Johnny High-Hat

Johnny High-Hat has done a lot of things as an artist: played in bluegrass, country, and swing bands, mandolin orchestras and a circus pit band; written and directed plays; studied at Bertolt Brecht's Berliner Ensemble; and co-founded and run the acclaimed Fern Street Circus for many years in San Diego’s Golden Hill neighborhood.

After 30 years as a sideman, this mandolin-playing circus impresario has stepped out on his own to tackle everything from well-known standards to vintage country, and lesser known Texas swing gems, in a set of songs about hunger, longing, and sadness, change and affirmation.

High Hat (stage name for John Highkin) has a new CD, Heart of a Clown, which features the nationally acclaimed roots band The Wiyos on four tracks—adding further musical depth and character. Compelling, contemporary arrangements and a timeless tone.