Performing and recording artist Michael Monroe will be part of Edge Life Expo 2005’s Sunday Service, hosted by Lake Harriet Spiritual Community service from 9-10:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Minneapolis Convention Center.
Monroe has recently released his eighth album, "Simple Life" which is an acoustic collection of tunes inspired by his rustic lifestyle, and was recorded in his solar powered log cabin MisTree Studio on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Inspiration also came from his new guitars made on the Gunflint Trail by luthier David Seaton. The new tenor, "Baby Snow Leopard" and baritone, "Snow Leopard" so named as they are made of "birds’ eye poplar", wood which resemble spots of a leopard. These instruments are unique as they have the sound holes on the top side of the guitar.
Monroe is now in his fourth decade of making music for a living. He has travelled many miles since his first paid performance for an audience of 4000 and he recorded his first demo 30 years ago in a "chicken coop" studio owned by Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary. His effective and versatile repertoire continues to captivate audiences of all ages with his unique blend of guitar, bamboo/glass flutes and rich vocals. Together they create a powerful style of acoustic folk, reggae and jazz…and his integration of "live looping" technology during his live performances allows him to recycle his music "live" as he performs.
Known mostly for his vocals over the years his instrumental music is across the nation on PBS and in Canada, in the Aurora Picture’s award winning documentary, "Chased By The Light" and featured at the 2004 Toronto Environmental and New York International Film Festivals about internationally known photographer and best selling author, Jim Brandenburg, with whom Monroe collaborated in the "highly acclaimed" Guthrie Theater "In Concert With Nature" production.
In 2004, Monroe received a regional Emmy for his music, "Soaring On Mended Wings" a, Jason Davis KSTP television special about the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. About his third "as far as i can see" recording the Star Tribune named it Top Ten and said, "Monroe, a rich-voiced eco-folkie, played all the instruments on this touching hymn to nature…A work of art straight from the heart." It was also nominated for "Best Independent Recording" by the Minnesota Music Academy. "Plugged into the sun," says, a feature article by the Duluth News Tribune and "Fully at peace with his subtle, yet expressively powerful, delivery", said the feature Duluth News Tribune article about his music and life in the woods. Michael uses his portable solar powered set up to perform in venues such as the California Capitol Steps for "Clean Power Day."
He has shared the stage with such artists as Michael McDonald, Paul Williams, Bernie Leadon (Eagles), Michael Johnson, Peter, Paul and Mary, Dr. John, Michael Franks, Jesse Colin Young, Rippingtons, David Benoit and Shawn Phillips. Michael Monroe continues to perform up to 200 dates a year in concerts, festivals, clubs, colleges, educational and corporate settings. For performance, recording and other information check out his web site: michaelmonroe.info or contact his Music Line: (763) 391-2171. Visit www.michaelmonroe.info
