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Insiders' Music Spotlight: Johnny Favorite



By Felecia Ford


When I asked troubadour Johnny’s Piano Bar owner, Señor Johnny Favorite, about how he came to his decision to move to San Miguel de Allende, he answered with the same passion that he puts into each project as a dog rescuer, singer, bar owner, and producer extraordinaire. In an Oz-like way, he articulates his story in one easy, effortless breath:  


JF: My motto since I was a little boy has been, "I want to explore my adventures." (Dec 4, 2012)    I was having a goodbye party at the end of a contract (the next day, I was flying to Nova Scotia for Christmas). During the party, drinks were involved. I bought a ticket to Mexico with no plans, no reservations, and no friends. The next day, I had a choice to make about which airport to go to, and I came here to San Miguel because I figured I had one more adventure left in me; and that was it. I have lived in Greece, Norway, Singapore, Jamaica, and Portugal. I spent years on ships and tour buses. San Miguel is the only place I've ever seen where you can make friends as an adult the way you made friends as a kid. There is a lovely kindness and some sort of filter to San Miguel de Allende… call it kismet or magic.


FF: A magical kismet! You are so loved in this town, Johnny. You are a great mentor to so many who have found their way here and onto the stage through you.  When did you first know you had a desire to sing, perform, and produce shows?  

JF: It was a sixth-grade musical. On the night of the performance, halfway through the play, I started singing songs I swear I had never heard before. Pre-ADD awareness, I completely zoned out during rehearsals (but pulled off a great show).


FF: Tell us what year you started singing professionally and what you are most proud of that you’ve accomplished in your past.  

JF: 1990, Chios, Greece. I replaced a guy in a rock band who didn't speak English and was just making noises—kind of like how we sound when we sing "La Bamba." What am I most proud of? We started a little orchestra in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We hit the world stage, won awards, and created something really beautiful from nothing.


FF: Sweet! The sign of a true calling. Who did you work with that influenced you to be the performer and singer (possibly the person) that you are today?  

JF: Michael Bublé. We met in 2000; my orchestra was hired to do the opening party for a production he was singing in. He was just a kid from British Columbia. As soon as I heard him on stage, I knew. I've never seen anyone work so hard or study so diligently. A few years later, we met up in New York City. He was playing the Blue Note. A year later, I was calling him from Heathrow Airport because his albums filled the entire HMV store. I had released an album in 2000 that didn't sell, and I climbed into a bottle for two years. He never stopped grinding.  I left the music industry in 2001, moved to Portugal, and started doing ship and hotel contracts, performing four sets a night, six days a week. You can add as much as you want. I started swimming around in different genres. Adding 10 songs a week for 10 years will definitely put you through your paces.


FF: You have most definitely paid your dues in the music biz. Incredible! Can you share with us how you came about opening Johnny’s Piano Bar this past year? It’s really a hit with the music lovers in town!  

JF: The original Johnny’s was always my baby, and it was a magical place. The new owner of Casa Linda invited me to do it again, and a dear friend from Texas designed it and helped me get started. Some other wonderful people made it happen too.  It's everything to me—just a place for music, and I kept the joint affordable. The staff and musicians are my family. San Miguel has changed so much; they say you can't go back… but we did!


FF: You and your guests are so entertaining, and the place is beautiful with a warm, community vibe. Bravo! One more question, Johnny: what makes you smile?  

JF: Dogs.


Support live music at Johnny’s Piano Bar, Thursday - Sunday,6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.  

Mesones 101 Zona Centro, across from Teatro Angela Peralta

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