DEAN JOHANESEN

Circus Swing & American Roots Music

Dean is an original songwriter and guitarist inspired by historical fiction, speakeasy era Americana and the sounds of Hot Club Jazz, Western Swing and American Roots Music.

A full time musician, Johanesen teaches a preschool music class he developed in his home town and performs, tours and writes original music on a regular basis.

Dean’s last release titled Semi Tennessee, was recorded in Nashville at The Owl Studio with producer and bassist Shawn Byrne of Great Hill Productions. The EP includes a stellar line up of musicians (Joe Spivey, John McTigue III and Pete Finney) that honored the Western Swing sound Dean was looking to capture.

One of the most common questions Johanesen receives when performing is…

"what do you call your music or what is your genre?"

The original music Dean writes is inspired by Django Reinhardt, Bob Wills etc. Being influenced by swing music from the 30's & 40's and writing original songs based on that sound, has been a great pleasure for Johanesen.  It also gives him an opportunity to share his love of artists that many may not be aware of.

Aside from this swing influence, Dean also writes a great deal from personal experience. Songs like Purple Heart about his Grandfather or Godspeed about the loss of a close friend. Never Been Good and Sorry In The Meantime reflect on the difficulties of love and loss in relationships. 

With a songwriter group he started in 2025, Johanesen is focusing on his passion for writing by committing to completing over 20 songs a year with the group outside of his regular writing and performance schedule. 

Dean is focused on touring through the SE and performing at more songwriter festivals, house concerts and listening rooms in 2027 and beyond.

To keep in touch, you can visit the Tour Dates tab on the website and join the mailing list with the “Opt In” link on that page. He’d love to stay in touch with you there.

Swing on by! 
 

SONGWRITER FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES

Antlers and Acorns - Myrtle Beach Songwriter Festival - Flagstaff Folk festival - SERFA 2024 - Will McLean Festival - Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival  - Panama City Songwriter Festival - MS Songwriter Festival - 30 A Songwriter Festival - Smoky Mountain Songwriter Festival - Black Warrior Songwriters Festival - Localtopia - Florida Folk Fest - St. Pete Folk Fest - NOTSXSX (during SXSW ATX.)

SHOW SUPPORT FOR

Robbie Krieger (The Doors Jam Kitchen) Glenn Phillips (Toad The Wet Sprocket) Howard Jones, Steve Forbert, Corey Hart,  Mason Jennings, Peter Mulvey.