By Jeff Verscharen
Our Local Spotlight this issue focuses on the Johnson family of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The family of five in the household includes Devon Allen, his wife, Karlie and children, Rosalie, age 9, Jameson, age 7, Emmanuelle, age 5, and their array of pets.
The family enjoys the outdoors and traveling, as well as taking care of their pet family.
Karlie grew up in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, has an international marketing degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and just recently also graduated with her American Sign Language Interpreting degree.
Devon Allen is from the small town of Marianna, Pa, and a Beth-Center graduate. He possesses a history degree from Edinboro University, as well as an associates degree in Engineering from Penn State, and is currently employed as an estimator for CW Services in Washington, PA, although his first love is music.
The Johnson pet family consists of their dog, Lucy, two cats, Simba and Gigi, Jack the turtle, and pet fish, Chip. Simba, the orange tabby, was rescued at 4 days old, which Karlie bottle fed and is now 6 years old. He has grown into a strong and beautiful cat that loves to play and explore. Gigi was rescued in South Dakota in 2010 at 5 months old and is a perfect cuddly kitty companion and amazing pet. Lucy is a 2-1/2 years old German Shepherd-Pit mix and was adopted by the Johnson family from a neighbor’s unexpected litter of puppies. She is full of love and energy and loves to play ball in the backyard! Jack is a spoiled and much-loved Yellow-bellied Slider turtle who lives in a 55-gallon tank. Chip is a baby Goldfish who is adjusting to his large family.
Besides being a devoted family man and pet-lover, Devon Allen is also the lead singer and front man for Ruff Creek, Pittsburgh’s hottest, and most popular country cover band. Ruff Creek has grown a tremendous following over the years, and the support they receive, while growing rapidly, is also leading to bigger opportunities.
With the help and support of local business owners, welcoming venues, new tour bus and the success of their recently released originals EP, Forward on Faith, Devon Allen Johnson and Ruff Creek are poised to take the biggest step along their musical journey, as they continue to pile up the, Miles On It, which happens to be the title of the first single to be released from the new original collection of future hits, which also includes the title track, “She’s Gone”, and the little harder-edged, “Love That Hard”, and a masterfully done cover of, “Long Black Veil”, that would bring Johnny Cash and Lefty Frizzell both out of their seats!
With the fullest schedule to date, fans, followers and supporters will have an ample opportunity to experience the energy and musical talent on display as Devon Allen Johnson and Ruff Creek take the stage for you in 2022. To see the schedule, go to www.ruffcreek.com/shows. Also, find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The Forward on Faith CD is available at shows, on their website, or via stream. For marketing, sponsoring opportunities, or to book, please contact Jeff at jeff@ruffcreek.com.
(NOTE**** see photos to add –cover photo inset Redford Photography. Band photos credit Shawn Henson.
Animal pics credit.. Karlie Johnson
