One of the first times we played the original Music Farm on East Bay St. in Charleston, a Chapel Hill band called Queen Sarah Saturday opened for us. I walked into the club just in time to hear a full-rock version of "It's Too Late" by Carole King, with a guy named Johnny Irion singing it in the original key. I remained friends with the band, and followed their music. I don't know if you can still get it, but their song "Robert DeNiro" is a great start for any mix tape.

After QSS disbanded, Drummer Zeke Hutchins started playing drums for, and sharing holy matrimony with, wonderful NC singer-songwriter, Tift Merritt. Check 'em out: http://www.tiftmerritt.com/

After living in Columbia, SC for a spell, Johnny, a multi-instrumentalist, started duetting with Sarah Lee Guthrie (daughter of Arlo, Grand daughter of Woody). They're married now, and they make beautiful babies, and albums. Their debut CD, EXPLORATION, was produced by Gary Louris of the Jayhawks, and they are getting ready to record their newest stuff in Chicago, with Wilco's Jeff Tweedy at the helm. Last year's BRIGHT EXAMPLES, features the current Song of the Fortnight, "Target on Your Heart".

Johnny has also written another track recently called "The Riverside Rocker", in an effort to raise 30k for "The Bellringers" of the Mark Twain Middle School in Mar Vista, CA. The deadline is April 25. Click here to help out, hear the tune, and read all about it - http://bandletter.com/sarahleeandjohnny/2012_04_03.html

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You all must be psyched to work with Jeff Tweedy. Is there any connection from him having been involved with the MERMAID AVENUE project to resuscitate old Woody Guthrie lyrics, or is he just a fan of your all's music?
last year sarah lee and i did a tour with the Autumn Defense.............that band features john and pat of wilco we were all in a van together for a few weeks........i had met john and jeff over the years.......we just had a blast with AD and that spilled over into them inviting us to be a part of Solid Sound.......we were playing alot of new tunes......jeff did see the tour we did with AD and personally said he dug it...........jeff is one of the best and we are excited to work with him...wish us luck

Please discuss the dynamic of touring as a family
...........wow..........patience lots of patience...........we have a great time we are heading back to europe in the fall this would be the girls 6th euro tour! were very blessed to have alot cousins in the family!

Johnny you and Sarah Lee have the most beautiful harmonies, and I know you play mostly acoustic instruments, but do you ever pull out your old electric guitar, and rock out like you did back in the Queen Sarah Saturday days?
yes.........we have been touring with the band.........and i still love feedback.......!