10 months after their last show at The Dakota Tavern, Johnson Crook returned to the picturesque Toronto stage to play songs from their 2017 debut album, as well as new songs that fans have already started to cling to.

The last time Noel, Nathan, Trevor, and Jared played the fabled basement bar, they were celebrating the release of their EP with a sold out show. This time, they returned on an off night in the middle of their string of shows as the openers for roots rocker, Joey Landreth.

Related: Johnson Crook EP Release Party, Toronto

Melissa Payne opened the evening, working with her producer, James McKenty on guitar to share songs and start the show.

The Peterborough singer-songwriter showed off a smooth and authentic voice, connecting with the audience by sharing her stories. And whether she was on her guitar (which we are in love with for its character, including the hole that reminds us and a lot of other people of Willie Nelson’s guitar, Trigger) or on her fiddle (which she jammed on!) Melissa was entertaining and engaging, and a great way to start the show.

With a new album, Darker Than Your Dark, on the way, we know that we’ll be hearing more from Melissa Payne, and so will you.

Johnson Crook followed Melissa, bringing their signature roots sound and harmonies to the stage. The band played a full 17 song set in their 70 minutes, including songs from The Album, as well as new songs that we’re hoping make their way onto the next album. They also threw in two covers, The Tragically Hip’s Bobcaygeon, and The Doobie Brothers’s Listen To The Music for good measure.

While Johnson Crook sounded as good as we know they can when they play their songs together, the crowd caught our attention on more than one occasion too. It was fantastic to watch fans and friends singing along and dancing to songs like Call Me Home, Mining For Freedom, Minnedosa, and their latest single, Mr. Nobody. That response and love for the band and the music is what makes live shows special. And whether it’s for emerging act like Johnson Crook, or a major label radio star, it’s always fun to see.

In talking to the band before the show it was clear that they were excited to play The Dakota Tavern after 10 months away. And that excitement is likely what lead to their original setlist including five songs that the boys just didn’t have time to squeeze in on Saturday night.

The band will be back in Toronto again soon for Canadian Music Week as part of the Paquin Artists Agency Showcase at CMW 2018 on Saturday, May 12, at The Dakota Tavern.

Throughout the night Johnson Crook showed everyone that they continue to be on the rise, perfecting their craft, tightening their sound, and never being afraid to have a good time on stage.

If you don’t know Johnson Crook yet, now’s the time.

Johnson Crook, Dakota Tavern Seltlist

? Call Me Home
? Canada To Heartbreak
? High Road
? No Excuse For Whiskey
? Shadows
? Bobcaygeon
? Mr. Nobody
? Old Crow
? Down The River
? Sunny Day
? Desert Rose
? Hardwired
? How In The Hell
? Mining For Freedom
? Feel Some Love
? Minnedosa
? Listen To The Music

Photos of Johnson Crook at The Dakota Tavern

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Joshua Murray

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