Michelle Johnson Celebrates Freedom, Heritage, and Unity on June 19

By Debbie Hall

For Michelle Johnson, music has always been about more than entertainment. It is a vehicle for healing, connection, and understanding. On June 19, the acclaimed vocalist known as "Las Vegas' First Lady of Jazz" returns to Myron’s at The Smith Center with Freedom – A Juneteenth Celebration on June 19.

This is a multidisciplinary performance that explores liberation, identity, resilience, and joy through music, dance, spoken word, and storytelling. Presented on the national holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, Freedom invites audiences to reflect on the past while celebrating the ongoing pursuit of equality and self-determination. Yet Johnson's vision extends beyond history lessons or cultural observances. The performance seeks to examine what freedom means on a deeply personal level.

The evening unfolds as a carefully crafted artistic journey, moving through spirituals, jazz standards, Broadway favorites, soul classics, and contemporary selections. Accompanied by dance, percussion, and spoken-word performances, the program creates an emotional arc that carries audiences from remembrance and reflection to hope, empowerment, and celebration.

At the heart of the production is Johnson's own story, which aims to foster empathy and a personal connection with the audience. Her family roots and cultural background serve as a foundation for the performance, encouraging audiences to see themselves in her journey.

"I am excited to be returning to Myron’s at The Smith Center with a vibrant concert experience that blends music, movement and the power of story to explore freedom in all its forms," Johnson said. "The show reflects on the meaning of emancipation and liberation while weaving in my Liberian roots, West African ancestry, the musical influences that shaped my artistry, and my own journey through the lens of freedom."

The concert features an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Clint Holmes, Serena Henry, Toscha Comeaux, Avana Christie, Skye Dee Miles, and Jassen Allen. Their contributions highlight the power of community and collective storytelling, inspiring unity among attendees.

Audience members will also experience moments that connect personal narratives to larger historical legacies. Johnson will read a commentary written by William Alex Haley Jr., grandson of the renowned author Alex Haley, whose groundbreaking book Roots brought generations of African American history to readers around the world. Special guest Sherry Gordy, daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy, will also share remarks during the evening.

Supporting Johnson is an accomplished ensemble led by musical director and pianist Reggie Johnson, former musical director for Boyz II Men. The band includes drummer Marshawn Fondren, guitarist Johnny Johnson, bassist John Belzaguy, percussionist David Gervais, and vocalists Chondell Leland and Lannie Counts.

Choreography by Avree Walker adds a visual dimension that enhances the production's themes and emotional depth.

Known for creating concerts centered on unity, empowerment, and the transformative power of music, Johnson hopes audiences leave feeling inspired, hopeful, and uplifted.

"As many of you know, my concert themes focus on unity, human empowerment and the transformative power of music," she said. "The show will inspire you, and I promise you will leave feeling great. It is going to be a fun and inspirational night of music."

In a city known for spectacle, Freedom – A Juneteenth Celebration offers something equally powerful: an opportunity to gather, reflect, and celebrate the stories that connect us. Through song, movement, and shared experience, Johnson reminds audiences that freedom is not simply a historical milestone but an ongoing journey worth honoring together.

Michelle’s concert themes focus on unity, human empowerment and the transformative power of music, and her liquid voice and unique storytelling style will engage the audience from the first note to the last. Michelle Johnson’s Freedom – A Juneteenth Celebration to be performed at Myron’s at The Smith Center on Friday, June 19. For tickets, click here. For more info, visit michellejohnson.com and thesmithcenter.com. Follow on Facebook @MichelleJohnsonVocalist and @thesmithcenter, on Instagram @divamichellejohnson and @smithcenterlv and on YouTube @MichelleJohnsonOfficial and @thesmithcenter.