#CAArtsChampion Steph Johnson

Steph Johnson

Vocalist/guitarist Steph Johnson is an award-winning, multi-dimensional songwriter and recording artist whose music deftly blends jazz, soul, funk and blues. Her most recently released album, Music is Art, was produced and arranged by Grammy Award-winner Kamau Kenyatta. Her soon-to-be-released So in Love is a jazz album featuring pianist Josh Nelson (Natalie Cole), guitarist Anthony Wilson (Diana Krall), and husband/bassist Rob Thorsen.

In 2016, Johnson and Nina Deering started a choir for people experiencing homelessness. Today, the Voices of Our City Choir has swelled to 225 members and helped over 55 of its members get off the street and into housing. Johnson became a spokesperson and the choir became a symbol of what a grassroots effort can accomplish. Johnson and members of her staff sit on local homeless committees and boards, and advise the city council and the mayor’s office on issues.

In addition to advocacy, Voices of Our City is an inspirational musical ensemble that has garnered plenty of headlines. The choir has been the focus of a documentary that aired nationally on PBS stations. The group has performed with the San Diego Symphony and opened a benefit concert at the historic Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on a bill that featured Jason Mraz and founding members of the Doors. Most recently the choir auditioned for Season 15 of America’s Got Talent.

Steph Johnson turned the choir into a nonprofit and serves as both Executive Director and Creative Director. She was named the 2020 Woman of the Year by San Diego Assemblymember Todd Gloria:
“I am honored to name Steph Johnson the Woman of the Year for the 78th Assembly District. Voices of Our City, the innovative program Steph created to harness the power of music to change lives, gives homeless men and women hope and a chance to connect with others. The choir not only provides an outlet for unsheltered San Diegans to participate in the uplifting benefits of music and creativity, but also serves as an access point to services. Voices of Our City has provided the perfect vehicle for dozens of choir members to get off the street and into permanent housing.”

StephJohnsonBand.com
VoicesofOurCity.org