MICHAEL
LOUIS
JOHNSON
Entertainer
I sing, I play trumpet, I write songs. I do some acting. Over the last four decades I’ve written some plays, made some movies and music videos. I’ve travelled the world playing music in small clubs, theatres and giant festivals. Currently I perform solo or with my jazz quintet, Red Rhythm, my brass band, Rambunctious, or our gang of Balkan Klezmer Party Punks, Lemon Bucket Orkestra. But mostly I’m known for tending bar at a tiny joint in Toronto called the Communist’s Daughter. I also have a reputation as a bit of an instigator.
Death of a salesman
Reviews
“Powerful and heartbreaking”
Lauren Gienow - Broadway World
“Every note, achey and tender.”
Daphne Gordon - Stratfordtoday.ca
“….hits most of the right notes in its indictment of the American dream – though the best ones are blared from the bell of Johnson’s weathered trumpet, the bluesy melody an albatross in the Lomans’ creaking kitchen.”
Aisling Murphy - Globe and Mail
From February to October, 2026, I’ll be at the Stratford Festival working on Death of A Salesman. I’m creating and performing a score for solo trumpet and I’m also playing the role of Stanley, the waiter, (naturally). I also have a small ensemble role in Othello. It’s my first time doing Shakespeare. Boots and swords and wigs!!!
I’ll be bringing some of my Toronto antics to town making myself comfortable at The Starlight. Starting April 12, I’ll be there every second Sunday hosting my democratic vinyl night, Dcide on the Bside. I’ll also be doing little trio gigs from time to time.
SUNDAY April 12 I’m doing a Starlight double-header
MLJ Trio 5pm-8, Dcide on the Bside 8pm-11
Check the schedule below to see where to find me.
