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April 12, 2007
When it comes to the local music scene, one name that is likely to be familiar is -- Little Johnny.
Boasting about 200 shows per year, the man born as John Moore performs at a number of south suburban venues, including a weekly Thursday jam at Nick's on the Rocks in Calumet City.
"You can always learn something," Little Johnny said, talking about why it is important to participate in jam nights and open mikes.
"There's a lot of great musicians in the area, but people don't know about them because they don't play.
"Don't sit at home. Get out there and play. If you're looking to form a band, you can find musicians (at a jam).
"If you want to be a professional artist and you have a CD, you have to get out and play. They're not going to discover you in your bedroom or your basement."
In addition to this weekly jam, Little Johnny has lined up a weekly Sunday blues jam that kicks off June 3 at Bottoms Up Sports Bar & Grill in Lansing.
Meanwhile, Little Johnny has first-time gigs on Friday at the Galway Tribes Irish Pub & Ale House in Frankfort and on Saturday at Groves Sports Bar in Chicago Ridge.
"I like playing music, and I love performing live," said the self-taught singer, guitarist and harmonica player.
"Live music is such a big part of what I do. Like anybody, I want to take the band to the next level.
Little Johnny recently was honored via Indiana-based Midwest Beat Magazine's Reader's Poll, which named him favorite harmonica player for 2006.
He also received the honor in 2001 and said the award is one of his biggest accomplishments to date. But, he added, there is more work to be done.
"It's like any business," he said. "You have to practice your craft. The more you do it, the better you become."
While Little Johnny is mostly rooted in blues, he said gigs feature various musical styles including some Grateful Dead and even a female violin player.
"We're not just a straight-ahead blues band. We can rock 'n' roll with the best of them," he said.
Backing Little Johnny are violinist Emily Albright, of Flossmoor; bassist Kevin Long, of South Chicago Heights; and a man known as Eric "The Drummer," of Lake Station, Ind.
While Little Johnny now lives in Hammond, Ind., he grew up in South Holland and lived in Park Forest and Steger.
With a stage name playing on appearances (he is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 250 pounds), Little Johnny has performed professionally for eight years and said blues is what he enjoys the most.
"You feel the blues. Everybody's got the blues," he said.
"Everybody's got to go to work. Everyone has a family. Everyone has to pay bills."
Those who want to check out Little Johnny's music can pick up "Workingman Blues," which was released in 2004.
Recorded at PTD Studios in Tinley Park and produced by Pat Doody (who toured with legendary blues artist Lonnie Brooks), the eight-song CD features original music.
"Strong-hearted Woman," one of the CD's songs, also was picked up for two compilations.
The first compilation was "Blues for Kids' Sake," which benefited Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.
"They're very familiar with seeing me play and asked me if I wanted to donate one of my songs to the CD," Little Johnny said.
"I was honored. (The CD) was a success. They raised quite a bit of money for Big Brothers Big Sisters."
"Strong-hearted Woman" is also available on "Cadillac Blues," Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine's March sampler CD that comes with copies of the Detroit-based magazine, still on some newsstands.
"Someone from Chicago heard one of my songs on MySpacecq," Little Johnny said of how he ended up on the sampler.
"I get a lot of people finding me and e-mailing me," he said regarding the exposure that CD has brought him.
"(Hopefully it will) open up doors for us to go out of state and travel, and go from a local band to a regional and national band."
Jessi Virtusio may be reached at jvirtusio@starnewspapers.com or (708) 802-8854.
IF YOU GO
Little Johnny
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday and 9 p.m. Saturday in two different gigs.
WHERE: The Galway Tribes Irish Pub & Ale House, 9680 Lincoln Way Lane, Frankfort, on Friday.
Groves Sports Bar & Grill, 6030 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge, on Saturday.
TICKETS: Free on Friday, $3 on Saturday.
PHONE: (815) 464-9881 for Galway Tribes, (708) 424-7555 for Groves.
WEB: littlejohnnyblue.com, www.thegalwaytribes.com.
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