Singer/songwriter John Stano’s sound is a distinctive blend of acoustic and slide guitar, stellar rack harmonica, expressive vocals and insightful songwriting developed over many years of performance and study. He sometimes adds a little mandolin, cigar box guitar or banjo to the mix as well. His style can be described as a combination of Folk, Americana and Country Blues. Initially self-taught, John went on to study American fingerstyle guitar at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and harmonica with national blues legend, Jim Liban. John studied English and creative writing at U.W. Madison. A skillful use of language adds an original spark to his lyrics. ‘Green Man Review’ compared John’s music to early Bob Dylan while ‘Dirty Linen’ was reminded of Country Joe McDonald. 

Sounds Like: John Prine, Bob Dylan

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John Stano has been nominated for a 2023 Wami (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Singer Songwriter of the Year award, his fourth nomination to date.  John is currently the cast banjoist for a Seat of Our Pants Theatre production of Arthur Miller’s “The Last Yankee. John previously wrote the instrumental soundtrack for a documentary on Wisconsin's role in the Civil War which aired on public television. He recorded and performed all the instrumentals on guitar, banjo, high-strung guitar, mountain dulcimer and harmonica.