Vocalist John Minnock To Perform At Don't Tell Mama

Innovative vocalist John Minnock, known for his distinctive contemporary twists on cabaret classics, is proud to present his "Every Day Blues" series at Don't Tell Mama, the iconic institution located at in the heart of Restaurant Row at 343 West 46nd St, on Saturday, March 3rd at 9:30pm (Seating is at 9:00pm). Tickets available here. The evening will feature guest vocalist Lynda D'Amour and very special guest saxophonist Catherine Sikora.

This high-energy, entertaining night of music will exhibit tracks from Minnock's recently released eponymous album. During this performance, Minnock will present his modern and diverse interpretations of classic blues and jazz hits, which he has precisely and appropriately chosen to represent the life experiences he has encountered as an openly gay man. For John, music is a language and, perhaps because of the discrimination and oppression that communities of jazz and blues have also experienced throughout time, he feels that "jazz and blues is the language through which he feels most comfortable." This year, John has added some exciting new music to his repertoire- some of which will be included in his forthcoming new album due out for release late 2018.

John Minnock, through his stellar, energetic performances, has developed himself into an audience favorite who is rapidly building a large New York following. He combines great originality, musicality and showmanship with clever wit and irreverent comedy to present a high-energy and entertaining evening of jazz, blues, funk and R&B.

Before bringing his show to NYC, John performed weekly at Boston's Encore Lounge, as part of one of the most successful jazz gigs in the city. The show was chosen as a "Featured Event" by The Boston Globe several times during its run, so this exuberant and dynamic performance at The Metropolitan Room is not to be missed!

Minnock's core concept for his performances and overall aesthetic as a vocalist, immediately blossomed when he saw Ruth Brown's live show, which incorporated energy, enthusiasm, and her personal life experiences. Around the same time, Minnock and his friend, Erick Holmberg (who John consults with for many of his musical endeavors) were examining jazz music. Erick drew attention to Duke Ellington's 'Don't Get Around Much Anymore', which starts with the lyric 'Missed the Saturday Dance', and suggested that it would have to apply to a community where there is an expectation of showing up in the same place, at the same time, every Saturday - so it's either a small town, or if in an urban environment, a sub-culture - such as the African American community or the gay community. The seed was thus planted and it began to grow.

The New York native explains that jazz and blues were, essentially borne of the life experiences of an oppressed and discriminated against group - African Americans. The sound developed in and around New Orleans. Various cultures (beyond African Americans) have contributed their own experience and styles to the art form - and for John as an openly gay man, this same thing occurred in an evolutionary manner.

"I personally understand oppression and have experienced discrimination. I believe this is an underlying reason I gravitate toward the music."

One aspect that carries particular importance for John during his performances is authenticity. He ensures that he never disrespects the material, or intrudes in an area that isn't appropriate for his background.

"If there's something in a song that refers to an experience that doesn't apply to me, I don't do it. For example, 'Strange Fruit'. - how could I speak that language?"

Throughout his development and establishment as a jazz and blues New York based vocalist, the reaction he has received from his audiences has only grown in positivity. Minnock finds this especially evident from the younger and straight perspective.

"My guess is that they are hearing these songs now framed in a different way. It's a new lens through which to look at the genre. And staying faithful to my background, not intruding on a life and experience that isn't mine, is key to continuing this."

A new-breed vocalist who infuses diversity and modern interpretation into his jazz and blues show, John Minnock first gained popularity in Boston and is now a resident performer at the Metropolitan Room. He is the recipient of the "HotHouse Jazz 2016 Fans Decision Metropolitan Room Award", and recently released his debut album "Every Day Blues" (available at iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and CDBaby).

A classically trained musician, John's vocalizing recalls the likes of Billy Eckstein, Lou Rawls, George Benson and B.B. King. He often branches out into jazz improvisation and scat singing, and brings a rich history of the music to every performance. His wide repertoire of song renditions spans classic artists like King, Ruth Brown and Bill Withers to contemporaries such as Sara Bareilles, Amy Winehouse and Sam Smith.

Following his March 3 performance at Don't Tell Mama, John will continue his "Every Day Blues" Residency at the Triad Theater on March 31. He will continue to perform at the legendary theater throughout the year with performances in May, July, September and November.

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