Michael Johns and Brooke White 2009 Tour Links

Originally published at BC Magazine at the following link.

American Idol Alums Michael Johns and Brooke White Go On Tour
As is our custom at BC Magazine, we deliver the news more thoroughly than virtually every other news source out there.  It's not enough to hear that American Idol Season 7 finalists Michael Johns and Brooke White will be touring together this summer.  That much is widely known already.  But to fully deliver the story to you, not only will you find the dates and a list of what cities, but you'll also find links to each of the venues below.  You should expect no less than that from a quality source of news.

Before I get to the actual Michael Johns/Brooke White Tour 2009, there are a few other engagements to announce in the meantime. Michael Johns and Brooke White will be performing a free concert this coming Saturday, August 15, alongside Carolina Liar and fellow Idol Alum Elliott Yamin.  The concert will be held at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow Long Island and is being presented by Fresh 102.7.  Check out the details at the radio stations website.

There are no tickets to buy and no tickets you have to win.  As a matter of fact, you don't have to do anything but be there for the show.  I would suggest the you bring your newly bought CDs of Michael Johns new album Hold Back My Heart, or Brooke White's High Hopes and Heartbreak, and Elliott Yamin just released Fight For Love in May.  If you're lucky enough, you might get your CDs autographed by the stars themselves.  Idols have the tendency to stick around for awhile and do things like that for their fans.  You can also find Carolina Liar's album Coming To Terms to bring along with you.

There's still at least one other show to tell you about before delivering the summer tour dates.  According to a press release made by Live-PR, Michael Johns will be performing at the 5th Annual Miss Malibu Pageant being held on August 23rd, 2009.  That audience can look forward to hearing songs from Michael's debut album Hold Back My Heart (available on iTunes, Amazon.com, and retail stores everywhere). The album features Michael's new single "Heart On My Sleeve", which can be downloaded FREE from Amazon.com on the album link.

The Miss Malibu Pageant will be held at a mansion formerly owned by Cher and will be host to ten celebrity judges from the movie, television and music industry.  The list of distinguished guest judges includes ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Linda Thompson, and Elizabeth Rohm, just to name a few.

Musical entertainment for the event will be provided by Michael Johns and Atlantic Records recording artist Ryan Cabrera.  Please click on Live- PR to see further details on the 5th Annual Miss Malibu Pageant. 

With Michael Johns and Brooke White touring together, fans might also look forward to hearing them perform "Life Is Okay" from the soundtrack album Don't Look Down.  Although it was originally scored for the Shaun White documentary, the soundtrack was an independent effort co-written and produced by Foxworth, Johns, and Randa.  The album is seventeen tracks (eighteen songs) of sheer creative brilliance, and was nominated for "Best Original Music Score" at the 2009 X-Dance.

And now for the dates and venues, along with the links for more information on how to purchase tickets.  Almost all of the venues offer a discount for tickets that are purchased in advance.  Most every website I visited listed the ticket price as $20.00 in advance and a few dollars more if you wait to purchase your tickets until at the door or box office on the day of the tour.  That's why I took the time to include the links and phone numbers in advance. 

Michael Johns and Brook White Tour:

THU 9/17/09 - Pomona, CA Glass House
200 W Second St
Pomona CA 91766
Information Line: (909) 865-3802 

FRI 9/18/09 -The Boardwalk (Sacramento)
9426 Greenback Lane
Orangevale, CA 95662
Phone: (916) 988-9247 

SAT 9/19/09  - Reno, NV Grand Sierra Resort
2500 East 2nd Street
Reno, Nevada, 89595
(800) 501-2651 

MON 9/21/09  - Portland, OR Roseland Grill
8 NW 6th Ave
Portland, OR 97209-3607
(503) 219-9929 

WED 9/23/09 - Spokane, WA Knitting Factory 
919 W Sprague Ave
Spokane, WA 99201-4014
(509) 244-3279 

THU 9/24/09 - Seattle, WA Chop Suey
1325 E Madison St
Seattle, WA 98122-4058
(206) 324-8005 

FRI 9/25/09 - Boise, ID Knitting Factory
416 S 9th St
ID 83702
(208) 367-1212 

SAT 9/26/09 - Salt Lake City, UT Avalon Theater 

3605 South State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84112

801-266-0258

SUN 9/27/09 - Denver, CO Bluebird Theater
3317 E Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 377-1666 

TUE 9/29/09 - Lawrence, KS Bottleneck
737 New Hampshire St
Lawrence, KS 66044-2737
(785) 841-5483 

WED 9/30/09 - Des Moines, IA People’s Court
216 Court Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 422-5128

If you read my previous interview with Michael Johns featured in the article "Former American Idol Finalist Michael Johns Discusses Hold Back My Heart", which was published here at BC Magazine, you'll already know that Michael Johns will continue to tour after he's finished the summer dates.  In October, he'll be joining David Foster and Friends as they take the stars that fill up the DVD and CD of the same name on the road this autumn.

