Sydney Keeney, Emily Thomas, and Jim Joliffe perform during Johnnaroo 2017
Students and instructors at Johnny Guitar’s Music Institute are anxiously getting ready for the annual Johnnaroo music showcase, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 23. 15 students from their lesson program will take the stage at 2 p.m. that afternoon. The concert presents a great opportunity for young musicians to perform for a live audience and show off what they’ve learned.
Johnny Guitar’s owners Bob and Terri Fitzgerald share a passion that has flourished into a reality; cultivating young talent has been a vision they shared from the start. This year, Puckett’s Grocery on the Square will proudly host the 10th installment of Johnnaroo, a concert that began in the original Johnny Guitar’s parking lot on Clark Boulevard.
Over the past month, a handful of young musicians have been sharpening their skills and showmanship for the 10th anniversary of Johnnaroo. Under the guidance of Johnny Guitar’s devoted instructors, their students have formed bands, trios and solo acts. The small concert series has grown a lot since it kicked off years ago. What started as a small endeavor has been adapted into a valuable experience for everyone involved.
Fire breathing Tadpoles from JRoo 1
Johnny Guitar’s instructors help students master performance skills and techniques. After a decade of annual shows, Johnny Guitar continues to watch students thrive and eventually start successful careers of their own. One of their alumni is currently attending Berklee College of Music and plays drums regularly at the House of Blues in Boston.
Johnnaroo 2017
“Our students are the reason we started Johnnaroo,” Terri Fitzgerald explains. After struggling to maintain the original retail store, Johnny Guitar’s Music Institute began sharing a studio space to ensure a reliable haven for youth to continue learning music in Murfreesboro while continuing the Johnnaroo tradition, one that the Fitzgeralds are quite proud of.
Johnnaroo 2017
Terri says she wants to get the word out to the people of Rutherford County that they can come and check out the young, musically talented area students.
“I just wanted to share a little bit of our contribution to Murfreesboro. It’s not a whole lot, but we are very proud of it!” she said.
From left: Johnnaroo alumni Eric Conley, Berklee College of Music; and Austin HIghcock, U.S. Army
In years past, Lonestar’s Richie McDonald made his mark playing the Johnnaroo festival, and his son Rhett plans to follow suit and take the stage again this year.
“We guarantee a rocking time!” says Terri.
Richie McDonald
Johnnaroo will start at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23, at Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, located at 114 N. Church St. Concert seats fill quickly. Contact Puckett’s for reservations by calling 629-201-6916.
Johnny Guitar’s is always open to new students. If you have a child who is interested in learning music, or if you would like more information about what they offer, call Johnny Guitar’s Music Institute at 615-896-5151.
