For Poulter, entertaining people is a calling

Jonny Poulter just wants to entertain people.

The 2022 St. Joseph-Ogden High School graduate was inspired to play music after hearing the Beatles in fifth grade.

He started playing piano and got his first guitar not long after that.

“I learned to play by listening to different songs or albums I enjoyed,” Poulter said. “I tried to play what I heard. Once I got my first guitar riff down, I believed that I had it. In hindsight, I was only getting started.”

Poulter said he likes multiple genres of music but he is partial to the music he creates.

“My favorite type of music is my own,” he said. “My favorite song to perform at the moment is one of my own called, “This Old Dog.”

For Poulter, practice makes perfect. He spends his time before shows running through songs. In the days leading up to a show Poulter spends time creating a set list and practicing his songs.

“It can be a little nerve-wracking,” he said about performing. “You’re thinking about this big ordeal and you’re terrified of what may go wrong.”

However, once he starts playing, the nerves just go away.

“Once I get started, it’s not too bad and I relax a little,” Poulter said.

Poulter will be performing at Open Mic Night at the Space located at 399 N Fremont St, Champaign on Tuesday, Open Mic at Winston’s in Sidney on July 25 and the Sidney Saloon on Sept. 21 from 8 to 11 p.m.

“I aim to entertain and make sure everyone is having a good time,” Poulter said.

Poulter can also be found on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@jonnyp8236