Johnny’s SongJam, Avogadro’s Number, July 11, 2024

Photos and Review by Tim Van Schmidt

I don’t know what I enjoyed most- the flavorful, soulful music being blasted from the stage at Avogadro’s Number by a shifting supergroup of NoCo musicians or the fun of being a part of a warm, friendly community brought together by a love for music. Live music, that is- some of the very best in the region.

The event was “Johnny’s SongJam,” a new monthly gathering at Avo’s being organized by keyboardist John Magnie. Magnie is known internationally as a member of the Subdudes, a group that got their act together in Fort Collins in the late 1980s, then took it out far and wide. But regionally, Magnie is also known as a longtime spark plug for excellent events and top notch bands as well as soulful songwriting and adventurous recording projects.

On stage at Avo’s on July 11, the first event in the SongJam series, Magnie was also a powerful performer- on keys and vocals- besides being the MC and band leader for the ever-shifting group combinations that took the stage. By the end of the show, even audience members were getting in the act.

Things got kicked off with another debut- by the Russ Hopkins Band. Hopkins, a longtime NoCo figure as a musician and a recording ace, is now recording with Andy Blanton on bass and Jess Amedee on drums and the Avo’s show was among their first on stage.

Amedee then stayed, ably doing the drumming chores for the entire evening. Then came Magnie, bassist Tim Cook (headlining a show at Avo’s on July 20), guitarists Timmy Zann and Jay Clear, and vocalist Peaches Embry. Also add singer-songwriter Liz Barnez and bassist Marty Rein. Other guests included vocalist Rhonda Merrick and harp player Thomas McCardle- and that bunch of vocalists from the crowd who filled the stage during the evening’s climax. Amedee and Clear in particular seemed to be having a great night.

You don’t know all of those names? Well there’s that many and more great musicians in our town and if anyone will find them, it’s John Magnie. Magnie announced that the next SongJam date would be on August 8 at Avo’s. I’d have to recommend it- they’re just getting started.