“I think it’s always been in me to do this,” Minnesota singer/songwriter Dennis Warner said on the KAXE Morning Show.
For as long as he can remember, music has been in his life. Even in elementary school, Warner’s love for performing was impossible to miss. His teachers affectionately dubbed him the "Veritable Warbler," a fitting nickname for a kid who couldn’t help but sing as he strolled down the hallways.
This January, Dennis Warner will bring his music to rural communities across Minnesota, performing at over 20 libraries within the Arrowhead Library System. These performances are made possible through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, with funding from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Each of Warner's shows offers something unique, blending a mix of up-tempo songs, heartfelt ballads, humor, and stories from the road. “I like variety in my performances,” he explained. “It’s not just slow ballads like you might expect from some folk singers—I keep things lively and engaging.”
The places he performs matter, too.
“I targeted the grant to bring concerts and entertainment to rural Minnesota in the offseason, knowing that pure entertainment opportunities can be limited, especially in small towns and smaller communities.”
Warner's shows will be about 60 minutes and will welcome people of all ages.
Warner grew up in a family where music was always present. His father was a semi-professional musician who performed at local venues and nursing homes, despite a day job. Warner’s brother played classical music, and his sister was into county rock and folk music. With all this music surrounding him, Warner was inspired to become a singer/songwriter.
While he wasn’t involved in plays growing up, Warner likes to think of his performances as a type of theater.
“I don't just get on stage and just wing it ... I like to know what's coming next and be able to plan things so it flows really evenly and smoothly. There are not these long pauses as I'm trying to tune in a guitar or something.” Warner continued, “So it's kind of laid out, almost like a stage show with, with plenty of room for improvisation... Really what I'm doing isn't that unusual that an actor would do on stage in a theater production.”
It’s something he’s always done in his shows. He studied other performers growing up like John Denver, Kenny Rankin, Leo Kottke and others. “The one thing they had in common was knowing what they were doing next and knowing how to get from point A and B and to mix up the set.”
Warner has also taken on a mentorship role, guiding and supporting fellow musicians. With over 40 years of experience performing, Warner has become a go-to source for advice. Fellow musicians often approach him with questions about everything from the best software to use to building connections in the industry.
Here's some advice he said he would have given to his younger self.
“Spend more time writing. I know early in my career, I was so focused on trying to get the next gig and I was always on the phone and things like that," he said.
"I probably didn't spend as much time on the writing aspect and improving that.”
When it comes to songwriting nowadays, Warner works hard to find inspiration and originality.
“I've got notebooks full of ideas just waiting for something to really click, and as I'm working on a new album right now... I'm taking those ideas out and finding some things that will give me a real drive to finish it, because I want to get the album done. That means I have to do the writing to get it done.”
Warner still enjoys revisiting his catalog of 11 albums, reflecting on the writing and recording process behind them. “There are a handful of songs that I still really like or would perform... I think writing-wise, I'm more consistent now.”
To find the dates for his upcoming shows in the Arrowhead Library system and to get updates on the new album he is working on, you can visit Warner’s website or check out his Facebook page.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
