Events & Music - September 2016
Johnny’s welcomes our community and visiting performing artists to come to share their songs and tell their stories. We'll have plenty of cafe drinks, sweets, paninis, baked goods, premium homemade ice cream and more to enjoy during the show! Shows are free to attend with donations strongly suggested for the performer(s).
View our Weekly Events for Kids Stories & Song, Farmers' market, food trucks and more! |

Saturday, Sept. 3rd: Vintage Blue, Bluegrass, 7:00-9:00pm
Come see noted bluegrass musician and banjo teacher, Joe Snipes, perform in classic bluegrass songs and bluegrass renditions of contemporary songs.
More info to come soon. In the meantime check out Joe & Co. videos, including performances at the Nasher Museum, here!
Come see noted bluegrass musician and banjo teacher, Joe Snipes, perform in classic bluegrass songs and bluegrass renditions of contemporary songs.
More info to come soon. In the meantime check out Joe & Co. videos, including performances at the Nasher Museum, here!

Wednesday, September 7: City Mouse, Americana, 7:00-9:00pm
from Atlanta, Georgia
On stage, City Mouse’s songs hold the power to transform a room filled with soft-spoken strangers into foot-stomping friends and family. Mobley and Revels’ stage presence has generated buzz for Atlanta as a must-stop destination for like-minded touring bands — a truly communal contribution to a city that’s teeming with music, heart, and imagination.
City Mouse’s upcoming single release, “Blood Red Youth” defines what the Atlanta, Georgia, band’s hometown fanbase already knew. This is a songwriting band. Since their culmination in 2013, the band’s originality, forged around their own lyrics, persistence and enigmatic stage presence, has led them to sold out shows throughout Atlanta’s various venues. They have shared stages with bands like The Steeldrivers, Cicada Rhythm, the Howlin’ Brothers, Underhill Rose, Family & Friends, The Darnell Boys, and more.
Check out City Mouse's music & more here!
from Atlanta, Georgia
On stage, City Mouse’s songs hold the power to transform a room filled with soft-spoken strangers into foot-stomping friends and family. Mobley and Revels’ stage presence has generated buzz for Atlanta as a must-stop destination for like-minded touring bands — a truly communal contribution to a city that’s teeming with music, heart, and imagination.
City Mouse’s upcoming single release, “Blood Red Youth” defines what the Atlanta, Georgia, band’s hometown fanbase already knew. This is a songwriting band. Since their culmination in 2013, the band’s originality, forged around their own lyrics, persistence and enigmatic stage presence, has led them to sold out shows throughout Atlanta’s various venues. They have shared stages with bands like The Steeldrivers, Cicada Rhythm, the Howlin’ Brothers, Underhill Rose, Family & Friends, The Darnell Boys, and more.
Check out City Mouse's music & more here!

Friday, Sept 9: Aubryn, Americana, 7:00-9:00pm
It takes a certain artist to not only draw you in with a song, but to keep you hanging onto every word. Aubryn, a singer/songwriter hailing from Nashville, TN, is known for her ability to do just that. Her quirky songs maintain a sharp wit, paired with catchy and often haunting melodies that tell surprising stories of multidimensional women. Aubryn’s versatile voice has often been described as “Badass Alison Krauss meets Susan Tedeschi.” Her sound has been described as “Wild West” meets “Old School New Orleans.” Sharing the stage with acts such as Love and Theft, she draws influence from the likes of powerhouses Joan Osborne and Bonnie Raitt. Aubryn recorded her debut album with producer and percussionist Pino Squillace, one of the original members of the “Music Mafia,” alongside Gretchen Wilson and Big and Rich.
The unique talents of this songstress have not gone unnoticed nationally. Aubryn recently won 1st and 2nd place in the San Diego Songwriter's Guild Song Competition with two songs off her debut album, 1st place at the San Diego County Fair Singer/Songwriter competition, and was a 2015 Kerrville Folk Festival finalist in the New Folk Competition. One of the prizes for her first place win at the San Diego County fair was recording time with Big West Music at Big Rock Studios!
Check out her music here!
It takes a certain artist to not only draw you in with a song, but to keep you hanging onto every word. Aubryn, a singer/songwriter hailing from Nashville, TN, is known for her ability to do just that. Her quirky songs maintain a sharp wit, paired with catchy and often haunting melodies that tell surprising stories of multidimensional women. Aubryn’s versatile voice has often been described as “Badass Alison Krauss meets Susan Tedeschi.” Her sound has been described as “Wild West” meets “Old School New Orleans.” Sharing the stage with acts such as Love and Theft, she draws influence from the likes of powerhouses Joan Osborne and Bonnie Raitt. Aubryn recorded her debut album with producer and percussionist Pino Squillace, one of the original members of the “Music Mafia,” alongside Gretchen Wilson and Big and Rich.
The unique talents of this songstress have not gone unnoticed nationally. Aubryn recently won 1st and 2nd place in the San Diego Songwriter's Guild Song Competition with two songs off her debut album, 1st place at the San Diego County Fair Singer/Songwriter competition, and was a 2015 Kerrville Folk Festival finalist in the New Folk Competition. One of the prizes for her first place win at the San Diego County fair was recording time with Big West Music at Big Rock Studios!
Check out her music here!

