There’s more than one way to experience Johnson’s guitar virtuosity next month. There are those evenings where Johnson will appear solely with his band made up of bassist Chris Maresh and drummer Wayne Salsmann. Or you can catch one of the six dates that includes acoustic guitarist Andy McKee on the bill or the one show that includes an appearance by Peppino D’Agostino.

Touring in support of his Up Close album, Johnson begins the journey with an “evening with” performance in Foxboro, Mass., at Showcase Live Jan. 4. Other stops include Bay Shore, N.Y., at the Boulton Center Jan. 5; Alexandria, Va., at the Birchmere Jan. 8; Ferndale, Mich., at Magic Bag Jan. 11; San Francisco at Slim’s Jan. 25; Las Vegas’ House Of Blues Jan. 28 and Phoenix at the Compound Grill Jan. 29.

Shows with McKee include New York City at B.B. King Blues Club Jan. 6; Phoenixville, Penn., at Colonial Theatre Jan. 7; Chicago’s House Of Blues Jan. 12; Columbia, Mo., at The Blue Note Jan. 14; Anaheim, Calif., at House Of Blues Jan. 18; and W. Hollywood’s House Of Blues Jan. 19.

Guitarist D’Agostino appears on one gig – Visalia, Calif., at the Fox Theatre Jan. 21.

The mighty Eric Johnson press machine wants you to know that the maestro will be performing on a “variety of equipment that he fully endorses,” such as a new Signature Series speaker by Eminence and a Fuzz Face distortion pedal by Dunlop. Heck, we have no problem mentioning such arrangements if it helps keep touring costs down and tickets affordable. After all, there’s a reason God created artist endorsement deals.

Some shows are already on sale. Visit EricJohnson.com for more information.