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| Band | Trio | Solo |
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| Writers in the Round | Songwriting Workshop | Songinar |
Biography
Mike grew up outside of Buffalo in rural Western New York. While doing extensive touring in the US and Europe and sailing his boat across the Atlantic to distant ports, Mike has never stopped developing his entertaining style. The songs he writes and the experiences he shares are rich with the stories of life, love and wanderlust.
Over the past several years Mike has independently developed an international audience and has maintained a respectable touring schedule in the US and Europe. His musical style has broad appeal as it seamlessly reaches into various styles of popular music. By mixing Country, Rock, Calypso, and Folk music Mike engages his audience and creates a “back porch” experience that has developed into a broad based, loyal following. He receives correspondence from all over the world seeking information and asking about live engagements in those venues.
He composes more than 90% of his music and his has been featured in numerous songwriting workshops and seminars. He is an active endorsee for Takamine stringed instruments, Adamas Strings, Ovation Guitars and Mandolins, and Levi’s Jeans.
Often likened to songwriters like Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney for his signature breezy sound and to John Prine and Gordon Lightfoot for his thoughtful lyrics he delivers a show that is unique and all his own.
Between performances Mike is writing new songs, recording, and working on his philanthropic projects that include the Aiken & Friends Music Fest and the Breezeway Blowout Concert. In it’s sixth year, the Aiken & Friends Fest benefits youth music education through an Americana/Roots festival, or ‘celebration of songwriters,’ that includes songwriting and guitar workshops, an in-the-round concert and full outdoor festival. Mike’s Breezeway Blowout, also a music fest of sorts, benefits youth education on the water through experience on tall-ships.
Probably his single biggest interest outside of music is Mike’s love of sailing. He considers himself truly one of the lucky ones, living the life he sings about with his wife and musical partner Amy. He’s as adept at tying nautical knots as he is painting musical memories and images of the places and people he’s met along his journey. Mike and Amy offer a sailing SONGINAR that combines tales of their high seas adventures with songs about those trips.
"Mike is something of a floating John Prine crossed with Ry Cooder."
- Sail Magazine
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MIKE AIKEN - Vocals, acoustic, electric, National, mandolin, harmonica
AMY AIKEN - Vocals, percussion
LARRY BERWALD -Vocals, acoustic, electric, lap steel, National steel, dobro
LEVI - Bass
LOYD BOHLINGER - Vocals, drums
Band or Trio - Mike has consistently had his songs on the Country/Roots and Americana Charts in both the USA and Europe for the past 4 years. A Mike Aiken show offers a troubadour who can relate on a personal level with the audience and then can transition to a high-energy show without losing the intimacy of the singer/songwriter. Mike Aiken Band show is upbeat and interactive featuring multi-instrumentalists, tight harmonies and Mike's signature, breezy songs.
Solo - Enjoy the intimacy of the songwriter with the energy of his songs. Mike varies his instruments, songs and stories. The songs he writes and the experiences he shares are for everyone - rich with the stories of life, love and wanderlust.
Writers in the Round - An Aiken & Friends special concert ready to come to you. Professional songwriters sharing their songs and comradery for an intimate and lively night. Typically Mike and two of his friends. Pictured above are Tim Buppert, Mike Aiken and Austin Cunningham from the 2010 Aiken & Friends Fest Writers in the Round.
Songwriting Workshop -Mike has consistently had his songs on the Country/Roots and Americana Charts in both the USA and Europe for the past 4 years. He brings his easy-going nature and experience to a personal level while encouraging attendees to realize their potential. He will let the attendees steer how the seminar will go, to a degree, and be open to their needs while
covering the creative songwriting process and the business side of being a professional songwriter. Songwrtiting workshops are a great add-on to concerts, festivals and educational events. learn more >>
Songinar -For something completely different... did you know Mike is a USCG Captain with over 30,000 offshore miles under his keel? While not a concert, a songinar is a lighthearted cruising seminar where the stories and tales are embellished with Mike’s original songs that he performs all over the world. The songs Mike writes and the experiences he shares are rich with the stories of life, love and wanderlust from years spent cruising. Presented by Mike and Amy, who is also a USCG Captain with all those offshore miles. Songinars are popular with organizations and clubs who hold educational and entertaining programs. Q&A encouraged. learn more >>