How long have you lived at the First Coast?
Moved here from the San Francisco, CA Bay Area 5 years ago.
What part of First Coast do you reside now?
Atlantic Beach
When did you know you had an interest in music?
My mother says I came out of the womb singing
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
Piano when I was 6 then violin age 12
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
Great Dames,
St Augustine Orchestra, Beaches String Quartet
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most?
Would have to be my first violin teacher, Constance Seeger, Pete Seeger’s mother … amazing woman…in the early 1900’s when women were not allowed in the Paris Conservatory, she auditioned dressed as a boy and got in!!! ….She went on to teach at Juilliard… I am blessed to have known her.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!
Playing with Neil Young on the album “American Stars and Bars” … Linda Ronstadt was incredible. I received a gold record …. Also attending the 54th Grammies as a nominee
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
Great Dames of course
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
Love Festivals: really enjoy RAM and our own “Porchtime”. Love Blue Jay Listening Room in Jax Beach!!!
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
June 17 “Porchtime” and November 6 at the new Atlantic Beach restaurant “The Local”
What is the best way for musicians to network?
Facebook, jams and good old “word of mouth”
Are there any local venue owners/managers that you would like to rave about?!
Kara Burkey at Blue Jay Listening Room is so supportive of original music… she does an amazing job of making her musicians staff and guests feel so special and always welcome. Thank you, Kara!
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician what would it be?
What music is your passion?
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
When I first moved to the First Coast 5 yrs ago, Debrann Johnston and Mike Kaufman helped me a lot introducing me to the musical community! Thank you to them and to the support of this wonderful community.
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
