Comedy Instrumentalists, singers, sketch writers/actors

'Celebrated instrumental comedian' Jantz Kohlman and 'eccentric Ethiopian comic' Johnny Gardner are believed to have first performed together before the public at a charity concert put on at Collingwood Town Mall (Melbourne) in early April 1890. Their "Musical Moments" turn went over so well that they subsequently began working together on a regular basis. Over the next two decades the pair was largely associated with the People's Concerts at Temperance Hall. In addition to their 'instrumental burlesques' Kohlman and Gardner also wrote and appeared in sketches and farces such as 'The New Guinea Chief,' 'Barnum's Baby Elephant,' and 'Rough on Rats.' Their last known performance together was in 1908.

After ending their partnership Jantz Kohlman briefly worked a similar act with Edward Bartlett (ca. 1909-1910). Johnny Gardner returned to working solo.

[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]