Florence musicians band together for brother in need

FLORENCE — If you know anything about the Florence music scene, you’ve heard the name Allen Johnson.

He’s got curly, red hair. You’ll usually find him wearing jeans and a plaid short sleeve button-down.

He sings, he plays, he teaches.

He may not look or act like a rock legend. But don’t be fooled. He is the godfather of the Florence music scene.

He’s helped countless local musicians find their sound and spread their wings. And now, Johnson needs a little help from his friends.

After surviving frightening bouts with colon cancer in 2008 and lymphoma in 2009, Johnson was left with mounds of medical bills that created quite a challenge for a self-employed musician.

To help Johnson pay these bills and stay on his feet, his friends and fellow musicians decided to organize a benefit. And what better way to honor Johnson than a benefit concert?

Local musicians and bands quickly jumped on board for the event, which will be a daylong celebration of Johnson and his love of music. Music will begin at 3 p.m. at Creek Ratz and continue until midnight, with a host of local musicians taking the stage to celebrate Johnson’s contributions to the arts and his recovery.

 Johnson currently teaches 40 guitar students a week, holds a visiting artist position with Florence School District 1’s strings program, plays with several different bands and as a solo musician.

“Over the years, Johnson’s continuously strong contribution to local music has made him a rock legend and music hero of the Pee Dee,” fellow Florence musician Melanie McMillan said.

“It’s hard to say just how far Johnson’s formidable influence as a teacher and a performer stretches,” McMillan said. “He’s a multi-instrumentalist, beloved guitarist and strings teacher, a strolling encyclopedia of music history and a connoisseur of musical instruments, world cuisines and fine lagers.”

Florence District 1 Music Coordinator Laura Greenway agreed and said Johnson has been a living resource for area school children.

“Allen is a lifelong friend and my go-to guy for anything musical, be it classical, pop, folk or bluegrass,” Greenway said.

A silent art auction will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. during the concert, and Creek Ratz is generously donating a portion of its sales for the day to Johnson. In addition, there will be a $5 raffle featuring gift certificates and other gifts from local businesses.

“The musician and artist line-up is so great,” Mark Humphries, an organizer of the event and Johnson’s bandmate in FLOWTOWN, said. “This will be something like Florence has never seen happening all in one place.”

IF YOU’RE GOING
WHAT: Allen Johnson Benefit Concert Celebration
WHEN: 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Aug. 7
WHERE: Creek Ratz, 2001 S. Cashua Drive, Florence
INFO: (843) 661-5100

ALLEN JOHNSON’ BENEFIT CONCERT CELEBRATION LINE-UP

• 3 to 3:30 p.m.: Borrowed Time Band (bluegrass and folk with beautiful harmonies)
• 3:3:0 to 4 p.m.: Melanie McMillan featuring Allen Johnson (original folk-pop)
• 4 to 4:30 p.m.: Scooter and Teena (Acoustic rock favorites)
• 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Dead Petals (rock featuring Floramay Holliday’s equally as talented brothers, twins James and Dewey Ervin)
• 5:30 to 6 p.m.: Banks Ratchford (acoustic guitar work and vocals from Allen’s very own nephew)
• 6-6:45: FLOWTOWN  (classic rock, blues and R&B featuring Allen Johnson)
  n 6:45 to 7 p.m.: Allen Johnson with Laura Greenway (folk and bluegrass)
• 7:15 to 8 p.m.: Rodie Ray Band (original band whose female lead singer opened for Sarah McLachlan)
• 8 to 8:30 p.m.: Slug’s Revenge (Riveting punk and bluegrass duo with Allen Johnson)
  n 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: The Woody’s (classic rock 9-piece)
• 9:15 to 9:45 p.m.:  Andrew Wade and Bryce Leggett (young acoustic duo, impressive guitar work from Famous Last Words)
• 9:45 to 10:30 p.m.: King Street (youthful, grooving rock band)
• 10:30 to 11 p.m.: Ed Clements and Friends (peaceful, easy acoustic sounds from Allen’s favorite Solicitor)
• 11 p.m. to midnight: Midway Blue (winner of the Speed Channel’s national band contest)