Honky-Tonk Night at Old Princeton Landing

Grab your hat and pull on your boots for this great evening of Honky-Tonk music featuring Mike Hellman And The Banned Books with Lisa Marie Johnston. This will be an indoor event and will get everyone ready for Thanksgiving with the families!!

Mike Hellman is a country and americana troubadour with a bent for the unconventional. Slinging songs with substance, conviction and grit, he’s on a mission to tell his truth and he insists on being heard. While firmly rooted in the rich country and blues traditions of his home state of Texas, he refuses to pander to cliché and his sound is anything but predictable. His lively performances swing from ballad to barn burner to outright rock ‘n’ roll, and his rich baritone conjures earnestness and humor while dealing head-on with all aspects of the human condition (and with a not-so-subtle nod to the underdog). An “outlaw” for outlaws, Mike's music transcends the often narrow boundaries set by the mainstream country music establishment.

Mike’s musical journey began when he was 11 years old. His parents saved up and bought him a used Hondo guitar from a pawn shop in rural East Texas, and he taught himself to play with a little help from blues and metal guitarists who lived in the neighborhood. By the time he was 15, he was writing songs and booking gigs for his punk rock bands all over Texas, Oklahoma and in Mexican border towns. Through young adulthood, his musical pursuits were put on hold while he followed love around the country, endured heartbreak, struggled to make ends meet and organized his fellow workers wherever he could—all of which generated rich life lessons and a great deal to write about. His coming of age led him back to songwriting, with lots to say and with new determination. He began gigging and recording again in Northern California, quickly making a name for himself with his hook-ridden songs and rollicking performances.

No stranger to the stage, Mike has performed at big name venues, honky-tonks, dives and intimate listening rooms throughout Texas and the western states, building a dedicated following along the way. He has wow’ed the crowds at such venues as Great American Music Hall, Moe’s Alley and Thee Parkside alongside artists such as Jason Eady, Waylon Payne, Jesse Daniel and countless others.

Lisa Marie Johnston is a soulful singer-songwriter whose music resonates with raw emotion and heartfelt storytelling. Born and raised in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, Lisa's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by the rich tapestry of sounds that surrounded her. Drawing from influences ranging from blues and folk to rock and Americana, she has crafted a distinctive sound that captivates audiences around the world.

With a voice that effortlessly traverses highs and lows, Lisa's music reflects her own experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Her lyrics, imbued with honesty and vulnerability, invite listeners on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.

Throughout her career, Lisa Marie Johnston has released several albums and EPs, each showcasing her evolution as an artist and storyteller. From intimate acoustic ballads to foot-stomping anthems, her music defies genre boundaries, blending elements of tradition with a contemporary sensibility.

In addition to her work as a musician, Lisa is a passionate advocate for social justice and equality. She uses her platform to raise awareness about important issues, speaking out against injustice and using her music as a tool for positive change.

Since 2020, Lisa has been playing in False Bottom Band, a seven-piece newgrass band from Half Moon Bay, California.

A vibrant part of the Bay Area music scene for many years, Lisa regularly performs in the Fillmore Poster Room at San Francisco's historic Fillmore and is featured on KFOG’s local scene with her song “Home To Oakland.” She recently played at a TED Talk in San Francisco and performed on the Women’s Stage at SF Pride in 2012 and 2014.

In spring 2016, Lisa released a collection of recordings produced by Matt Winegar, including two duets with Lukas Nelson (POTR), featuring Arion Salazar on bass, Anthony Logerfo (POTR) on drums, and contributions from many other talented musicians. Her latest release, "Blue Reflections," produced by Jeff Berkeley, came out in April 2024 and features three original songs.

Host or Publisher Old Princeton Landing