Dave Johnson

Dave stands out as a performer with a real passion for Australian history. This has led him to publish many books of songs and dance tunes and recently plays. He performs in a range of contexts; solo entertainer; band leader; dance caller; workshop leader; music arranger; and conductor of various ensembles.  His performances proudly present our traditional Australian Bush Songs and Ballads. From the time of the convicts, the goldrushes, and the turbulence of the 1890s through to the present, Dave delivers with passion and authenticity the songs of drovers, shearers, swaggies, bushrangers, miners, diggers and the pioneer women who make up our colourful past. In performance Dave backs his vocals with guitar, concertina, or banjo and pushes out the odd dance tune on the fiddle or concertina. 

Dave offers well researched themed presentations such as The Convict's Lot (with early convict songs, recitations and yarns with projected lyrics for singalong) and Australian Railway Songs (presented at the 2019 Sydney Folk Festival to illustrate the diversity of songs about drivers, fettlers, train-jumpers and more). He is happy to accommodate requests for workshops on topics that fall within the general scope outlined above for historical groups and festivals.

Encouraging other musicians is key to Dave's musical philosophy. He has presented many workshops at folk festivals on topics such as old time musician Harry Cotter; 19th C ship's fiddler William Litten; Variations of the Barn Dance; Bush Orchestra with music in his own 4 part arrangements. Encouraging young players is one of Dave's goals and over 30 years of leading the Heritage Ensemble have seen many such young folk at rehearsal and on stage. A recent Bush Music Club initiative called The Saplings aims to provide experiences at folk festivals, master classes and camps for young players and for this Dave is designated Head Tutor.