Program Type:
Arts & CultureProgram Description
Folk Music Series
This event is presented in part by the generous support of the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library. As a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Friends have been raising funds and building valuable bridges between the library and community since 1948. Learn more about the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library »
Event Details
Join us for a lively musical performance from Dennis Warner.
About Dennis Warner
Dennis Warner's music has brought him to all 50 states and beyond. Along the journey, he's released 11 CDs, authored Beads on One String (now in its Ninth Printing) and performed in concert at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
In 2023, in association with the STEPi Foundation, Mandelwa Creatives and Dreamcatchers International, Warner completed a successful three week concert tour throughout South Africa. A highlight of the tour was being invited to perform in concert at the historically significant Constitution Hill in Johannesburg along with his band, the D's.
Dennis’ 11th album Pilot Me debuted on the FOLK DJ radio charts at #8 in August of 2020. Dennis was named one of the top 10 Artists of the Month.
His breakthrough album Seeds was recognized as one of the best CDs in folk music during 2012, based on radio play around the world. Folk DJ also named him one of the top artists in folk music that year. Midnight Special host Rich Warren designated Seeds as his “CD Pick of the Week” on his nationally syndicated show.
2018 was a big year for Dennis. Early that year, he was invited to the RoundGlass Music Awards in New York City celebrating “Enlightened musicians from around the globe who create music to make the world a better place.” A few months later, Dennis was honored to perform for the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Toronto, where 7,500 attendees representing 230 different faiths from around our planet gathered finding ways to coexist in our diverse world.
In 2023, under their banner "Defending Freedom & Human Rights", Warner again performed for the Parliament of the World’s Religions, this time in Chicago with his band "the D's" along with several special guests including the Ukainian kids choir, Smart Minds. The event was videotaped by Videos for Change.
Early in 2020, Dennis was featured on the popular PBS TV show Backroads. Produced by Lakeland Public Broadcasting, the sold out concert celebrated his original music and was syndicated throughout the PBS network.
In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Dennis is a multi-year recipient of several prestigious grant awards, including the Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Individual Award, the Central Minnesota Individual Artist Award and the South Dakota Touring Artist Award. He is also a three-time finalist for the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival songwriting awards. And yet another accolade came with the invitation to perform in concert at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. in a series honoring what they defined as the best of the unknown songwriters.
Warner's Beads on One String book, now in its Ninth Printing, celebrates our “connectedness” and features a bully prevention curriculum for elementary schools currently being used throughout the U.S. and internationally as well. Dennis is often invited to sing at schools that are using the book in their curriculum.
His concerts blend serious, thought provoking songs with lighter, up-tempo material. Warner is noted for being an entertainer, bringing the audience into the performance with laughter and even a couple of sing-along