Artesians will have two opportunities this week to enjoy an eclectic mix of musical entertainment as City RockFest and Johnny Counterfit come to town.
At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, the City RockFest tour will take the stage at the Artesia High School Auditorium featuring five – yes, five – Christian rock bands.
Disciple, one of the bands performing, is named for a follower and student of Jesus Christ. Along with them is Random Hero, who, in 2009, was one of the first bands to have an iPhone app. Project 86 from Orange County, Calif., received their name from the term “86,” meaning to reject or remove. Joining them from Michigan is Scarlet White, known for their bold messages of strength, motivation and hope. And, of course, the tour also features the popular Seventh Day Slumber, named for God’s seventh day of rest. They originate from neighboring Texas.
“All of these bands have a heavy post-grunge, melodic rock sound which appeals to rock ‘n’ rollers young and old,” said Laurie Schotz, executive director of the Artesia Arts Council. “The community has come together to bring this huge event to our community and surrounding area.”
Tickets are on sale online until Tuesday evening for $15 at www.artesiaartscouncil.com or by calling the OPAC Box Office at 746-4212. After midnight, they increase to $20 and will be available at the door the day of the concert. VIP tickets, for $30, grants the holder 5:30 p.m. admission, a meet-and-greet with the bands, and seating in the first five rows.
Artesia students will receive free admission with a school ID, but reservations must be made by calling the OPAC at 746-4212. Students wishing to receive VIP admission may do so for $15.
Then at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the OPAC, fans of everything from country and Rat Pack crooners to comedians to past presidents will want to be in attendance at the Johnny Counterfit show.
As a young boy, Johnny would sit in front of the television and absorb every variety, comedy and music show of the late 1960s and early 1970s while imitating as many voices as he heard. He began listening to the LP records his parents played on their stereo console and decided to teach himself how to sing while he practiced imitating the voices of each singer until each was just right.
This same commitment is carried out with every performance, as Johnny is now the one on television, radio and live concert stages. He recreates each legendary star with astonishing accuracy. No music tracks are used during his show! Whether he is accompanied by the Time Travelers Band or simply with his guitar, the audience is treated to a show they will always remember.
More than 30 voice impressions in a 90-minute show range from Johnny Cash to Vince Gill, Buck Owens to Dwight Yoakam, Hank Williams to George Strait, Dean Martin to Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson to Julio Iglesias, John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Rodney Dangerfield, Archie and Edith Bunker, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, and many, many more! Clips are available on Counterfit’s website for those wishing to witness in advance how accurate his voice impressions really are.
“I have more than 25 years’ experience in giving the audience what they want, whether I’m on stage, in front of a television camera, in a recording studio, or on a radio station microphone,” Counterfit says. “Experience makes a difference!”
Tickets to Counterfit’s performances are $25 each and may be purchased online or by calling the OPAC.
