It seems no theme is too ambitious for long-running Myron’s headliner Michelle Johnson. The Las Vegas jazz great hosts “Freedom — A Juneteenth Celebration” at The Smith Center’s cabaret room at 7 p.m. Friday (the real Juneteenth). Go to thesmithcenter.com for ticket information.
Johnson’s show is a big throw.
“It snowballed,” Johnson says of the celebratory cultural and musical production. “It was too important a subject for a one-woman show.”
So Johnson contacted a veritable cavalcade of talent for the Juneteenth tribute: Clint Holmes, Sherry Gordie, Skye Dee Miles, Jassen Allen, Lannie Counts, Serena Henry, Chondell Leland, Avana Christie and Toscha Comeaux, Aretha Harden, Cha Cha Figueroa and Xavier Brown are featured guest stars.
But wait. There’s more.
Reggie Johnson is the music director, Avree Walker the choreographer, Marshawn Fondren on drums, John Belzaguy on bass, Johnny Johnson on guitar and (deep breath) David Gervais on percussion.
This is a monster of a roster for what is likely Johnson’s most heartfelt show in her 10 years headlining the Smith Center. Her debut was her Prince tribute in June 2016.
“We’ll have many layers and many styles of singing,” Johnson says. “We are bringing out the pioneers, the people who broke barriers for black entertainers, Sammy Davis Jr. and Lena Horne and those types of performers. We want to fill the room with their sound and their vibe.”
Storytelling will bridge the musical numbers.
“We want to look at what freedom is now, and that is a celebration of our expression of the arts and our culture,” Johnson says. “We want a community, family-type experience. These people are like my family.”
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.
What: “Freedom — A Juneteenth Celebration.”
Where: Myron’s at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Tickets: Starting at $51.80 (including fees).
Information: thesmithcenter.com.