SUNDAY MATINEE MUSIC VIDEO “Daydream Believer” + “It’s Going to Be Different” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4biM3K_QCX8 Two songs I did as host of an Open Mic at San Francisco Lighthouse. I shared a memory about the many times I've played "Daydream Believer" with Davy Jones and The Monkees, and we’ll be playing it on my upcoming gig at Monkey House in Berkeley CA (Sat. 2/22). The second song (my original composition) is getting a lot of interest and will be released on my next album, WE’RE GETTING CLOSER TO THE SUN. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4biM3K_QCX8

Architect Marko Brajovic built a weekend retreat for his family 175 miles from his home in São Paulo and he calls it the Monkey House, b/c of the monkeys in the trees of the forest near Serra da Bocaina National Park.

They are able to commune with the monkeys b/c they’re in the trees just outside the windows.

The living room is on the 2nd level.

The bath is on the ground level with the kitchen.

The kitchen has big windows to observe the forest floor.

Also on the 2nd level are the lovely bedrooms.

The uppermost level is an open terrace.

I wonder if the monkeys come in here.

When the family is not using it, they rent on Airbnb, of course for $150 night.

I’m playing at Monkey House in Berkeley on Sat. 2/22. I’ll be doing songs from my I LIKE THE STREET album + a separate set of all Monkees songs. Plus some special guests will be hopping on the stage, including Robin Mackey, Christopher Robin, and Phil Sollar. It’d be great if you can make it and say hello. Keep in touch! Cheers, JJB

Arts & Entertainment News Release:

Who: Johnny J. Blair “Singer at Large” + special guests

What: In concert

When: Saturday February 22, 2023 7pm

Where: The Monkey House, 1638 University Avenue, Berkeley CA (510) 898-1979https://www.themonkeyhouse.org

Cover: $20 suggested donation to the artists

STREETWISE POP MUSIC COMES TO THE MONKEY HOUSE

On Saturday February 22nd, Johnny J. Blair “Singer at Large” will take the stage at The Monkey House, a listening room at 1638 University Avenue in Berkeley. Doors open at 7PM.

Johnny is promoting his album I LIKE THE STREET, offering “streetwise power pop” influenced by glam rock, psychedelia, New Wave, and gospel. Brian Wilson called Johnny “a virtuoso” while earcandy.com called him “a delightful entertainer.” The song “I Like The Street” is a refraction on Johnny’s years of riding bicycle on the streets of San Francisco as a bike messenger. “I’d see the best and worst of humanity, in split second contrasts, while rolling by on the seat of a bike.” Stylistically the album is influenced by Velvet Underground, Roxy Music, Erik Satie, and hints of flamenco and tango.

Johnny has worked with a range of artists—most prominently with The Monkees and solo Davy Jones. “I learned a lot of stagecraft from him,” says Johnny, who has also performed with David Cassidy, Paul Gilbert, Buddy & Julie Miller (Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris), Al Stewart (“Year of the Cat”), and other notables. When Johnny’s not performing and recording, his itinerary includes entertaining in assisted living homes for people with disabilities and dementia: “Music goes through the brain into places where math and language don’t go. Music heals and makes a difference.”

At Monkey House, Johnny will be joined by special guests and will do his originals as well as a Monkees set and telling stories “about Monkees, working with people in care homes, and the wild ride of life in the music industry.” His music can be sampled at https://johnnyjblairsingeratlarge.bandcamp.com For more information go to (510) 898-1979 or https://www.themonkeyhouse.org $20 donation suggested for the artists; reservations recommended; purchase tickets at www.venmo.com/ira-marlowe-1 or [email protected]

'canticle for a monkey house'