Saturday, Sept. 10th: Mike Rodgers, Pop Rock, 7:00-9:00Pm
We are so happy to welcome Nashville recording artist and Pennsylvania native, Mike Rodgers. After a breakdown of his tour vehicle kept him away from us in July, he's coming to showcase his talent as a one man band - blending styles of pop/rock from the 90s and the pop/rock mix of country music.
Check him out here
We are so happy to welcome Nashville recording artist and Pennsylvania native, Mike Rodgers. After a breakdown of his tour vehicle kept him away from us in July, he's coming to showcase his talent as a one man band - blending styles of pop/rock from the 90s and the pop/rock mix of country music.
Check him out here

Sunday, Sept. 11: Pop-Up Broadway Chorus, 5:00-7:00pm
Join us for the first of these monthly events, hosted by the incredibly talented Glenn Mehrbach.
You may recognize him from his work at the ArtsCenter (“Walt,” “Oh, What a Lovely War,” “Transactors Improv Co"), Deep Dish Theatre (“The Landing”), or Raleigh Little Theatre. Glenn has also written and directed numerous musicals at the Community Church of Chapel Hill, UU, including “Into the Woods,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and "Fiddler on the Roof.” And, before moving to the Triangle, Glenn toured internationally as pianist and conductor for cabaret chanteuse Andrea Marcovicci. You can find out more about Glenn here!
Songs for this week are:
“You’re Just In Love” by Irving Berlin, from “Call Me Madam” (originally sung by Ethel Merman and Russell Nype)
“One” from “A Chorus Line” by Marvin Hamlisch (music) and Edward Kleban (lyrics)
This pop-up event is sure to be like no other. You don't have to bring your best Fosse moves but, of course, they're welcome. Stay tuned as we will be posting which song(s) will be featured. Be sure to check out this event's Facebook page, here, to stay connected!
Join us for the first of these monthly events, hosted by the incredibly talented Glenn Mehrbach.
You may recognize him from his work at the ArtsCenter (“Walt,” “Oh, What a Lovely War,” “Transactors Improv Co"), Deep Dish Theatre (“The Landing”), or Raleigh Little Theatre. Glenn has also written and directed numerous musicals at the Community Church of Chapel Hill, UU, including “Into the Woods,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and "Fiddler on the Roof.” And, before moving to the Triangle, Glenn toured internationally as pianist and conductor for cabaret chanteuse Andrea Marcovicci. You can find out more about Glenn here!
Songs for this week are:
“You’re Just In Love” by Irving Berlin, from “Call Me Madam” (originally sung by Ethel Merman and Russell Nype)
“One” from “A Chorus Line” by Marvin Hamlisch (music) and Edward Kleban (lyrics)
This pop-up event is sure to be like no other. You don't have to bring your best Fosse moves but, of course, they're welcome. Stay tuned as we will be posting which song(s) will be featured. Be sure to check out this event's Facebook page, here, to stay connected!
Friday, Sept 16: Michael Burch, Original Acoustic Folk, 7:00-9:00pm
from Carrboro Michael Burch has been writing and performing for over 40 years. His "1st Wave West Coast Folk Rock Kinda Vibe" creates a throwback sound distinctive of the 60's and 70's. Michael has opened for The Byrds, Tom Rush, and others. Michael locally hosts the NC Songwriters "Songwriters Circle". Michael Burch, Original Acoustic Folk Preivew Michael Burch sound here |

