91原创 Community Music School (LCMS) welcomes the return of pianist Doug Johnson, of Loverboy fame, to the Rose Gellert Hall on Feb. 2 at 4 p.m.

鈥淚t鈥檚 very satisfying to look out into the audience and see people singing and dancing to Loverboy鈥檚 music,鈥� says Jonhson. 鈥淏ut I鈥檓 really looking forward to playing with the fine musicians I鈥檝e invited to perform my compositions at this intimate performance.

鈥淥bviously a completely different vibe 鈥� but for me, at least, a real thrill to perform. You don鈥檛 want to miss it.鈥�

Johnson will be joined by Mark Ferris, violin; Reilley West, viola; Paolo Bortolussi, flute; and Finn Manniche, cello. The program will include a variety of works for piano and instruments, as well as works for solo piano.

鈥淚鈥檒l be performing a manic solo piano piece called 鈥淪ugar鈥� that was inspired by the transformation of my grandkids after birthday cake,鈥� says Johnson. 鈥淚鈥檝e heard it compared to Flight of the Bumblebee.鈥�

When asked to elaborate on his inspiration and what to expect on Feb. 2, Johnson says 鈥淵ou鈥檒l hear a lot of influences in my music. Overall, it is classical 鈥� influenced by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy to name a few.  Bach and Mozart were my first musical/artistic inspirations 鈥攑erfectly logical and sublime.

Then Beethoven and Chopin for the passion, followed by Debussy and Ravel for the Impressionism, and 鈥減rog鈥� rock (ELP, Yes, even Rush) for the complexity and virtuosity.鈥�  Jazz has also had an impact on Johnson鈥檚 work.

鈥淚 met Oscar Peterson one year at the Junos and that was one of the biggest thrills of my life to simply shake his hand and look into his eyes and say thank you for the inspiration.鈥�

Johnson is known internationally as the original keyboardist for the band, Loverboy, one of Canada鈥檚 most successful rock bands. Doug is also the talent behind numerous musical composition projects that include film, television, radio, song writing, and musical theatre.

He obtained a classical piano degree (ARCT) and silver medal from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto in 1975 and is a graduate (1991) of the Film Music Institute of L.A.

Coffee and commentary are hosted before the concert with the school鈥檚 artistic director of concerts Elizabeth Bergmann at 3 p.m., followed by the performance at 4 p.m.  Tickets available at the box office and at 604.534. 2848 for $15 adults, $13 seniors, and $10 students. Rose Gellert Hall is at 4899 207 Street.