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Music is up close and personal at house concerts in the neighborhood

Charlene and Greg Johnson (pictured center) were excited to feature Moors and McCumber at their house concert on March 14. The concert attracted 65 people and the band didn’t disappoint! The musical duo performed well into the evening and utilized numerous instruments along with their unique harmonies to create a memorable night.

By Amy Shanahan; photo courtesy of Charlene Johnson

Music is a love, a passion, and an integral part of the lives of Charlene and Greg Johnson. The Johnsons, who live in Happy Canyon, have dedicated themselves to supporting musicians and sharing their love of music with friends and neighbors by hosting “Music on the Mesa” house concerts several times each year.

The Johnsons began hosting concerts six years ago, shortly after they moved to Colorado from California. In 2005, the talented couple released an album of their own and they traveled with their then seven-year-old son all over the country and Canada promoting the album. After spending a year living in an RV, the family chose to settle in Castle Pines, having fallen in love with the scenery and the excellent options for school for their son.

House concerts are a unique way for musicians to play for interested audiences and they are a wonderful opportunity for concert-goers to enjoy fresh new music and hear the stories behind the songs and get to know the musicians on a personal level.

Greg Johnson explained, “At our house concerts it’s all about the music. We provide a small, friendly and welcoming environment where you can really hear the music. It’s all about promoting independent artists and keeping them on the road.”

The Johnsons, who now have three children, host between four and six concerts at their home each year. The concerts are adult-friendly although children are welcome and the Johnsons have a dedicated room where kids can play and be together while their parents enjoy the music. The musical style of the performers is typically American folk, however, the family has featured classical concert pianists and flautists, and even high school and college jazz bands in the past.

A typical house concert at the Johnsons includes time for socializing and they encourage their guests to bring food and drinks to share. Donations are requested at the door in order to lend support to the musicians, and Charlene and Greg typically perform for a half hour as the opening act prior to the featured musician. Charlene remarked, “We have kids and aren’t as interested in performing as we used to be, so these concerts allow us to keep music a part of our lives and our kids’ lives.”

The “Music on the Mesa” house concerts at the Johnson’s home are open to the public and they can typically seat 75 to 80 guests. In June, they are excited to welcome musician Melissa Greener, and they are looking forward to their annual outdoor concert at the end of the summer which they call “The Festival” and is open to families, friends and neighbors. The Johnsons bring out barbecue grills and guests bring food and drinks to share, the kids run around outside, and fun music is enjoyed by all.

To sign up to attend the “Music on the Mesa” house concerts or to learn more, visit them on Facebook by searching “Music on the Mesa House Concerts.”

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