NEBRASKA PEFORMING ARTS
Hall of fame inductee
The Wheezetones are honored to announce that we were inducted into the
Nebraska Performing Arts Hall of Fame on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.
Great Fun! Great Friends! Great History!
When three guitar playing friends got together to perform a few songs back in 1991, little did they know their trio would evolve into something much bigger. 30+ years later John Ballew, Paul Burner, and Doug Dickeson are still making music. And, along with the addition of Bob Creager (drums), Kevin Moore (bass), and Ted Larson (sax/keyboards), The Wheezetones have definitely won the hearts of Lincoln, Nebraska – being voted Lincoln’s #1 Cover Band in the Lincoln Journal-Star’s Music Madness contest (2011) and inducted into the Nebraska Performing Arts Hall of Fame (2022).

From an impromtu jam, to becoming a band in 1992, the wheezetones are still rocking 30 years later
The Wheezetones (formerly Johnny & the Wheezetones) had its beginnings at the Lincoln (NE) East High 20-year reunion. Following an impromptu jam with other fellow musicians from the class of ’71, founding members John Ballew, Paul Burner and Doug Dickeson stepped up to the microphones and, without any preparation or practice, sang “Amie” by Pure Prairie League. The blend of the three voices made a lasting impression on Ballew, who a year later booked a Foundation Garden concert before the group had actually taken form or practiced. During several months of intense practices in Dickeson’s basement, the three realized that they had something special as they created strong three-part harmonies and acoustic arrangements of their favorite songs by Crosby Still & Nash, The Beatles, The Eagles and groups as wide-ranging as Vanilla Fudge, Commander Cody and Grand Funk Railroad. Lacking a name before their first performance, Burner came up with “Johnny & The Wheezetones” in recognition of the fact that he and Ballew have asthma.
MUSICAL DNA
We call it musical DNA. It’s the term we use for a song we just instinctively know the first time we play it. We know instantly that it is a song we were meant to do.
30+ Years of music
We started this adventure in 1992 as 3 guys on acoustic guitars. We’re now a 6-piece dance band with more equipment than talent. One night a week – one gig a month. After 30+ years you sorta end up as brothers. Let the sibling fighting begin!
EARLY SHOWS FOR OLD MEN!
We start early – 6:30PM or 7:30PM. We’re old and we want to get home before midnight, but that doesn’t stop us from rockin’ the house as hard as we want.
The lineup
Upcoming Events

MAR 18
2023
Rosie's Downtown - MAR 18
PLEASE NOTE – WE’VE CHANGED THE DATE FOR THIS EVENT!
We’re excited to announce we’ll be playing at Rosie’s Downtown on Saturday, March 18th. Come have some food and drinks and spend your evening with us. 8-11PM. 130 N. 10th St. Lincoln, NE 68508.

May 26
2023
Roca Tavern - May 26
The Wheezetones will be back outdoors at the Roca Tavern on Friday, May 26, 2023. Tickets available upon entry. Watch this website for playtime.

July 28
2023
Wheezetones Trio - July 28
The original 3 – The Wheezetones Trio (John Ballew, Paul Burner and Doug Dickeson) will be playing inside at the Roca Tavern on Friday, July 28. Tentative hours are 5:30-8:30 – watch here for updates.

Sept 15
2023
Roca Tavern - Sept. 15
The Wheezetones will be back outdoors at the Roca Tavern on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. Tickets available upon entry. Watch this website for playtime.