Jonny Olsen is a very passionate artist who enjoys singing Mawlum and playing the Lao Khaen Mouth Organ. He learned in Thailand and Laos. He is very proud to promote the Lao/Thai culture through playing music. Jonny used to work at a Thai restaurant, and that's how he found out about Thai and Lao culture.

He started studying the khaen in Buriram in 2003, then in 2005 he decided he wanted to sing Morlum Lao Folk music. Before he could sing, he couldn't even speak the language that well, but there was something about the music that he loved so much he just wanted to sing it! Through the music he learned more of the language and kind of picked it up along the way. He found a teacher in Khon Kaen by the name of Mae Ratree Sivilai, who is a famous Morlum Folk singer in Isan/Esarn. She taught him how to sing Morlum, but not how to speak the language! Haha, kind of strange you suppose.

Other people back at the Thai restaurant used to called Jonny "Fun pai gone" which means a daydreamer, but Jonny's dream came true! "Fun ti pen jing!" Jonny followed his dream to be a khaen player and a Morlum singer and now he is. He plans to keep studying about the music, language, culture, and the people of Laos. He's proud to be able to play the khaen and sing Morlum, and wants to promote the Lao culture wherever he goes.
Jonny's new DVD "Jonny Yak Pen Kon Lao" is out now! Get your copy! Just $12(includes shipping and handling) E-mail jonnyplayskhaen@hotmail.com to see how to order.

Jonny is the first Farang/American to make a Mawlum album in Laos. He is also the first foreigner (American) to win a contest for playing khaen in Khon Kaen, Thailand 2005. Jonny has appeared on numerous shows in Thailand including Salaney Jung with Willy Macintosh, Variety Show, Tee Sip (At 10), and the 543 Show(Now off-air). Jonny has played with Ponglang Sa-On in Thailand and is on their Amazing Thailand VCD. Go check him out! Jonny is currently touring in America and promoting his new album. Anyone wishing to book a show for him can contact jonnyplayskhaen@hotmail.com Khob Jai Lai Lai Due!