A Short Bio

Street Corners in the 60’s, folk clubs of the early 70’s, to the bars and honky-tonks, they say this is where he’s been, but to those that know him, he’s been further than all those journeys combined. Influenced by a time spent with Phil Ochs another with Townes Van Zandt, combined with the free-wheelin’ style of Jerry Jeff Walker and the immortal Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Mikel has somehow managed to fuse these together to achieve the sound that is his today.Performing mainly with just his guitar, he weaves a memorable musical experience laced with country that is responsive, reflective yet invigorating.

During the 80’s, Mikel settled in northern climes and made Whitehorse, Yukon his home, playing the local clubs and festivals throughout the Yukon and Alaska, thus slowing his wandering and allowing him to figure out just where it was he’d been.  In the late 80’s, he released a six song lp (vinyl) titled, "No More Trains".  In the early 90’s, he was recorded (along with other northern artists) by the CBC on their northern series for a double cd titled, "Another Day In Paradise".  

In `94, he began a project that would have many starts, but, in the spring of `96, he completed, "the KEY".  This recording reflects as a songwriter, surrounded by the best of Yukon musicians (and there are many to choose from), produced by Juno Award winner Bob Hamilton (Jerry Alfred & The Medicine Beat). 

In August '98, while on tour in Ontario, Mikel along with friend and guitarist Kevin Bell, gathered some friends old and new and wandered into SOUNDAROUND Studio in Toronto, owned and operated by Jerry Tupis. This time Mikel walked out with 15 songs, some his, a couple of Norm Hacking tunes, plus some covers. This album covers from an A Cappella song to a full band sound that rocks. The cd was called, "Rounders' Road" and was eagerly awaited by those that saw Mikel while travelin' in '98.

 In the fall of 2000, it once again saw Mikel touring Ontario, Jerry Tupis invited Mikel back in to record, the result of which is titled "All Roads", released in August 2002. This album features Amanda Leslie and Bruce Bergman.

These days we find Mikel hitting the road once again, playing the clubs, coffehouses and festivals across Canada.  The road is where Mikel feels the most calm, feeling and hearing the wheels roll him along, traveling this vast country, writing and performing along the way - to him it’s the best way.

Some have asked for a longer bio, more info, so, here 'tis.