Derek David Johnson

Gentlemen Dreadnought is an exciting acoustic duo composed of Derek David Johnson (Monroe Crossing) and Clint Birtzer (The High 48s). Started as a side project in 2018, Gentlemen Dreadnought has been steadily refining their act as they perform at a variety of venues throughout the upper midwest.

Derek David Johnson made the move from rock-n-roll to bluegrass at the dawn of the century. In 2006, Derek helped form The High 48s. In 2011, he was asked to join Monroe Crossing where he maintains a busy schedule performing throughout the USA, Canada and Europe.

Clint Birtzer began performing bluegrass as a teenager. He won multiple flatpicking guitar contests and played in The Sawtooth Bluegrass Band. As the boys grew into men, they adopted a more progressive and original sound and rebranded as The Sawtooth Brothers. In 2018, Clint joined The High 48s and continues to perform with them, as well as Becky Schlegel. 

As Gentlemen Dreadnought Derek & Clint enjoy the simplicity of a duet where they have fun exchanging guitar and mandolin licks, but what they enjoy most is how their vocals merge together in 'brother duet' like harmony. Whether picking out blazing bluegrass numbers, singing heartbreaking classic country songs, or harmonizing on traditional gospel tunes, these two established and seasoned musicians put on a great show in any setting.