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By Excel Entertainment Press Release
Piano-drummer opens for Julie de Azevedo Oct. 26
PROVO, UTAH -- New artist Jared Johnson will open for award-winning pop
songstress Julie de Azevedo at BYU's de Jong Concert Hall on October 26 in a
fundraising concert for the Y Cycling Club. The concert will feature new
tunes from de Azevedo's latest pop album HELLO SKY, as well as Johnson's own
unique brand of piano music.
Johnson couldn't find the right genre for his music, so he created his own.
His debut album, Piano Pop blends ingredients of jazz, new age, classical
and straightforward pop in a mixture of upbeat and reflective solos.
"This is music you can listen to over and over and never get tired of," said
Russ Dixon of the group Colors. Johnson opened for Colors earlier this year
at another benefit concert.
"Piano Pop is a high-energy piano album that takes you places. Jared's
compositions are moving and fun to listen to," said pianist Michael R.
Hicks, who received three Pearl Award nominations this summer for his album
Creations.
On stage, Johnson adds a new dimension to his music by actually drumming on
the piano with his hands to produce a background beat.
Raised in Houston, Texas, Johnson began his classical training at age five.
In high school, he stuck with the piano and began studying percussion in
addition.
Johnson has seen hands-on success opening for popular acts including Colors
and Peter Breinholt. His music is played regularly on KOSY's "Sounds of the
Sabbath" program Sunday mornings. Online, Piano Pop is featured on KZION
radio, and four songs from the album reached Top 40 positions on MP3.com
within a month.
Other artists seem to recognize Johnson's ability to share uplifting piano
music in a new light.
"Jared uses his unique brand of solo piano to relax and refesh an audience
that is growing larger and larger," said local piano favorite Jon Schmidt.
The October 26 concert will raise money for the Y Cycling Club. Both de
Azevedo and Johnson are no strangers to benefit concerts. De Azevedo has
performed in a string of them recently, including a benefit for victims of
the September 11 terrorist attacks. Johnson recently performed in a concert
to raise funds for the Provo High School track team.
Tickets for the 7:30 concert are $7 in advance, $8 at the door, and are
available at the Harris Fine Arts Center Box Office.
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Source:
Piano-drummer opens for Julie de Azevedo Oct. 26
Excel Entertainment Press Release 13Oct01 US UT Prov A2
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