WOMEN IN SONG - Michelle Johnson

WOMEN IN SONG - Michelle Johnson

Jazz great returns to Smith Center with a salute to "Sheroes"...

Long before relocating to Nevada, this writer was familiar with the magic of Michelle Johnson. Considered a living legend by fans of jazz music, the sultry vocalist warrants respect and excitement in equal measure. A singer/songwriter of impressive scope and vision, Michelle inspires women from all demographics and backgrounds.

How does one become a driving force in the chaotic worlds of entertainment and everyday life? By taking risks, of course. Ms. Johnson overcame insecurities and obstacles to realize her dream: a flourishing career in the cabaret genre that has led to solo appearances at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts along with many other prestigious venues in New York, LA, and performing arts centers across the country.

Writing is another of Ms. Johnson's passions. Musical compositions, prose, and blogging allow her to express creativity through multiple mediums. Writing enables Michelle to reach audiences in ways that few singers can. She also owns DIVA Las Vegas Productions, which provides curated entertainment for live events and broadcast shows.

This summer, Michelle Johnson will be celebrating something of personal significance...the number 'twenty-two'. On June 22nd, the performer will celebrate her birthday, along with her 22nd show at the Smith Center. This time, she's saluting the strength of feminity in a production entitled GIRL POWER: A Celebration of Musical Sheroes. 

VEGAS 411 asked Ms. Johnson to tell our readers about her upcoming show and its significance during Women's History Month. Here's what she had to say:

"I have been doing cabaret shows and concerts centered around female empowerment for a while. For this upcoming show, I wanted to do a concert that celebrates iconic women in music. I refer to these women as “Sheroes.”  

"We will be covering many eras and genres, with music from Ella Fitzgerald, the Supremes, and Tina Turner to Sarah Bareilles, Lady Gaga, and so many in between."

"Jazz, Broadway, rock, country, R&B… it will all be in there! My friend Dan Ellis is my musical director. This is a full circle moment for both of us, as he was my first musical director in Las Vegas."

"It is always important to me to mix music with some good story telling. For this show, I will be sharing some well-known and lesser-known stories about amazing women in music. I want people to learn something new and to come away with a greater appreciation for the women whose music they have enjoyed for years."

"These women are so much more than their hits and resumes. They are trailblazers. Their lives are a testament to perseverance, believing in oneself, and being committed to following one's passion. Their legacies are a blueprint for us to follow, regardless of our lifestyles and professions." 

"Over the past few years, I have focused on reclaiming my power as a woman and a performer. In the past, I spent a lot of time worrying about what others thought of me and wasted so much time trying to fit into other people’s vision of how I should live my life. Then, I had a breakthrough a few years ago and never looked back. That kind of freedom is infectious, and I intend to spread the energy with anyone open to living a fuller and more intentional life."

"I love singing at Myron’s. I am so grateful for this venue. It has become my performing home here in Las Vegas, and I have been blessed to have a record of sold-out shows that I still cannot get my head around. With so many entertainment options in this town, I am always humbled by the attendance and the response to my shows.  My goal is to make each show about the audience...how they leave feeling is the most important thing. Without fans and listeners, what are we? If we are not touching people and changing lives with our gifts in some small way, I feel we are not doing what we were put here to do." 

"I am passionate about sharing stories of hope, courage, and inspiration. My goal is to spread joy and to instill confidence and courage into the people who come to see my shows. I try to bring authenticity and vulnerability to each performance, which is easy to do in a venue like Myron's because it is so intimate. I always feel like I am in my living room, talking to friends."

"Speaking of friends, many people are asking me if this is a 'Girls Night' show …. It certainly can be, but I think anyone can enjoy what we have in store. Just show up and have fun. That’s the plan! So get ready for Girl Power! June 22 at 7 pm at Myron’s at the Smith Center. We are going to have so much fun!"

"Want to build a loyal following? It’s not the riffing. It’s not the high notes. It’s not the outfits. It’s not the resume. It’s not even the musical arrangements! Yes, all of that matters. But there’s something so much more important… It’s one simple three-part formula:

• Part 1 - It’s how you honestly connect with people.
• Part 2 - It’s how you make people feel when you perform.
• Part 3 - It’s how you treat your fans before, during, and after the show. That’s it!

"We are nothing without the people who come to hear us. When you check your ego at the door and concentrate on delivering something meaningful, transformative, and powerful, you will be rewarded. It’s not ever about you. Ever! It’s about the listeners and the songs. Period."

"So if you ever wonder, 'How do they do it?', that’s how. Be authentic. Be kind. Be vulnerable. Be oblivious to those who don’t get it. Concentrate on serving. Focus on the reason you were given your gift. And be grateful."

"Whether we are just now meeting or you are an old friend, fan, or acquaintance, I am sending you love, compassion, understanding, and an ear during what I believe is an era of turbulence AND hope. I am a true believer that music is an agent of healing, and to that end, I am currently writing and recording new material to heal, inspire, and uplift people from all backgrounds and nationalities." - Michelle Johnson

Michelle Johnson's new show "GIRL POWER!: A Celebration of Musical Sheroes" takes place on Sunday, June 22nd at Myron's at Smith Center. Tickets start at $40 and can be reserved here. The curtain time is 7 pm.

Photos and graphics provided by Michelle Johnson