Friday Sept. 16th: Lost Boys Food Truck
After launching a successful catering company in 2014, Lee and Dustin Pollard have added a restaurant on wheels to the mix. Their food truck, Lost Boys, features international street food. Professionally trained culinary chef, Lee, and sous chef Dustin, have developed a menu offering food flavors from around the world, including Colombia, Asia, and Portugal, reminiscent of travels the brothers have taken throughout the years. The boys bring their southern hearts into their cooking, sourcing local, North Carolina ingredients whenever possible.
These guys love to cook, and they're really good at it. Taste and see. Never, never bland.
Check out their menu HERE!
After launching a successful catering company in 2014, Lee and Dustin Pollard have added a restaurant on wheels to the mix. Their food truck, Lost Boys, features international street food. Professionally trained culinary chef, Lee, and sous chef Dustin, have developed a menu offering food flavors from around the world, including Colombia, Asia, and Portugal, reminiscent of travels the brothers have taken throughout the years. The boys bring their southern hearts into their cooking, sourcing local, North Carolina ingredients whenever possible.
These guys love to cook, and they're really good at it. Taste and see. Never, never bland.
Check out their menu HERE!
Saturday, September 17: Open Mic Night, 6:30-9:00pm
Bring your friends. Bring some covers, or originals. Bring your tambourines, guitars & voices - whatever you can find! It will be a casual setting, and whether you're a veteran musician or a brand new poet, we want you there. Open Mic sign up - 6:15pm |
Wednesday, Sept. 21: Sissy Brown, Country, 7:00-9:00pm
Sissy Brown is a classically trained musician who traveled all the way from her hometown of Lawton, Oklahoma to Europe to hone her craft. It didn't take long for her to turn towards her country beginnings and find her own sound to be rooted in such country greats as Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn & Chris Stapleton, to name a few. After being in successfully touring bands such as The Ramblin Resonators, playing high profile venues like The Viper Room in Los Angeles, living in many of the country's musical hotspots, and touring for 10 months straight in 2015, Sissy is happy to have found her roots again. This time they're on a small ranch in north Texas with her dog Jesco and some cows. Check out Sissy's music here! |

Thursday, Sept. 22nd: Mark Morton Jr, Soul, Blues & Jazz, 7:00-9:00pm
Raised in Carrboro, North Carolina, Mark's interest in music began at a young age. Formal lessons in guitar took him to high school where he found his first academic outlet in high school Jazz Lab. Mark eventually enrolled at Berry College in Rome, GA, honing his skills in jazz guitar performance and earning a bachelor's degree in performance. After 15 years of guitar performance, Mark found a passion for songrwriting and singing. Having already played with premier artists such as Troy Roberts & Kenyon Carter, Mark's intention is to bring the same ferocity of high caliber improvisation and the subtleness of songwriting into one entity designed to give the audience permanent stank face. He hopes you'll join him.
Check out more about Mark and start to get your stank face on, by listening to his music here!

