All across America and around the world, audiences have fallen in love with two sophisticated Southern gentlemen and the high-energy shows with their group, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Inspired by the classic holiday soundtracks of a big band, the group brings A Holiday Equinox to Walton Arts Center on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7 pm. This joyful production brings to life beloved seasonal songs with a delightful mix of jovial humor and heartwarming nostalgia for kids from one to 92. You are invited to join us for this holly jolly soirée, which promises to be a memorable celebration of the season.
The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra is presented as part of the 10x10 Art Series, an intriguing and innovative showcase of art forms, meticulously curated to satisfy the artistic curiosity of the Northwest Arkansas community. We asked lead singer Clay Johnson to answer 10 questions before their performance.
What can audiences expect when they come see this performance?
You can expect to witness some of the best musicians and entertainers having an absolute blast on stage. And as always happens, you will wind up having a great time as well. Since this is a show built around the holiday season, it will be especially fun and nostalgic, full of story-telling and knee-slapping – all to the beat of a soulful Southern big band.
What message do you hope to send to the world or what do you hope audiences leave with after they see you perform?
It is always our goal to inspire as well as entertain. We figured out a long time ago that we can't do much, but what gifts we do have, we try to put to use everyday to make the world just a little bit better. If we can convince one person in the audience to do the same–find out what they've put on this earth to do and go do it for the good of others–then, we will have accomplished our mission!
From where do you draw inspiration for your art?
I was raised in Louisiana in a family of preachers and gospel singers, and that upbringing paired with a music education in an excellent band program, gave me a rich musical foundation upon which to create my own art. My preferences are always toward songs that easily tell stories and elicit heartfelt emotions.
What drew you to this performance field?
As I mentioned earlier, we can't really do anything else very well. Performing was always a fun side hustle for Jeremy and me, but we never really considered it an option as life-long career. Now, we can't imagine doing anything else!
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?
I'm the world's worst at taking care of my voice. I know I should be drinking hot tea and singing warm-ups before the show, but I'm usually cracking jokes and eating whatever sweets are on the dessert table! Singers, please, do not follow my example!
Pick 5 words that best describe your work.
Energizing. Inspired. Family-first. Adventurous. Uncharted.
What is the best advice that you have been given?
"The only constant is change" - I've heard that Heraclitus said this a few millennia ago, but as far as I'm concerned, my mom told me this over and over again.
Who do you define as visionary and why?
Even if we narrow it down to the field of music, there are still way too many to mention here, but for argument's sake, I'll mention Louis Armstrong. He didn't invent jazz, but he was one of the early pioneers who perfected it. The improvised solo was his major contribution, and he made such an impact that today songs in every genre–from jazz to country, rock to blues and Latin to bluegrass–utilize the instrumental solo. We rarely hear a song without a piano, guitar or sax taking a turn improvising on the melody.
What are some unique or memorable experiences you’ve had while traveling around the world to share your music?
We've played in remote Indian villages, Polish youth camps, Holocaust survivor groups in Israel and a struggling but joyful church in Turkey, and more, and each moment has its own unique memories. But perhaps the most meaningful experiences have been playing for those in nursing homes and memory care facilities here in the U.S. Seeing their faces light up and hearing their voices join in to the sound of a familiar tune from years gone by is absolutely unforgettable.
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to?
Although it changes constantly, I am now listening to Laufey (her new Christmas album is fantastic), and I'm also on a Rufus Wainwright journey. And then, of course, whatever musical moods my kids are in! My 23-year-old daughter puts together playlists of new music for my listening education of current artists so I can try to keep up.