And may I say Thank You for extending such a warm welcome so far it’s great to be here. Finally, the post-move dust is settling and I’m starting to get my bearings and soaking up the ambience of my new local music scene. In a little while I’m sure to be gigging amongst you. Meanwhile, though, you can get to know me – and help me get to know you – by taking advantage of this pre-Xmas offer. (Apologies for using the X-word and it isn’t even Halloween yet, but lets face it you’ve started thinking about it already haven’t you?).

So who’s up for this?

I’LL PLAY A FREE ACOUSTIC GIG AT YOUR PLACE (OR YOUR MATES HOUSE, OR YOUR LOCAL) FOR NOTHING, FOR FREE, (SO LONG AS THE VENUE IS IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE)… just provide the sofa, the audience and beverages and I’ll sing my little heart out for an hour.

I’ve done a few of these “House-Gigs” before, in Bristol, and they were brilliant. It can be an especially good idea for folks who find it hard getting out and about for one reason or another but who really appreciate catching some live music.

Don’t forget, you can listen to a few free downloads of my tunes on the FREE STUFF page of this site, and there are more on my MySpace (www.myspace.com/benitajohnson) and my Soundcloud (www.soundcloud.com/benitajohnson) and my Last FM (www.last.fm/music/Benita+Johnson). I recommend you check them out so you get an idea.

I’m also running Vocal Coaching sessions locally, so if you’re interested in this why not message me here on the Contact page.

…speaking of which…. gotta go – hope to see you around!  xB

Firstly, thanks to all concerned for such a positive response at my recent gigs – feels great to be back on the circuit again. Your support is much appreciated.

If you’re not on my Mailing List, check the Gigs page regularly to see where I’m playing next. If you want to join my List just get in touch with your email via the Contact page and I’ll add you on!

Highlights for me this summer will be my performance on the Social stage at Larmer Tree Festival in July and also my daily opener at the Poetry & Words stage at Glastonbury festival in June. If you don’t happen to be going to either of those, not to worry, I’ll still be doing more standard gigs too though these will have to be worked around moving house as well, … so catch me when you can And don’t forget to pick up a copy of the album if you haven’t already!

Behind scenes I’m working on a couple of writing collaborations and recording projects, as well as workshops and lessons – so there’s plenty going on to get my creative teeth into. If anyone wants to know more about these, full details will be made available (after the house move!) sometime soon, though until then you’re welcome to message me here.

That’s all for now. Thanks for stopping by

Firstly thank you to the folks who came to see me play at the Thunderbolt last Thursday. It was a great night and Jebo are cool aren’t they? Also thanks to the new fans who signed up to the mailing list and to the staff at the venue who made it all happen

There’s a cluster of gigs coming up again in the next week or two so check out the Gigs page for more info. If you can’t make it but know someone who might send them over here! The more the merrier

Bj

Thanks to everyone who came and helped make last weeks gig at the Thunderbolt a really great night

I’ll be playing a couple of extended solo sets tomorrow night (Wed 18th) at Cosie’s, Portland Square in Bristol. It’s a low key affair and free on the door so just wander in if you’re in the neighbourhood… As it’s a basement venue there are steps to deal with but don’t be put off (or encouraged!) by rumours of the venues past reputation. Much has changed. You could be disappointed / relieved . . .  I’ll be playing a mixture of old and new tunes and, as usual,  will have cds on me – including my album if you haven’t got yourself a copy yet. (This is due to be reviewed by Venue magazine in the next week or so – keep your eyes peeled…). . .

Bj

Thanks to Alfie Kingston last night for another superb night at The Spring Gardens in Bristol. Definitely a great venue to check out if any local folks haven’t yet ventured down there

NEXT GIG: me and the band play at the Colston Hall H Bar on FRIDAY 6TH AUGUST …. this is a night that local promoter Mark Venus presents so there are a few quality acts playing. Music will start around 8.30 / 9pm (Bristol-time). Love to see some familiar faces coming to support us if you’re free

Bj

The good folks at PennyBlackMusic have got around to reviewing my album. So if you’re in two minds about buying it, follow this link / paste into your browser:

www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/MagSitePages/Review.aspx?id=7379

That should help decide it for you

Bj

Apologies.

Due to Glastonbury-itis I have lost my voice and cannot play tonights gig at the Spring Gardens.

Donations of Whiskey and Lemons gratefully received

Off to the festival soon and I can’t wait …! Not much chance of getting any TV coverage of my bit this time around sadly, but if you’re going to be there then head over to the Poetry&Words tent by the Healing Fields / Bellas Field on Sunday afternoon. I’ll be performing a combination poetry / song set with poet Helen Gregory. There’s every chance you will also catch a glimpse of me in one of various little stages and bars etc doing my solo thing too… And if you happen to find me passed-out on the grass somewhere, please make sure I have some shade and be kind enough not to step on me when you go by Peace ‘n’ Love xx

Me and the skinny wrist band are playing the Seven Stars this Sunday sometime after 3pm at Alfie Kingston’s acoustic afternoon. It’s free to get in and free to park so no excuses not to stop by for a listen if you’re anywhere in town
Also I’d like to say a big thank you to those who came to support me at Cosie’s this week as well as at the George on the weekend It’s really nice to see familiar faces. Also thanks to everyone who talked to me to express their appreciation – it would be very hard to do what i do if no-one ever did this! It’s about you as much as it is about me.

There’ll be some more gigs through May and June – one in particular to watch out for will be @ The Thunderbolt on June 2nd – so pencil it in your diaries now. It’ll be mad as I’ll be bringing together all my “projects” in one gig … watch this space

The glitsch with the contact form and email on this site has now been fixed.