David Foster's Website is professionally done and includes all the links to find which cities will be graced by this "Hitman" and how to purchase tickets to this incredible showcase of multiple talents.  Instead of retyping and linking each venue, I'll just furnish you with the cities and venues, and a link to David Foster's site instead.  There are fabulous photos of all the stars that were featured on the PBS special as well.  Do yourself a favor and go have a look by clicking on his name above.

David Foster and Friends Tour 2009:

10/21 - Chicago, IL - Rosemont Theatre

0/23 - New York, NY - WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden

10/24 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center

10/25 - Boston, MA - Agganis Arena

10/28 - Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre

10/30 - Tampa, FL - Blue Line Theatre @ St. Pete Times Forum

11/1 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live

11/5 - Los Angeles, CA - Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal City Walk

11/6 - San Jose, CA - HP Pavilion

11/8 - Vancouver, BC - General Motors Place

As is the case with all of my articles, I'll leave you with this promise.  If there is other Michael Johns news or more dates that are added to either of the tours listed above, you can just about bet I'll be back to deliver that news personally.

Even David Foster himself recognized the talent and potential in this shining new star.  On his DVD David Foster and Friends, David is quoted as saying this of Michael Johns. "He is destined for greatness for years to come, I promise."  What a compliment to come from a man of such tremendous stature in the music industry.  I tend to agree with his opinion.  David has been successfully Fostering huge new talents for years.

I'll leave you with this one final wish for those of you who just can't wait to see your Idols or David Foster with all of his talented friends on tour.  May every fan out there find a tour date in a city near you.  Cheers and best wishes until next time.

Michael Johns Interview - New Album, New Single, New Management

Former American Idol Finalist Michael Johns Discusses Hold Back My Heart

At one of the absolute busiest times in his life, Michael Johns took the time to sit down and answer some questions for BC Magazine about his upcoming tour and new album. 

The American Idol Season 7 Finalist is just one day away from releasing his debut album, Hold Back My Heart (Downtown Records); it drops Tuesday, June 23rd.

Michael's first single "Heart On My Sleeve" from that album, was the #1 most requested song at AOL Radio when they launched a Tweet Request only radio station, and is currently climbing Billboard's AC charts. Because the Tweet Request channel was only meant to stay live for a week, AOL Radio added the single to their Pop Idol and New Music First stations.

Although Michael is fairly active in the social media scene, finding time to keep up with him would take anyone to task. He's recently been spending most of his time traveling coast to coast doing radio tours and promotional concerts. He'll be touring the country with Brooke White (another American Idol Season 7 Finalist) beginning in August, then he's been asked to join David Foster and Friends on Tour in October.

How he made time for an interview, I'll never know, but I'm so thankful he cared enough to share the following answers with us.

How was putting this album together different from assembling your own (unreleased) records previously?

The most natural thing I've ever done. I mean it was seriously effortless to write and record. Great players and the songs came from the sky.

Is the songwriting process something you can describe?

Some people can but I can't. I just get in the room and let it flow. I try not to think about it too much for fear that the tap may stop running.

Do you have particular writing habits or rituals?

No, I just try to get in the mood of the song. I sometimes go months on end without writing a tune. I don't press writing I just let it come to me.

How did the opportunity to tour with Brooke White present itself? What are the advantages (or disadvantages) of touring with someone else rather than going solo?

We just really like each other and our sound has similar fans. She is one of my favorite singers around. I think people will hopefully enjoy what we do.

When you go on tour with David Foster and Friends in October, will you be doing the same songs you did on the CD (of the same name), or will you still be able to perform some of your solo music in support of your Hold Back My Heart album?

Some the same and also my own tunes. David has been such a support and really wants to see me succeed. He's the man and it was an honor to be asked, glad we could clear the schedule.

How important do you feel album art or shelf appearance is in drawing attention and sales to the album?

It's not my bag, but I love the artists that put it together, it really is amazing.

As you may know, I've written several pieces before about your work with Rye Randa and Jeff Foxworth for the soundtrack Don't Look Down, as well as your solo efforts. I recently noticed on your MySpace player that the record label is now Fontana South. Is there any truth to the news I recently got from a friend that you're no longer with TRP, and if so, who is now your management team?

TRP is no longer a label.

Just to confirm, TRP is still your management then?

No they are not. Michael Goldberg and Sanctuary are.

Can you tell us what caused the change in management and label?

Shit happens.

I've heard that your song "Dangerous" (not on this album) is going to be used in a film. Can you tell us which one?

Really hadn't heard…you tell me. (laugh)

There's a distinctly different flavor in music from each of the groups you've worked with in the past when compared to the new album. How would you describe the progression from when you first started in the music business until now?

