Recently, the name Josephine Johnson began appearing in my social media feed. Always on the lookout for musical acts to cover, I clicked on her Facebook page and saw that she was scheduled to play at Doc’s Porchside Augusta on Sunday, August 14. After a long week of traveling across the Midwest, Dean and I found ourselves in need of a lazy Sunday adventure. What better way to kick off a beautiful summer day than enjoying a delicious mimosa brunch with fresh music from a new-to-us artist? I couldn’t think of anything better.
Dean and I arrived at Doc’s Porchside, picked out a high top table near the bar and noshed on a pimento cheese appetizer while waiting for our entrees. We were lost in conversation until I heard the tap-tap sound of cowboy boots hitting the restaurant’s wooden floor. I turned in time to see Josephine Johnson enter and head toward to stage to set up for her show dressed in a boho outfit with a funky hat on her head. She mesmerized me. I couldn’t wait to hear what she would perform and wondered if she’d regale us with her original songs or perform some great covers.
It didn’t take long to find out. The house music ended then Josephine picked up her acoustic guitar and slung the strap over her head. She began playing a set list that featured classic country songs, each of them layered with her unique and organic Americana flavor. Every tune flowed through the building, peppered with a bit of grit and lot of soul.
Johnson started her set with the 50s hit “Sea of Love” by Phil Phillips, enchanting the audience with a honeyed voice that reminded me of the singer Jewel. Next on the set list was “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton, a beautiful and tender rendition of the country hit. Johnson then followed that up with “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash before switching gears and taking us back to the 90s with the Mazzy Star hit, “Fade Into You.” The original song is gorgeous and one of my favorites from that era. Johnson took that song and added extra emotion to the lyrics, making it her own.
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Engaging and lively, Josephine Johnson is a force to be reckoned with. Her stage presence is at once soothing and energizing. She is a performer making her mark across the South as she takes her unique musical stylings to audiences in cities like Atlanta, Nashville, Augusta and Savannah. Holding a Masters of Arts in English from Humboldt State University, Ms. Johnson is a gifted and masterful songwriter. She has released three full albums of original material. Her album “The Spark” was released in 2018. Find her online at https://www.josephinejohnsonsings.com. Go see her soon.
Doc’s Porchside in Grovetown and Augusta host live musical acts on the weekends. See their monthly entertainment calendar at https://docsporchside.com/entertainment
Itching to get out and experience a little live music this weekend? On Friday, check out Nick Brown as he takes the stage at The Highlander in North Augusta. Show begins at 10 p.m. Also Friday, Blue Lava brings the classic rock to Stay. Social Tap & Table in Evans. Music starts at 7 p.m. On Saturday at 8 p.m., head over to World of Beer on Washington Road to enjoy the rocking fun of Keith Gregory. Also on Saturday, hear Chris Ndeti at Back Deck Booking in downtown Augusta. Show begins at 8 p.m.
Francie Klopotic is an author, artist and music aficionado living in Augusta. She writes The Night Beat column the first and third Fridays of each month.