Friday, Sept 23: Ben Stalets, Alternative Country, 7:00-9:00pm
CANCELLED: Ben had to cancel due to a personal crisis. We wish him the best and look forward to having him play here in the future.
We're starting the weekend of Carrboro Music Festival off with some killer talent. Friday night we have Ben Stalets. Ben’s medley of soundscape allows him to open for a very diverse collection of critically acclaimed acts, such as; Valerie June, Whitey Morgan, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Local H, and Icarus Account. He’s also been a favorite at plenty of music festivals, among them, 2015’s Nelsonville Music Festival.
With releasing his newest album and stab at classifying his genre of music; Country Midwestern, and a month-long tour, Ben has had a big end to 2015. With the start of 2016, Ben is looking to show just how appropriate his latest album’s title is by kicking off January with a Midwestern tour. With an angle on his music based loosely on that of a Pot Roast as opposed to a drive thru meal – he may not be your next American Idol, but he’s got a Hank Williams howl and deep-rooted, sturdy fingerpicking style that make you feel like he’s telling tales as old as time.
Check out some of Ben's music here
CANCELLED: Ben had to cancel due to a personal crisis. We wish him the best and look forward to having him play here in the future.
We're starting the weekend of Carrboro Music Festival off with some killer talent. Friday night we have Ben Stalets. Ben’s medley of soundscape allows him to open for a very diverse collection of critically acclaimed acts, such as; Valerie June, Whitey Morgan, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Local H, and Icarus Account. He’s also been a favorite at plenty of music festivals, among them, 2015’s Nelsonville Music Festival.
With releasing his newest album and stab at classifying his genre of music; Country Midwestern, and a month-long tour, Ben has had a big end to 2015. With the start of 2016, Ben is looking to show just how appropriate his latest album’s title is by kicking off January with a Midwestern tour. With an angle on his music based loosely on that of a Pot Roast as opposed to a drive thru meal – he may not be your next American Idol, but he’s got a Hank Williams howl and deep-rooted, sturdy fingerpicking style that make you feel like he’s telling tales as old as time.
Check out some of Ben's music here

