BIO
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.
Johanesen is focused on touring through the SE and performing at more songwriter festivals, house concerts and listening rooms in 2026 / 2027.
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.
PRESS
“Dean is simultaneously a throwback to an era of gypsy jazz and circuses while pointing the way to what will always be timely: a renaissance man who can play, can sing and communicate with each person that he adds to his ever-growing fan base. With touches of Santana, of Django, of Paul Simon or even Leon Redbone or Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, Dean's music cuts through the noise of everyday life. Go see him!” - Steve Huntington, Sirius/XM Radio
WMNF - SONG OF THE DAY
““Dean Johanesen has long stood as one of the Tampa Bay area’s most captivating musical treasures, a master craftsman who effortlessly bridges the gap between historical storytelling and modern acoustic brilliance. With an uncanny ability to transport listeners straight into the golden eras of circus jazz, Western swing and speakeasy Americana. Oh, what an glamorizing genre it is! Dean’s songwriting genius lies in his vivid narrative flair. Every chord progression feels deliberate, and every lyric paints a rich, cinematic landscape that lingers in your mind long after the final note fades. He doesn’t just write songs—he builds immersive worlds filled with charm, nostalgia, and rhythmic sophistication. Nowhere is this extraordinary talent more evident than on “Semi Tennessee,” a standout track that showcases the absolute best of his signature sound. Fueled by infectious swing rhythms, lush arrangements, and his unmistakable vocal warmth, the song captures the high-spirited energy and open-road romance that make his music so uniquely compelling. It’s the kind of track that hooks you from the very first measure, blending immaculate guitar work with a catchy, soulful melody that feels instantly timeless. For local fans and newcomers alike, there is no better place to experience his brilliance than in an intimate listening room setting, live this Saturday at NoiseMakers, Inc.’s Kani Ka Pila intimate listening room, in St. Petersburg. Do yourself a favor, promises to be an unforgettable evening of stellar storytelling, swinging grooves, and pure musical magic in this acoustic sanctuary.” ” - Nate "Diggity Dawg" Bonilla-Warford
“Highly reminiscent of Father John Misty’s newest record, it’s really been this year that we’ve fallen in love with this particular sound. Through the song’s five minute runtime, Dean nearly immediately immerses the listener into another atmosphere and decade through his unique instrumental choices that focus heavily on horns to really set the mood. Lyrically speaking, he’s also shown extreme great strength in his songwriting, effortlessly painting a picture for the listener to connect the dots through his words. Not only are you imagining what’s happening, but it certainly doesn’t hurt that the entire vibe makes you feel like you’ve transported 100 years into the past. In terms of crafting the experience, he’s gone above and beyond in nailing every facet of what make this song true to the form of its influences.” - We Write About Music - Editor's Picks - The Wizard Of Menlo Park
“Dean Johanesen spiced up his repertoire of acoustic guitar-driven fare with a sonic palette that calls on Spanish rumba-style instrumentals, speakeasy-era Americana, and swinging hot club jazz dosed in circus tent hues. In addition to original material, his sets are studded with perfectly executed covers of songs like Django Reinhardt’s “Minor Swing.” - Leilani Polk, Creative Loafing - Tampa
“Dean Johanesen is truly a remarkable artist in his ability, professionalism and dedication. His unique sound is unmistakable and his show is polished, but casual, with each song revealing more depth to his talent than the next. I knew of Dean and his music, mostly from area festivals and from songs I wore the needle through on Reverbnation…crystal clear, technically amazing and written from the heart. I was a fan before conducting this interview and chances are you’ll want to be one after you read it. ” - Mike Sales, Siesta Sand