Gustavus Adolphus College

The 1979 Gustavus Concert

Johnson’s 2006 Gustavus Concert

Michael Johnson, the singer, song-writer, storyteller, and guitarist who has performed to sold-out audiences at Gustavus Adolphus College annually for nearly forty years, returns to Björling Recital Hall once again. The holiday season tradition continues on Friday, December 14 at 8:00 p.m. and is one of only two performances Michael will present in Minnesota this season.

Johnson, originally from the Minneapolis area and now living in Nashville, first performed at Gustavus in the late 1960’s with the late John Denver as part of Denver, Boise and Johnson, and the Chad Mitchell Trio. Following his departure from the trio one year later, Michael spent a year acting with an off-Broadway company and returned to Minnesota and to singing. Since that time, he has studied and toured internationally eight times and has recorded eleven albums, which include ten hit singles and two #1 country songs of the year. Even those who don’t know his name will recognize his hits: Bluer Than Blue, Give Me Wings, Ponies, and Rooty Toot Toot for the Moon.

His web site is simply titled “Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist.” When asked what he would want you to know about him, Michael Johnson replies “Tell them I play guitar and that I am a soloist at heart.” He prefers the intimacy and spontaneity of solo performance, especially in a concert hall like Gustavus’ Björling Recital Hall, where acoustics and closeness to the audience allow Michael Johnson the showman to shine. “I love to talk to people and I love to make them laugh. And of course, I love to move them with my music. Without that, there is no reason to be on stage.”

What one remembers of Michael is the texture of his voice, the meaning of the lyric and the music of the guitar. Singer, song and sound. And the feeling of being at home with a friend.

Tickets are still available for Michael Johnson’s annual winter concert on December 14 at Gustavus. The performance begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $16.00 for adults and $13.00 for students, senior citizens & GA staff. For ticket purchases, please call the Gustavus Ticket Center at (507) 933-7590 (credit cards are accepted at the Ticket Center). Tickets will go on sale one hour prior to the concert in Björling Recital Hall box office.

Become a part of the tradition and celebrate the Christmas season with Micheal Johnson.