Book Mike

“Tall Tales and Troubadours is a tour de force performance in music and slides…”

Ron Wray, No Depression

“The audience hooped and hollered and stomped their feet! With his stories and songs, it was like an old friend singing on your back porch. Mike’s music gave a comfortable classical country feel but with an original edge that kept everyone entertained.”

Mark McCreary, Ross Ragland Theater

“Mike Aiken took the crowd on an exotic adventure, to the farthest Isles of the Caribbean, the Appalachian Mountains and beyond. Mike warmed the audience during his Tall Tales and Troubadours show with the stories and songs of his journeys, across oceans and highways and was rewarded with a standing ovation…”

Paul Shugrue, WHRV - NPR

“…a masterful mix of styles, including a “swampy”-sounding baritone guitar. His original songs are sharply written, with memorable tunes and intelligently observant lyrics about life on the sea and on the land. The songs come across as “country-soul” –similar to a gritty, soulful singer like Tony Joe White.”

David Dennie, Pretlow Library Concert Series

Mike Aiken Band – Tall Tales & Troubadours

Honest tunes and tall tales! Mike’s stage setup speaks to the kind of musicality he delivers – on stage with Mike is his wife and musical partner, Amy, whose setup is also unique – snare and hi-hats, congas, rub-board, African gourd and assorted hand percussion. The full band consists of additional band members on upright bass, second guitar, and four-part harmony. Reviews have stated that ‘together they emit an aura of warmth and experience that transfers to the audience.’ Shows are upbeat, toe-tapping, entertainment! Tall Tales & Troubadours can have video backdrop to enhance show (ideal for theaters).

Mike & Amy – Duo

Enjoy the intimacy of the songwriter with the energy of a duo. Mike varies his instruments, songs and stories. Amy lends her sweet harmonies, assorted percussion and tells the truth behind Mike’s tales. The songs he writes and the experiences he shares are for everyone – rich with the stories of life, love and wanderlust.

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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.

Wayward Troubadour – Solo

Gritty yet accessible. Alive and engaging…from songwriting to playing Mike delivers.

Songwriters Show

Always fun and intimate. Mike and two of his favorite co-songwriters take the stage, each with a guitar an stool. The comaraderie and banter between the songwriters is icing over great stories and songs. Frankly it’s not clear who has more fun, the audience or the songwriter

Songwriting Workshop

Here’s a great opportunity to have Mike talk about the art of songwriting. Learn what goes on behind writing that catchy chorus or hooky guitar line. How to approach the process, how to draw inspiration, how not to give up when you’re frustrated with a song – all this and more is covered with Mike. Great Q&A time too. This is can be a community outreach program that is an easy add-on to any performance.

Aiken & Friends Music Fest

Let us bring this Fest to your town. Complete package of musicians and workshops. We work with you to make the weekend event you want.