WAMI award winner (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) with the Hot & Dirty Brass Band for 2023 and 2024, and WAMI nominee for guitarist of the year (2014, 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024), Dan Johnston is a singer-songwriter and guitar player who blends many styles. By the age of 12 Dan was singing and playing banjo in church, often showcasing the songs that he had written.
The age of 18 Dan Johnston was studying at the prestigious Wisconsin Conservatory of Music under the nationally recognized, guitar player extraordinaire, Troy Stetina.
By the age of 19, Dan formed a highly successful progressive, Christian metal band called Scarlet Rayne, which attracted the attention of many record labels and enjoyed national airplay as well as international distribution. In 2003 Dan Johnston released his first solo CD: Daniel Johnston - Time & Pain, produced by Mike Hoffmann (worked with Jerry Harrison - Talking Heads) receiving critical acclaim. Since its inception in 2005, Dan Johnston has been the guitar player in the house band for the Milwaukee chapter of the National women’s music showcase Chick Singer Night. Dan has also performed with Zach Pietrini, Chas'n Mason, and currently performs with The Hot & Dirty, Alex Ballard & Sugarfoot, Substitute: Tales From The Who, and Paddygrass. He also plays guitar for worship services at Northbrook Church.
Dan continues to perform his own music and works as a freelance guitarist both live and in the studio with many local and regional artists. Dan has been a music teacher since 1992, teaching all styles, offering guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, and mandolin lessons.
The age of 18 Dan Johnston was studying at the prestigious Wisconsin Conservatory of Music under the nationally recognized, guitar player extraordinaire, Troy Stetina.
By the age of 19, Dan formed a highly successful progressive, Christian metal band called Scarlet Rayne, which attracted the attention of many record labels and enjoyed national airplay as well as international distribution. In 2003 Dan Johnston released his first solo CD: Daniel Johnston - Time & Pain, produced by Mike Hoffmann (worked with Jerry Harrison - Talking Heads) receiving critical acclaim. Since its inception in 2005, Dan Johnston has been the guitar player in the house band for the Milwaukee chapter of the National women’s music showcase Chick Singer Night. Dan has also performed with Zach Pietrini, Chas'n Mason, and currently performs with The Hot & Dirty, Alex Ballard & Sugarfoot, Substitute: Tales From The Who, and Paddygrass. He also plays guitar for worship services at Northbrook Church.
Dan continues to perform his own music and works as a freelance guitarist both live and in the studio with many local and regional artists. Dan has been a music teacher since 1992, teaching all styles, offering guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, and mandolin lessons.