Friday, Sept 23: Lost Boys Food Truck, 5:00-9:00PM
After launching a successful catering company in 2014, Lee and Dustin Pollard have added a restaurant on wheels to the mix. Their food truck, Lost Boys, features international street food. Professionally trained culinary chef, Lee, and sous chef Dustin, have developed a menu offering food flavors from around the world, including Colombia, Asia, and Portugal, reminiscent of travels the brothers have taken throughout the years. The boys bring their southern hearts into their cooking, sourcing local, North Carolina ingredients whenever possible.
These guys love to cook, and they're really good at it. Taste and see. Never, never bland.
Check out their menu HERE!
After launching a successful catering company in 2014, Lee and Dustin Pollard have added a restaurant on wheels to the mix. Their food truck, Lost Boys, features international street food. Professionally trained culinary chef, Lee, and sous chef Dustin, have developed a menu offering food flavors from around the world, including Colombia, Asia, and Portugal, reminiscent of travels the brothers have taken throughout the years. The boys bring their southern hearts into their cooking, sourcing local, North Carolina ingredients whenever possible.
These guys love to cook, and they're really good at it. Taste and see. Never, never bland.
Check out their menu HERE!
Saturday Sept. 24: CMF Kick Off w/ Andy Ferrell & Alexa Rose
7:00-9:00PM Acoustic Guitar magazine calls Andy Ferrell's music "..hand crafted roots and Music City polish find balance in plangent guitar and a plain-spoken poet weaving his hypnotic spell." (2016) His new album, At Home and In Nashville, is aptly named, for it points to a long lineage of artists traveling between their homes in rural Appalachia and the neon lights of country music’s capitol, Nashville, Tennessee. Born in Boone, NC, Ferrell grew up in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the birthplace of Appalachian traditional music and the home of the great Doc Watson. Growing up in Watson’s shadow, and with a folk guitarist for a father, Appalachian roots play a large role in Ferrell’s music. What’s surprising about his new album is how far he has reached beyond these roots. On this album he focuses on country songwriting with a bittersweet edge, much like his heroes Hank Williams and Townes Van Zandt. Recording the album between Nashville and Boone, he blends old-time roots and folk songwriting with a more polished country sound that verges at times on Paul Simon-esque balladry. Sweet pedal steel rings through his sound, mixed in with rich vocal harmonies and songs that look to the hard truths of a working man’s life as much as to the vagaries of love. At 19, Alexa Rose released her debut album, "North," which spoke to her folk influences and featured simple renditions of handmade songs on piano and guitar. The album’s premier track, “The Bear,” was featured on WVTF Public Radio’s “Back to the Blue Ridge” program, as well as other regional radio stations. Rose's new album, titled "Low and Lonesome" is due to be released later this fall. The album features accomplished regional musicians like Matt Smith of the Honeycutters, and JT Linville and Timothy Fisher of Pretty Little Goat Stringband. Channeling artists like Gillian Welch and Joni Mitchell, Rose's performances range from whiskey heartbreak tunes to upbeat, sunny waltzes. We are so excited to have such talent to kick off what is sure to be an amazing festival. Check out more of these oh-so-talented folks: Andy Ferrell Alexa Rose |
Sunday, Sept. 25: Carrboro Music Festival! 1:00 - 5:00pm Johnny's is excited and proud to announce that we will be a part of the 19th Annual Carrboro Music Festival! This is sure to be a phenomenal event. We will have incredible food all day long. Worried about parking? No need. We will be a stop on the bus! Park and ride your way to a great afternoon of talented local musicians and the all-inclusive, family-friendly chill, quirky vibe that makes us who we are at Johnny's. We can't wait to celebrate with you! For more info, go here! |
Thursday, Sept. 29:Megan Saunders & The Driftless w/Katrina Barclay, Americana 7:00-9:00PM This is sure to be a night of powerful & captivating performances. Megan and Katrina will play some solo material but they will also perform together on several songs. Megan's formidable songwriting and well-woven melodies combined with Katrina's emotional and dynamic vocals are sure to result in a not-to-be-missed experience. On Megan, "Earplugs and a listening device and the plaintive original melodies of Megan Saunders can take you to an earthy, vintage, dreamlike setting. They will hold you there like a feast of comfort food with no bones to pick or rinds to peel or bitter tastes to distract--seamless pleasure. These are tunes evocative enough to enchant and warm and soft enough to cling to like sun dried sheets and a faded quilt fresh off a windblown line. They provide a portable alternate place to reside, a mind state that you want to take along even when traveling aimlessly, driftless." On Katrina, "She fills each second with just the right amount of sound and emotion, finding a perfect balance between the communal relationships that the genre so often establishes and the deeper connections that the best singers manage to create with their audience. Her latest record, "Element," is full of these moments, and is a resounding success of emotional commonality and expansive lyricism." - Joshua Pickard |
Friday, Sept 30: An acoustic sampling by The Plate Scrapers, 5:00-5:45PM
Check out this fantastic bluegrass band in an informal setting as they gear up for their show later this evening. Don't worry folks, it's all after Johnny's is cozied up and put to bed! Come on down to hear them play and find out where you can see more of them! Check out more about them here! Constellation - Contemporary Folk, 7:00-9:00pm from Durham Constellation is the duo consisting of the husband and wife team, Eric Thomas and Helen Wolfson. Eric is a singer/songwriter/guitarist and Helen plays the hammered dulcimer. Together they play a mix of contemporary and traditional folk instrumentals along with a generous sampling of their original songs and instrumentals. The occasional country or blues tune might get thrown into the mix to make for a musically diverse and enjoyable show. Their original work includes lyrical and catchy instrumentals, topical songs, and ballads. Eric's very own genre, which he calls “Occupational Angst Music,” is a humorous treatment of life in corporate America. From the blues on the hammered dulcimer through high-energy instrumentals to a string-bending guitar leads played against folk and Celtic standards, Constellation covers a lot of ground! Preview sound and video here |
Friday Sept. 30th: Lost Boys Food Truck
After launching a successful catering company in 2014, Lee and Dustin Pollard have added a restaurant on wheels to the mix. Their food truck, Lost Boys, features international street food. Professionally trained culinary chef, Lee, and sous chef Dustin, have developed a menu offering food flavors from around the world, including Colombia, Asia, and Portugal, reminiscent of travels the brothers have taken throughout the years. The boys bring their southern hearts into their cooking, sourcing local, North Carolina ingredients whenever possible. These guys love to cook, and they're really good at it. Taste and see. Never, never bland. Check out their menu HERE! |