Call it Singer-Songwriter, Americana, or Folk. Michael Gaither is a storyteller.

A Santa Cruz CA native, he takes the “write what you know” idea to heart, crafting songs that alternate between the nostalgia of small-town life and the challenges of modern technology. Always with plenty of humorous takes on everyday life. (In a previous life, Michael had a narrow brush with standup comedy and even sold a few jokes to Jay Leno.)

Onstage, Michael’s shows are a combination of his fun original tunes, stories with a backbeat and Americana with a local angle, along with songs by artists who’ve influenced him. He’s always entertaining with lots of audience engagement. Michael is available as a solo performer or as a duo/trio/full band with his “New Best Friends” ensemble. And as a supporting act, he’s opened for other artists including Steve Poltz, Eilen Jewell and Janiva Magness.

Kudos (more in Michael’s press kit)

  • Santa Cruz Sentinel 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards, Best Local Musician (2nd Place)
  • Roots Music Report’s Top 200 CDs of 2023, AmericanaWelcome Back: A Collection (#111)
  • 2022 Great American Song Contest, OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT, Folk/Americana: “Cheapskate Hill”
  • Roots Music Report’s Top 200 songs of 2022, Country Charts: “See You On the Other Side” (#117) and “We’re the Elders Now” (#197)
  • 2020 Great American Song Contest WINNER, Singer/Songwriter: “See You On the Other Side”. Also Finalist (Americana): “Hey Karma,” and Finalist (Adult Contemporary): “Little Angels Everywhere“

Quotes

  • “Michael always chooses the music he plays to fit the venue, audience, and occasion, and strongly interacts with the audience. His own original compositions are witty, engaging, and observant of the foibles of our society. We are pleased to have had him play in our Ugly Mug acoustic music series many times over the last 18 years.”  – Dick Brundle, Fiddling Cricket Music
  • “Michael was our introduction to the world of professional musicians when we opened Discretion Brewing, and years later he remains a favorite.” – Kathleen Genco, Discretion Brewing, Soquel CA
  • “Michael helped launch music at our winery and put it on the map during 2020 with a residency on Friday nights that ran into the next year, and then rebooted/grew our trivia nights which have been very successful and helped grow our business. His shows are a mix of great songs with nostalgic original stories, well-chosen covers done in his own style, with lots of humor and audience interaction thrown in. Highly recommended.” – Bob Prikazsky, Owner, El Vaquero Winery, Corralitos CA

Booking

Michael – solo or with His New Best Friends – is available for venues, festivals, wineries and breweries, and private events. Have an available date? Send Michael an email or call (831) 288-2226.