Osupa 3 February 2010 Music, MXO Entertainment News, MXO News, New Artists No Comment

mxoentertainment.com

By BAKARI SIMPSON

Posted February 3rd 2010

If there is one thing that this glorious city of Cleveland can be accused of, it’s being unorthodox.  This is the case when examining any and everything from the topsy-turvy weather, its odd politics, horrendous street maintenance protocol and the populace who can be extremely finicky about which of their very own local talent that they are willing to support.  There is no shortage of experienced individuals who will tell you that no matter what your craft, if, you can make it as a success in Cleveland then you can make it anywhere on the planet.

Luckily, despite the rigorous gauntlet of obstacles that are presented to the native Cleveland artist there still remain those who will buck the tide, go against the grain and chase their dreams at all costs.  This Thursday at the Sunset Lounge, 1382 W. 9 Street, music lovers have a supreme treat in native Cleveland singer Tommy Johnson.

Just like the city that raised him, Tommy is full of some of those odd characteristics.  Throughout his entire singing career he has been told that he is anything but the typical singer. In fact, he traditionally does not drink tea on a regular basis; wrap his neck to keep the vocal cords warm or many of the other tried and true habits of the professional singer.  Although Tommy did not come up in the world of singing while maintaining some of its more revered tenants, he was still able to form a strong, long-lasting bond with Gerald Levert who not only took a shine to his music but took him under his wing and along on tours with him and his band.  During this stint of time, Tommy says that the inside information in regards to the music business and how to handle folks within the industry as well as the experiences that he had were invaluable gems that he still uses to this very day.

Currently the young determined crooner has his mind set on getting his own solo career up and in a competitive position with anyone else in the genre.  While many people just sit around and talk about their dreams, Tommy Johnson is seriously doing something about it.  Having begun his career in Cleveland, Tommy has performed everywhere from his native city all the way to California.  In fact, Tommy has performed at various venues around Southern California including Cozy’s, The Cellar, the famed Key Club, the infamous Viper Room and recently opened for Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Anthony David at Lust Ultra Lounge right here in Cleveland; all of which served to inject confidence into urban warbler and further invigorate him to keep pushing forward.

When asked about his overall future goals in relation to his singing career, the humble young brother merely reported that he simply would like to put the city of Cleveland back in the forefront in terms of music and not just music but “real” music.  “Too much of the time these kids and young people are listening to fake music, with synthetic beats and things of that nature to the point that many of them would not know real, genuine, original music if they heard it.  So I just want to bring quality music back to Cleveland and help bring that Cleveland music to the world.”

This is why you will hear a plethora of original songs both written and produced by Tommy during his live set including “My Best Friend,” “Outer Space,” “You Stay on My Mind,” “One Night Her” and the popular “I Wanna Go Home” along with a few great covers by artists like Donny Hathaway.

Clevelanders, do yourselves a huge favor and go out to support one of the truly talented local artists who are putting it all on the line to entertain you and bring glory and prominence to your city.  Cleveland, check out your one and only Tommy Johnson from 8 p.m.-midnight at the Sunset Lounge this Thursday, Feb. 4 for just $7. He will be performing with vocal powerhouse Erika Kayne, The Funny Sound’s Sam Goodi the BBC Band and an abundance of special guests including Cleveland’s own Rude Boy Joe Little. This event will be hosted by Chief Rocka Ent.’s Q-Nice. Tickets available by calling (216) 647.1843 or (216) 659.9539.