I finally found me! It really is a dream come true as a singer to find your real voice.

Who wrote the storyline for your upcoming "Heart On My Sleeve" video, and why does it fit the song so well? (When can we see it, if you know?)

Nothing has been written in stone. I have a concept I think is cool but the director may have a way better idea.

Can you tell us about any behind-the-scenes projects your fans aren't aware of? (Like working with Air Supply for "Hold On", co-writing a song for Brooke's album, appearing on Hannah Montana, guest hosting The Today Show, etc.)

It's funny so many things get told to me in any given week. I try not to get my hopes up. It is nice, however, that different shows or clients keep wanting me to do things. Some work out, some fall through, but I'm having a great time right now.

We've seen your "Old School" and Christmas video "Please Don't Bomb Nobody This Holiday" with The Dan Band. Do you have future projects with The Dan Band you can tell us about?

Dan is a genius! I love him so much and whenever he calls to include me in his next hilarious project... I'm in.

What other artists or producers would you most like to work with in the future?

Dave Cobb, Dave Cobb, Dave Cobb.

To what or whom do you attribute your sense of humor, or are you just naturally gifted with wit?

Probably God. I mean doesn't everyone thank him? Kidding, look most Aussie's have a good wit; we are a relaxed people.

What guilty pleasure would most surprise your fans if they knew?

I love to watch horrible movies on my days off. I mean anything I know that will be terrible like Glitter or Ernest does something. (laughs)

Your name is associated to an extent with certain products (i.e. Papa Johns Pizza, Patron Tequila, Garnier Fructis, Chick-fil-A, etc.) even if those associations were unintentional. If you could choose any product on Earth that you would officially endorse (or to have sponsor your tour), what would it be and why?

Michael Johns' Chick-fil-A tour has a nice ring to it…so does set sail with Captain Morgan and Michael Johns.

When you were on American Idol, most of us weren't aware that in addition to being a fabulous singer, you're also an accomplished song writer and musician. Not that it matters now that you've made a successful solo career for yourself, but do you feel playing guitar or piano on American Idol would've made a difference? What made you decide not to play an instrument on the show?

Well. thank you. Look, I just never found the song I thought would work. I wanted to play INXS - "Never Tear Us Apart" acoustic, but I was told the song wasn't allowed. I think that song is as sexy as it gets to sing.

Having spent a number of years in the music business and suffering some unfortunate luck with a few previous labels going belly up or restructuring, I'm sure you've seen a lot of unscrupulous behavior, up to and including what I would personally consider outright thievery.

Now you've graced what most would consider is the world's largest music stage by achieving Finalist status on American Idol. That experience gives you a most unique platform from which to speak about the music industry in general. Any comment?

Look, Idol is so huge because the music industry has failed in the last eight years. People still love music as much as ever, but the industry thinks looks and age are more important than talent. Idol put an end to that. Introduced us to great singers we'd otherwise never know.

Quite honestly, I trimmed my list of questions down from over six pages of things I'd like to know about him, but I figured playing 20 questions with Michael Johns would be enough for now. After all, he's got a new album and tour to see about and I wouldn't want to keep him another second from doing that.

Between doing concerts, and promotional tours, and appearances on radio and television, Michael somehow finds the time to be both a music star and a husband. His wife of two years, Stacey Vuduris, is a star in her own right.

Well known as and interior designer, Stacey's design for Kristen Bell's home is currently being featured in a layout for the July issue of InStyle Magazine. You can find out more about her and see some of her work at her new website Stacey Vuduris Interior Design. I'd like to offer her my personal thanks for sharing some precious hubby time for BC Magazine.

Michael Johns can be found in the social media on Twitter, MySpace Music, and Facebook. He's done video chats on Stickam with over 6000 fans in attendance, all throwing questions at him at once. (Poor guy. No guarantees on how often he'll be doing that one.) He sends out telephone messages through Jamship, a service to which you can subscribe and receive weekly phone calls. For those of you who are into social media, be sure to go there and add him.

You can find his new album Hold Back My Heart on Amazon.com, iTunes, and stores everywhere starting June 23rd. His first single "Heart On My Sleeve" can be downloaded and heard on the radio now. You'll find Amazon.com links to most all of his music below this article.

You'll find him touring in August with Brooke White, and in October with David Foster and Friends. Hopefully, he'll come to a city near you. What you will not be able to find is somebody else standing on line in front of me to purchase his new album. Just listening to samples of all 12 songs, I already know, I must have this entire album to add to my Michael Johns collection of genius.

My sincere thanks to Michael for sharing his news and taking the time to do an interview. From the very first time I heard him say "It Can Happen" on American Idol, I somehow knew that it would. 

Congratulations, Mate! It's happening now. Cheers, and my heartfelt best wishes for many more years of future success.