Dennis Warner
Recognized for his warm stage presence and the ability to connect with his audience, Folk/Americana singer Dennis Warner cleverly blends ballads, up-tempo songs, audience participation and humor into a memorable event. Warner's ninth CD, Seeds, was named one of the top CDs of 2012 in folk music based on radio play around the world. FOLK DJ also named him one of the top artists of 2012. Midnight Special radio host Rich Warren designated Seeds as his "CD Pick of the Week" on his nationally syndicated show. [photo at left by Kat Umbarger]
Dennis Warner's tenth CD, Beep Beep, is also his first album for children thanks to a grant from the McKnight Foundation. Beep Beep weaves together Warner favorites from his youth, with newer songs, either self penned or by friends and colleagues in the folk music world like Tom Rush and Tom Paxton.
Now in its Sixth Printing, Warner's timely book Beads on One String evolved from one of his songs and led to the creation of an elementary school curriculum used as a meaningful and fun way to teach kids about the negative effects of bullying and the positive effects of recognizing our "connectedness" with each other. In support of his book and the curriculum project, Dennis is often a guest musician and speaker at elementary schools, libraries and Sunday morning church/spiritual gatherings.
For songwriting, Dennis was honored with an invitation to perform in concert at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Other accolades include being a three-time songwriting finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival (TX). He has also appeared multiple times at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe.
Besides his original music, Warner is widely admired for his moving interpretations of songs written by others. Fan favorites include Don't Laugh at Me, The Garden Song (Inch by Inch) and Homegrown Tomatoes. Many also know Dennis for his classic YouTube video I'm My Own Grandpa with over 760,000 hits.
Other credits: Hosting Jammin' with Dennis Warner for public radio syndication. He has appeared on NPR's Great Acoustics, Live! and River City Folk. Warner has also been featured on WBAI's syndicated Radio Unnamable (New York City), Minnesota Public Radio's Radio Heartland and in concert on the internationally syndicated Soundstage from Chicago.
Dennis tours solo, duo and also with his band "the D's". When not working on his music, he can be found sailing, eating ice cream or listening to a Minnesota Twins baseball game. On a good day, he's doing all three.
Technical requirements:
For festivals and other larger outdoor gigs, purchaser will need to supply the PA system. For smaller venues including schools, Dennis can provide the PA system. School programs will need to supply a computer with PowerPoint and a Projector.
Fee structure:
Minimum Fee: $600. Maximum Fee: $2,000. The SDAC supports up to 50% of the total charge.
Contact the artist:
Dennis Warner
Box 365
Clearwater, Minnesota 55320
Phone: (320) 558-6940
Email: dennis@warnersongs.com
website: www.WarnerSongs.com (For adult/all ages concerts)
website: www.BeadsOnOneString.net (for elementary school program information)