I have been watching a fairly new resident of our little village for the past year, after hearing him perform at the Italian American Club one evening in 2014. I finally had the opportunity to sit down with the young singer, and do an in depth interview. I thought it makes for interesting reading, so here is the result:
Chadwick Johnson is much more than an award winning singer-songwriter today. His roots go back to singing in church choirs when he was eight, to performing for a President of the United States, to being named “Vegas’ Next Emerging Star,” to performing in the prestigious Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. Johnson’s style of bringing his fresh spin to classy Jazz favorites, soulful Blues tunes, and the feel-good Top-40 pop hits, is just one of many reasons he has fast become a Las Vegas favorite. And, oh yes, Chadwick was also once a High School Rodeo Champion.
Johnson was raised on his parents working horse ranch located outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From an early age he was always surrounded by music, which is why today he shows the love of music and such passion with every song he sings. His Grandmother, Betty, was a big influence on him as he grew up. With the simplicity of love, she installed a strong musical foundation for his future. The two would spend countless hours at the family piano singing together and preparing new songs to either sing at family gathering or in church. His passion for music was born from those days with Grandma, and as his talent became more apparent, Chadwick was often selected to perform as a soloist with the church choir, or to sing the National Anthem at various rodeo events. One message bestowed on him was: “Always remember that the words in a song are so important, because they are sending a message…”
That message, along with many others, has guided him to where he is today. From singing the National Anthem at high school rodeos at 14, to taking voice lessons in Milwaukee, to getting advice from an agent in Nashville, to singing for President Bill Clinton at a command performance, the road to stardom is never an easy one. The agent’s advice: Move to Los Angeles, where he could expand his career, “but do not expect to be discovered over-night. Live there, work there, and sing at every opportunity given.” Chadwick headed west at 19, where he began a slow process of paying his dues.
Today Chadwick Johnson is an award winning singer, songwriter, and headliner, known for his soulful approach to music, and his love of the great classics from every musical genre. Since moving to Las Vegas in late 2013, Chadwick has wowed every audience he’s had the pleasure of entertaining. He has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in town including: The Aria, Mirage, Monte Carlo, Suncoast Casino, and the prestigious Hakassan Nightclub at MGM. In his first year in Las Vegas Chadwick received the 2014 award for “Vegas’ Next Emerging Star” by The Entertainment Consumers Exchange (ECE).
Chadwick’s way of relieving the pressures of building his singing career is to drive out to Sandy Valley, where he boards his horse, and to practices his skill as a champion Team Roper. And, when he is not entertaining on a stage, he is competing in nearby rodeos and roping competitions. “There are a few things that feed the soul like the time I spend working with the horses. It helps keep me grounded,” Johnson commented.
You can catch Chadwick this Friday in the Lift Bar at the beautiful Aria Resort on the Las Vegas Strip from 9:00 p.m., till 1:00 a.m. Then on Sunday, Feb. 22, Chadwick and his Trio, along with his special guest, Elisa Fiorillo, will present a very special show titled, “Vintage Vegas,” inside the showroom at the Suncoast Hotel-Casino starting at 4:00 p.m., with everyone is invited for this Free Show. On Wednesday, March 18, Johnson will perform his “Golden Concert,” featuring special guest, Naomi Mauro, in the showroom at the Italian American Club on East Sahara. Showtime will be 8:00 p.m. with a donation of $20.00 requested.
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:
The Laugh Factory located on the mezzanine level of the new Tropicana Hotel has some very interesting headliners appearing in its showroom, in the next couple of weeks. Kicking off the week of Monday, Feb. 23 to Sunday, March 1, will be the very funny Kirk Fox. Fox is an actor, writer, producer and award-winning stand-up comedian, and was the host of the syndicated daytime conflict talk show, “The Test.” Kirk was also in a recurring role on NBC’s hit comedy “Parks and Recreation” as Sewage Joe. Other recent acting credits include playing Mr. March on Nickelodeon’s “How to Rock,” the TBS comedy “Who Gets the Last Laugh?” and a guest appearance on NBC’s “Community.” Fox’s extensive television background includes multiple appearances on “The Tonight Show,” “Conan” and his own “Comedy Central Presents.” However, his work is not only limited to television. Fox has built an impressive list of silver screen credits, including “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “The Postman,” “Post Grad,” “The Patriot,” and “Wyatt Earp.” Sharing the stage with Fox will be Paul Morressey in the featured spot, and local resident, Brandon “Gooch” Hahn hosting.
Jeff Richards will be sharing the headlining spot with fellow stand-up, Kevin Farley, the week of Monday, March 2 to Sunday, March 8. Richards is known for his arsenal of celebrity impressions and outrageous original characters. With appearances on Fox’s “MAD TV,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn,” NBC’s “Late Friday,” and as a cast member on season 27 of “Saturday Night Live,” which recently celebrated its 40th. season on NBC. Jeff’s high-energy stand-up is a mix that you won’t want to miss! Notable celebrity impressions include Louie Anderson, Kevin Spacey, Garry Shandling, Charlie Rose, Don Imus, Dustin Hoffman and Ozzy Osbourne, and original characters include the “knife guy,” the “drunk girlfriend,” her “jealous boyfriend,” and the “jock/meathead” from every ’80s teen movie.
Kevin Farley has truly established himself as a comedic presence on the big screen and television. Kevin was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and is the younger brother of the late great comedian and actor Chris Farley, and older brother of actor John P. Farley. He appeared with Adam Sandler in “The Waterboy” and starred in the films “Black Sheep” and “Beverly Hills Ninja.” Farley can be seen in numerous hit TV shows such as “That ’70s Show,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Joey,” “Just Shoot Me,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Just “United States of Tara,” “True Jackson, VP” and many more. Hosting during the week will be Brett Riley.
Tickets for the 8:30 and 10:30 performances at the Laugh Factory are priced at $34.95 and $44.95. For information call 702-739-2411 or 800-829-9034.
Well, gang, that’s about it for another week.