An oddity is coming to the Bling Pig. On Nov. 8 the downtown Ann Arbor venue will host country singer Jonny Fritz, better known by his stage name Jonny Corndawg.
Even at first glance, the artist’s scraggley beard, obscure guitar coverings, retro clothing and website – pissonford.org –
proves one thing:
The rural Virginia-born singer is far from mainstream.
His sound, which has been best described as obscure ‘70s gay country’, has taken off in the underground music scene.
After dropping out of school in 2001, he began touring the country on his motorcycle. But touring the United States just wasn’t enough for Corndawg.
A real rolling stone, he’s also performed in Canada, Australia, Argentina, India and throughout Europe.
When Corndog brings his show to Ann Arbor, the passionate artist will most likely be playing songs from his latest album “Down On The Bikini Line.” With track titles like “When A Ford Man Turns To Chevy,” “Life Of A Bear,” and “Shaved Like A Razor,” the show should prove to be nothing short of amusing.
In addition to singing and playing the guitar, the multifaceted musician has spent time airbrushing, leather-working, truck driving and marathon-running.
In the last year, Corndawg has even been spotted endurance running. It is said he wakes up early in the morning after late shows to sneak it into his hectic schedule. These 10-mile early morning spectacles are sure signs of Corndawg’s devotedness and portray the type of commitment he has toward his passions in life.
As such an interesting musical figure, Corndawg was chosen to be the subject of a short documentary featured on vimeo.com, a YouTube-like video hosting and streaming service where many videographers and documentarians can showcase their work. The documentary by Sean Dunne, “Stray Dawg,” offers viewers a short peek into the singer’s fascinating life on the road.
You’ll spend time witnessing an early morning jaunt, some clips from his downtime and venues, and even an up-close and personal solo act, a performance where Corndawg strums unplugged and seaside on a grassy knoll in California.
In allowing many singers of musical subcultures to perform, the Blind Pig should be a perfect and welcoming fit for the musician.
On Tuesday night, the Blind Pig – located at 208 North First St. in Ann Arbor – is 18 only, opens at 8 p.m. and has a $15 cover. The band Trampled By Turtles will also being playing.
Trampled By Turtles, a string band that plays at a lightning pace and is reminiscent of Colorado’s Yonder Mountain String Band is a good pairing for Corndawg.
Though it hasn’t been stated in a press release, it can be assumed that wearing formal attire to the venue is a big no.
So, be sure to bring your least-dingy pair of overalls and a commanding holler with you to the show.