2006 Join me, Mark Haynes, Soli Hughes and Trenon Graham (all of mega-group, Sounds of Blackness) along with Viviana (renowned Cuban singer and multi-instrumentalist) this Saturday, Dec 9th at Rossi's, on 9th St. in DT MPLS. We'll play from 9p-midnight. Oh, and get this...my friend Mike just won the Powerball! He and his girl are gentle, loving, down-to-earth people and my prayers are going out that the green will enhance the happiness they already have. Oct 6 at the Dakota Sept 29, 2006 Haven't checked in for a while. Estaire Godninez is coming to play for us at the Dakota Fri & Sat Oct 6 & 7 from 7p-11p. After her show Fri, Soli and I are going to do some voice and guitar with percussionist Tonya "Toby" Tobalyas. With so many great musicians, it's a night for music lovers. I've been in the studio with Ras Kwami on some sweet Ghanian music and reggae. I also recently recorded a Soca tune with Mpambara from Ughanda. Beyond that, a bunch of us had an ensemble show at Patricks recently for Heidi's transformative program, www.directionaction.org. I still talk to Cleveland and he's building and playing in Cali. Okay, now mark your calendar and come hook up with us at the Dakota. August Gigs Aug 01, 2006 Aug 1st: National Night Out in West Phillips Outdoors on 27th St S, between Columbus and Chicago Lots of special guests (incl drumming and dancers), free food, activities for the kids, etc. Friday, Aug 4th, 9:00 - 1:00 Bar Lurcat (on Harmon in DT MPLS) Saturday, Aug 5th, 7:30 - midnight Sophia (St. Anthony Main, DT MPLS) Wed, Aug 9th, noon - 1pm Landmark Center, St. Paul directactionworkshop.org July 30, 2006 Sept 9 - Patrick's Cabaret, MPLS, MN Direct Action is Heidi Arneson's program for bringing her magical approach to creation and performance to prisoners. She invited me to Ramsey Cty to watch their performance and I was blown away by their honesty and vulnerability and strength and optimism. I'll never forget it. (see excerpts on www.mnstories.com/archives/2006/06/prison_theater.html) On Sept 9, we get to perform at Patrick's with some of the Direct Action guys. Hope you can make it! Soli & I are playing at the Landmark June 29, 2006 Join us for lunch at Anita's Cafe on August 9 noon-1pm 75 W 5th St, on Rice Park DT St. Paul www.landmarkcenter.org 651.292.3276 Join us at Rossi's June 20, 2006 We'll be at Rossi's in DT MPLS June 30 & July 1st, 9p-1a. Hope you can join us. The New Song Releases Today June 20, 2006 Om Records has launched the international release of "Sunday Morning" as part of their upcoming "Summer Sessions". (Sunday Morning is a House version of "Sunshine"...this time, done in collaboration with Justin Thompson/Fourfeet & Chuck Love.) Chuck's leaving on a world promo tour, so the song'll reach across the globe this summer. Let's hope it makes lotsa people happy. The CD is packed with great music w/ artists like Ann Nesby and Frankie Knuckles. Google to buy it at a buncha places (including billboard.com). Here's a (long) link to listen to a sample. Scroll down to #27: http://om-records.com/listening_station.php?tr_release_id=554&tr_artist_id=0# Anything Can Happen's on iTunes June 18, 2006 http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=147341577. Me and the band are going into the studio to record a batch of new tunes for the next record...a 12 bar blues, a funky spoken word and a neo jazz-funk. Maybe we'll hit 'em at Rossi's in a couple weeks. Reviews added to Bio section May 26, 2006 New Songs May 12, 2006 I recorded a new co-written composition with Nachito Herrera yesterday. He's really incredible and the song is a powerful one. We're adding live strings soon. I've got more songs written and a few others that I'm writing. I plan to finish recording the next album over the next couple months. I'm looking for a miracle for the mean green to mix and release it. So far things are working out really well. I keep taking steps and firm ground keeps presenting itself. My friend Althea tells me daily that I need to record everything as it comes to me and live like tomorrow's not promised. That philosophy really amps up my program. The show was really fun May 01, 2006 Thanks to all of you who joined us the other night for our CD Release party at the Dakota. I've posted live photos from the show on www.myspace.com/dallasjohnsonsongs The Latest April 26, 2006 I had a great time on Kevin O'Connor's KBEM show today. Yesterday, I joined Tony Paul on KFAI. Tomorrow, I'll chat with Dan Barreiro on KFAN. Call in if you're listening. The band and I are looking forward to Thursday's show at the Dakota. http://www.jazzpolice.com/content/view/5951/53/ http://www.citypages.com/alist/detail.asp?EID=133948 The CD Release Party is coming April 05, 2006 Thur, Apr 27, 7pm & 9pm Dakota jazz club, 10th & Nic., MPLS Performers for the Dakota show: Cleveland Boney (keys), Soli Hughes (guitar), Chris Smith (bass), Wendell Henry (drums) & Kahlil Queen (vocals), plus special guests. I did an online radio interview last week on www.upperroomwithjoekelly.com. I'll post it soon. Joe's a huge MPLS music fan and such a pro that he made the interview really fun. Have you been hearing our new version of "What's Goin On" on Dan Barreiro's show? NEWS Feb 28, 2006 Wed, March 1: Join us at lovely Barbette, on Irving and W Lake St in MPLS. Cleveland and I will play our favorites from 10:30p-midnight. www.barbette.com One of my songs, Feel Your Heart, is is on Keston and Westdal's brand new CD, "Truth is Stranger". I wrote the lyrics and melody years ago and these guys had killer instrumental tracks just made for it...like chocolate and peanut butter. I LOVE their sound. Go to www.kestwest.com to download the CD! My CD Release party for "Anything Can Happen" has been scheduled for April 27th at the Dakota in MPLS. Check back for more details. Anything Can Happen is available now through www.cdbaby.com/djohnson2 or via the "music" link on this site. Jevetta Steele just released her new jazz CD, "My Heart". (The album features 2 songs I cowrote - the Title Track and Sunshine - and my writing partner, Cleveland Boney, has several songs on it. Lucky us.) Jevetta's sold-out shows at the Dakota were stellar and I was blessed to see the show again last week in NYC. She and the band were incredible and my NY possee was there showin' the love. It's an absolute thrill to hear Jevetta perform my songs and she's so gracious and generous about the music. I told her it's like having dreams come true that I hadn't even conjured up yet. http://cdbaby.com/cd/jevetta I just finished a 6-wk workshop with my performance hero, Heidi Arneson. We culminated the study with a performance at Patrick's Cabaret 2/10. I'm really inspired now to take what I learned and apply it to my storytelling workshops. (see the link) I had fun last Fri, toasting some dancehall with my old friends, the Kinsey Report. Their music is blazing. I've been following them for 20-odd years and it's always an honor sharing their stage. Last night, I joined my brother and nephew, Jeff and Jake Johnson, at a venue in Chaska, MN. It was a rush being in the music zone with them. We're planning a show there, so we can ride that wave all night. I've been writing new material, I'm preparing a digital release of "What's Goin On", which will be featured on Dan Barreiro's KFAN program and I'm doing a radio interview in March on a program out of Hartford, CT - Upper Room with Joe Kelley (details to follow). I have openings for vocal or performance lessons. See the "workshops" link for more information. Plenty more goin' on and I'll keep you updated on it all. Always LOVE BIG and LIVE LARGE! |