Rockin’ Johnny to perform Sunday

Back by popular demand, Rockin’ Johnny, Johnny Burgin, is set to perform from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Speakeasy in Newton. This is the second trip to Newton for Burgin, who stopped to perform the first time on his way home to Chicago from Omaha.

“When you have good fans and people that really love it and it is a good place, you have to go back there,” Burgin said. “I got some good fans from the South Skunk Blues Society.”

Joining him on stage Sunday is Newton native Joe Rebik on drums and Des Moines bassist Erich Guakel from the band The Soul Searchers.

Originally from South Carolina, Burgin, guitarist in the band, moved to Chicago to attend the University of Chicago and earned the name “Rockin’ Johnny” while working as a DJ at a local college radio station. He began playing clubs on Chicago’s West Side with blues singer Tail Dragger before touring nationally with former Howlin’ Wolf drummer Sam Lay and blues piano player Pinetop Perkins.

After those experiences, Burgin decided to put his own band together. The groups first big gig was a Monday night residency at The Smoke Daddy in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. The energetic, original approach the band took to blue music brought in a younger crowd that typically did not go to blues clubs.

After only hearing one performance, Delmark Records, a prestigious Chicago blues label, offered the group a contract. Following the release of its first album, the band toured Europe, played festivals and headlined clubs through out the Midwest.

Known for its wide repertoire, The Rockin’ Johnny Band performs Stax style soul, swing as well as numerous originals and has a stage presence filled with spontaneity, fun while still showcasing great guitar playing.

Currently booked almost every weekend, Burgin is making a special stop on a Sunday to play in Newton before heading on a 30-day tour through Los Angles, Japan and the Bay Area. For more tour dates, check www.rockinjohnnyband.com.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com.