Subscribe
to the E-Star!

Rising San Jose jazz star will perform at Ravensbrook

Free show part of Yosemite International Jazz Festival featuring Richard Elliot, Spyra Gyra and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Brian Wilkinson

(Updated: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 1:22 PM)

Inspired by Hollywood musicals as a child, San Jose's Jessica Johnson, 23, took vocal lessons at the Children's Musical Theater in San Jose at the age of 5 and was listening to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Sara Vaughn in middle school.

She entered many singing competitions between the age of 7 and 16 and won many awards, including first place at both the San Jose Idols Contest and the 16-24 age division at the World Championship of Performing Arts in Burbank at the age of 16.

Johnson will perform at a free outdoor show from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at Ravensbrook Bed & Breakfast off Thornberry Road (420), just south of Deadwood, during the Yosemite International Jazz Festival along with Louis Armstrong tribute singer Anthony Brady and Kevin Hill and Alana Shapazian.

Johnson says she feels blessed because most people do not find something that they are passionate about at a young age.

"I did and I have also been very lucky and grateful for the support of my parents," Johnson said. "My mom comes to every show that I do. When I was younger, I always thought that was normal but when I talk to many performers they say that is not the case with them. My parents have always been by my side, telling me to do what I love."

Johnson began singing the National Anthem for the San Jose Sharks at age 12, which eventually parlayed into singing the anthem for every notable professional sports organization on the West Coast including the world champion San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's, San Francisco Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Since the release of her first CD, "Till It Happens To You," at the age of 19, the singer-songwriter has been winning over Bay Area audiences with her sophisticated vocal stylings.

Music critic Justin Langston of SidewalksTV described Johnson as a true talent with range, sincerity and conviction and a voice that is beautiful and soulful.

"Jessica is definitely no cookie cutter singer -- her voice is far superior to even some of the more established singers and she is a seasoned veteran on the music scene -- her bright, vibrant voice reaches all generations."

She has performed at the San Jose Jazz Festival, San Francisco's Octavia Lounge and the Hollywood Palladium.

Her music ranges from jazz standards to well known R&B classics. Her original music is a fusion of Jazz, R&B and pop. From the moment Johnson walks on stage, her rich, sultry voice embraces her audience wherever she performs.

To support her musical career,Johnson works as an instructor at a San Jose fitness center. "I love fitness, but my passion is music."

Johnson is currently working on her second CD featuring contemporary R&B and pop that she hopes to release next year.

"Unlike my first CD of cover songs, every song on the new CD will be my original melodies and lyrics," Johnson said.

She says those who come to see her at Ravensbrook can expect a great performance from her as she does jazz standards, pop classics and many original pieces.

"My goal is to touch and inspire people with my music the same way my music has inspired me," Johnson said. "I love to sing and I hope to share my music with the world, spreading joy and comfort along the way."

On Friday, Oct. 28, the jazz festival lineup at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino includes Karen Marguth (7 p.m.), Greg Adams (8 p.m.) and headliner Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (9:45 p.m.).

On Saturday, Oct. 29, the festival lineup at Chukchansi includes Rich Severson (11:30 a.m.), Alice Lui (12:30 p.m.), and Dana Abbott (1:30 p.m.). The evening show will feature Tim and Myles Thompson (8 p.m.), Richard Elliot (8:45 p.m.) and headliner Spyra Gyra (10:45 p.m.).

A jazz show will be held at Sierra Sky Ranch Resort on Sunday.

Details: Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, (559) 683-7766, 1-888-71-tickets, yijazz.com, ravensbrook-yosemite.com, (559)683-4792.