Johnny Bauer is a touring Americana-Blues songwriter and entertainer based in Rochester, NY. A seasoned guitarist, harmonica player, and soulful vocalist, he’s known for commanding the stage with electrifying energy, masterful guitar work, and a charismatic connection with his audience. Performing over 150 shows a year for the past 25 years, Johnny brings the grit of Texas blues, the heart of Americana, and the swagger of Southern rock to every performance.
Whether playing as a duo or trio, Johnny tours year-round with his longtime partner of 15 years, Nicki Paris, on bass and harmonies. Together, they’ve built a reputation for high-energy sets filled with chemistry, tight musicianship, and a sound much bigger than the sum of their parts. The pair have performed in over 15 states, including four-month residencies in Florida over the past four winters. From intimate listening rooms to packed bars, audiences are drawn to their dynamic stage presence and the emotional power of their performances.
Johnny’s musical style is best summed up in his own words: “Too rock to be country and too country to be rock.” His influences span genres—channeling the country twang of Vince Gill and Marty Stuart, the rootsy melodies of Tom Petty, the Texas blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Delbert McClinton, and the rock-infused energy of Blackberry Smoke and ZZ Top. He’s equally at home fingerpicking a tender ballad or ripping through a searing blues solo, always placing the guitar front and center as a storytelling instrument.
His live show is a full-spectrum experience, blending barn-burning honky-tonk, swampy groove blues, and heartfelt Americana. Drawing inspiration from showmen like Tommy Emmanuel and modern blues heroes like Joe Bonamassa and Greg Koch, Johnny’s performances combine technical brilliance with raw emotional delivery. Audiences frequently remark on how full and engaging the sound is with so few band members. With Johnny’s harmonica and guitar skills, paired with Nicki’s rock-solid bass and sweet-yet-powerful vocals, it’s a wall of sound you’d expect from a five-piece band.
Johnny’s musical journey began early—growing up in a family band and picking up the guitar as a teen. Over the years, he’s shared stages with major acts like Brad Paisley, Brothers Osborne, Craig Morgan, and Phil Vassar. Yet his passion for music has always stayed rooted in connection, storytelling, and live performance.
He has released five full-length albums and now records and performs original material with Nicki. Their most recent single, “New Shoes,” is a high-energy honky-tonk tune filled with wit, attitude, and Johnny’s signature twang. It’s one of 30–40 original songs in rotation, ranging from swampy blues and soulful slow-burners to rowdy outlaw-country anthems.
For Johnny Bauer, music isn’t just a sound—it’s a show. And whether it’s your first time seeing him live or your tenth, you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve just witnessed something real, raw, and unforgettable.
You may also like the following events from Fanatics Pub & Pizza:
Also check out other
Music events in Lima,
Entertainment events in Lima,
Performances in Lima.
