All the favourites from three decades of hits

He's a genuine Kiwi musical export and now, after many long years in LA, singer, songwriter and showman Greg Johnson is coming home for a remarkable nationwide tour, appropriately titled Small Towns and Ball Gowns.
Johnson and his hand-picked band begin this epic New Zealand road trip in May and will perform unforgettable concerts, featuring favourites from three decades of hitmaking, in nine intimate venues across the country.
Sure to warm the soul in the shadow of darkest winter, Small Towns and Ball Gowns arrives in Tauranga and plays Mills Reef Winery on Friday, June 10. There is little doubt Johnson is eagerly anticipating the chance to get back in front of his home fans:
"After a decade in a big city I'm still a New Zealander and by definition a small-town guy at heart. My old tune Ball Gowns in Small Towns is still a crowd favourite and this tour captures the spirit of that song," he says.
"Playing in Tauranga always feels like going on holiday, the sun shines and it's mellow the way I like it. I've had some fantastic nights there over the years, this time it's Mills Reef Winery, a triple treat of good music, great wine and a beautiful venue, sounds like the perfect combination for another good party to me," he laughs.
What's more - and in characteristic Johnson fashion - he's giving local musicians in each town the opportunity to open for him by inviting them to submit a track via his website (www.gregjohnsonmusic.com) in the coming weeks. Greg will then personally select one local support act to warm up their hometown audience for 30 minutes before he takes the stage.
For Johnson aficionados, there's an added bonus: Each of the concerts will be recorded for the production of Greg's first ever live album, also titled Small Towns & Ball Gowns - Greg Johnson Live. The album will be available to pre-purchase as a bundle with show tickets, and will be made available for download from Greg's website after the tour concludes.
Along for the nine-stop ride are Greg's talented band members and vocal support - Ted Brown, Ben King and Wayne Bell - long time friends and collaborators who have always been able to enhance the live Greg Johnson experience.
"I always wanted four-part harmonies on my songs and this line-up is a dream team for me - big vocals and excellent groove," he says.
Greg Johnson live, Friday, June 10 at Mills Reef Winery. Tickets from TicketDirect.