Michael Gaither is an award-winning songwriter based out of Santa Cruz CA. His songs alternate between the nostalgia of small-town life and the challenges of modern technology, along with a good helping of observational humor. (He had a narrow brush with standup comedy in a previous life.) Michael’s latest record of original material – his fifth – is “Welcome Back: A Collection.”

Onstage, Michael’s shows are a combination of his fun original tunes, stories with a backbeat and Americana with a small-town 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.

Offstage, Michael is a DJ with the legendary KPIG Radio. He also hosts The Area 831 Podcast and two weekly trivia nights in Santa Cruz County. (Full bio here)

Booking Info
Michael plays both solo or with the band (as a duo, trio, or full ensemble, depending on the venue). Available for venues and festivals, wineries and breweries, as well as house concerts and other private events.

Want to book Michael? Have an available date? Send Michael an email or call (831) 288-2226.

Awards & Kudos

  • 2023 Great American Song Contest: Finalist, Folk/Americana: “Mix Tape” and Finalist, Special Category: “No More Tequila For Santa.”
  • Santa Cruz Sentinel 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards, Best Local Musician (2nd Place)
  • Roots Music Report’s Top 200 CDs of 2023, Americana: Welcome Back: A Collection (#111)
  • 2022 Great American Song Contest OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT, Folk/Americana: “Cheapskate Hill”
  • 2022 Great American Song Contest Finalist, Folk/Americana: “Welcome Back (to the Land of the Living)” and “Cheers to the Road”
  • Roots Music Report’s top 200 songs of 2022: “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.” Finalist (Americana), “Hey Karma,” Finalist (Adult Contemporary), “Little Angels Everywhere”
  • 2019 Great American Song Contest, Finalist, Folk/Americana: “Starlite Drive-In Saturday Night”
  • Roots Music Report’s Top 200 CDs of 2017, Americana: Hey Karma (#32)

Song Samples

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
  • “Michael is a friend in an entertainer. His small talk during sets is charming. His musical talent is engaging. He is a delight to book!” (Ann Marie Conrad, Owner, Capitola Wine Bar & Merchants, Capitola CA)
  • “Michael is amazing! His voice, his lyrics, his humor, his talent and his personality — engaging & exceptional! He’s the real-deal. While he’s performing, you’re secretly wishing you were friends with him.” (Lali Kates, Food Trucks A Go Go / Westside Marketplace)

  • “Michael played for us again at Satori last weekend to an extremely happy full house. He mixed many of his wonderful original songs with classics from groups such as the Dead, Tom Petty,  Neil Young and more. He played several requests and everyone had only great things to say. We can’t wait to have him back again soon!” (Tom at Satori Cellars, Gilroy CA)