John served up a GREAT show for the inaugural event on The Back Stage June of 2021! Heartfelt thanks to all those in attendance, plus to those who so generously contributed via the tip jar, and, to those who rolled up their sleeves to help with the set-up and food. The weather was perfect, the music even more so, with surprise guest Bob Webber (Sugarloaf/Green Eyed Lady) joining John on stage for a few songs... an all around gem!
Were doin' it again... plus a jam session! Saturday Sept 10, 2022
"Putting bread on the table" became a challenge for many career musicians during the covid pandemic, this concert series is focused on providing some direct relief.
An evening with John Long - An extraordinary experience
This is a glimpse not only into John's own 70-something year old artists soul, but also into the souls of innumerable past giants of the blues, gospel, folk and traditional country. Not just because John so deeply connects to what those before him had to say, but also, because so many of them sensed his potential way back in the 1960's, and went out of their way to embrace and mentor him.
John is a rare living link, in story and in craft, to Terry & McGhee, Big Walter Horton, Roosevelt Sykes, Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, and many other legends who no longer walk among us.
His tales of those shared stages and friendships are plentiful and engaging. Come and ask him about his long relationship with his "second father" Homesick James, and how Homesick put John's then 19-year-old self on stage Muddy one night in a Chicago watering hole. Or about the huge multi-artist Barry Fey concert he shared with BB King, Big Mama Thornton, John Hammond and more at a crowded McNichols Arena. Then sit back to watch and listen to this master ply his trade in a properly intimate setting.
The Back Stage is located at 933 49th Avenue Place (NOT just 49th Avenue). Greeley, CO
Click the Calendar tab at page top for additional event details. Can't attend but still want contribute... add a little somethin' to Johns tip jar on the Tickets page.
Rain or shine, might(?) have to scratch the jam sessions if raining. Either way John starts around 3:30, come as early as 2pm if there's a lot of rain, or an hour earlier if sunny. There's a workable "Plan B" in place, should be a good hang before the show with plenty of things to eat & drink even if we have to go indoors.
The Back Stage May 2021, The native grasses I've planted are taking hold nicely, it's now more green underfoot. This is just a corner of a larger space. There will be additional canopies, misting units, a BBQ... The area is nicely shaded.