Multi-instrumentalist returns to Sun City for second performance
SUN CITY – From ballroom to country and from Mississippi to Sun City, Johnny Gray’s trifecta of talents has traveled the country and will return to Drendel Ballroom on Tuesday, Feb. 18 for a performance he calls “An Afternoon in Branson.”
Johnny Gray (Photo Provided)
The Mississippi-born singer, musician, and entertainer has once before graced the stage in Sun City for a Christmas concert, but this month’s upcoming performance will feature a variety of genres and sounds.
“All in all, I play as many as 30 instruments in a show,” Gray said, adding that the number of instruments he uses depends on each show. He usually sings and plays guitar, banjo, and the keyboard.
But it’s not only the plethora of instruments that make Gray’s performances one-of-a-kind.
“My variety draws on all genres of music, for audiences from eight to 108. I think it’s the uniqueness of the diversity of the music,” he said. “I usually perform in my cowboy hat, even though I’m not strictly a country singer.”
Nor is Gray strictly a musician. He also uses his shows to speckle the stage with humor and “euphoria.”
“I take it as a responsibility to change the environment as it is. In 45 minutes you can actually change the environment in the room. Laughter heals as long as people are clapping and singing and reminiscing about the good things that happened,” he said.
Gray’s shows don’t only deliver happiness to concert halls. He also performs for senior residents and their caregivers in hospitals and park districts.
“My goal is to see a little glimmer in their eyes and know that they feel well inside for a few moments,” he said.
These moments aren’t always solo performances; Gray likes to invite willing audience members to take the stage, too.
“If there’s any talent in the room, I seek it out because I feel it’s their show. I’m just there to inspire,” he said.
Inspiration is something Gray has always seemed to have. He has been a musician and entrepreneur his entire life, starting with high school garage bands and sock hops. Moving on to playing at motel lounges – once with Johnny Cash in attendance ¬– and night clubs across the country, Gray never gave up.
Johnny Gray
When: Feb. 18, 2-3 p.m.
Where: Drendel Ballroom
Tickets: $8 pre-registration, $13 day of. General public tickets are an additional $5
More info: sccah.com
