sO, TONIGHT (15th April) I play a benefit gig in Bath, for The Big Issue. For anyone who doesn’t know what that is – it’s a magazine that’s published specifically for homeless people to sell on the streets so they can earn a bit of cash for themselves – and then the rest goes back into printing the mag. . . I call that a GoOd ThinG … so tonight is about raising awareness and raising cash – and having a good time listening to some fantastic LiVe MuSic! It’s all being set up by another singer-songwriter Leanne Walsh, from Bath (myspace.com/leannewalshmusic) and there are some other fabulous people playing besides myself. It’s at St James’ Wine Vaults, St James Sq, Bath 8.30pm if you wanna check it out! …
I am really chuffed to be a part of this event, for 2 reasons 1) I have some idea of what it’s like to be homeless myself – and now work with homeless people in my other job! 2) One of the first gigs I ever played was a benefit gig for The B.I. right back when it was quite a new thing … so it all seems to make sense to me.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that anything that can happen to one person, could happen to us all … we might all be unique, but we’re not so very different. At bottom, we all just want and need the same basic things – and we all have a responsibility to each other; we don’t all exist in individual me-sized bubbles immune & seperate from the things that affect other folks… sounds like a depressing thought – but it shouldn’t be! Just try to do one little thing today that makes a positive difference to someone else’s life, and one day when you need it, you’ll get it back … … you could start by buying a Big Issue – or coming to this gig
Be well. Be happy Take care.

Well, the album’s nearly done now I just need a band to make it live.

I need the following:

KEYS / SYNTH, ELECTRIC GUITAR (LEAD & RHYTHM), DRUMS, FEMALE BACKING VOCALS, CELLO, BANJO

I am very serious about this folks. Not scary serious or anything – just: it’s gonna happen.

The album material itself is not your typical singer/songwriter stuff and there’s a lot of really varied influences in there. It’s definitely Alternative – but could almost be Mainstream at the same time. There’s bits of folk, country, rock, jazz and funk. Also, besides the album songs, I’ve a whole back catalogue of stuff and new stuff I’m writing all the time which can all be developed and could keep us in business for some time to come… It’s fair to say that if you’re a straight-up Rock guitarist or a dedicated Jazz fan, this may not be the project for you: as it is much more diverse than that!

Anyone who is interested should contact me with “BAND” in the subject line, and we’ll go from there. If it seems like we’re on the same page, I can send you some sample tracks and you can see if it’s for you.

Bj 

And not just any boat, sailor – it’s the John Sebastian Lightship! And what is that? Simple answer: I dunno. My best guess is that it’s some kind of mobile marine lighthouse – which defies the object surely? Why would you have a ship that’s a lighthouse? …. “hey look! there’s a rock over here! …… no over here! …. no now it’s over here! keep up!@@~?:@^&**”

… which I suppose is why it’s now securely moored and being used as a live music venue … well, at least it should be easy to find! It’s address is: Bathurst Basin, Bathurst Parade, Bristol. Not helping much? It’s between the Louisiana and the Ostrich pubs. Still no help? Go here : http://www.bristolbands.com/VenueDetail.php?venue=VLBS0000252 

I’m playing there THIS FRIDAY (30TH MAY) between 8:30 – 9pm. Yes, I know – but it’s worth it as there’s some great acts on display, and I’m just plugging a gap for the promoter last minute. The bill is:

BENITA JOHNSON / AMELIA TUCKER / JACK BIRD / CATHERINE & THE OWL

For a sneak preview and more helpful details I suggest you go to http://www.myspace.com/BristolBands.com

Thank you again to the gang for turning out to see me last night! Hope you enjoyed it – what did I tell you about the pizza!? I appreciate the efforts you went to – it’s a bit of a trek for some of you – and I didn’t get to talk properly to everyone as I didn’t have much time – sorry folks … next weeks gig will be a different story (don’t forget – change of venue – it’s now at the Full Moon) … Take care x

Massive thanks to Karen, Coops, Sam, Ray… and the whole gang who turned up to see me play last night at the Mayors Arms (you have been named & shamed!!). Especially since you were all apparently labouring under some form of illness or other! You may not realise it, but it makes a huge difference to me & my performance to be so well supported – so THANK YOU. I think we all agree it was a terrific night … I hope you all get well soon x

Thanks also to Elliot Hall & Moussa Kouyate for doing such a great job in support, and also to Helen at Highnote for putting the night on.

Well after many initial mishaps here it is! The official Benita Johnson website! (The Singer-Songwriter – not the marathon runner … you wouldn’t even catch me running for the bus x… And much thanks to the guys at Studio Eighty-Six for their design skills and exemplary forbearance… We’ve only just gone live – for real – so now you’ve found us, take some time to browse & see all that the site has to offer. If you come across any flaws or annoyances – or are in any way confused & befuddled by anything you find – then please make contact. We will do all we can to make it better. And THANK YOU for stopping by. We hope that you will Bookmark us & come again soon. B. x