The final days of November always leave Northern Californians with much to be thankful for, as he rest of the country is already bundled up for winter while Lake County residents are only starting to bid farewell to Indian Summer. In recent years it has also meant that former Bay Area-turned-Austin-based guitarist Mike Schermer reunites with his all-star band and brings his mighty sound back to Upper Lake”s premiere intimate venue, The Blue Wing Saloon.
With nearly 200 more dates under his belt since this same time last year and still riding the success of his Finedog release “Be Somebody,” Mighty Mike returns to Lake County on Monday, Dec. 1.
Mighty Mike Schermer was a fixture on the Bay Area blues scene for over 20 years. In that time he not only carved out a solid solo career, with five albums and numerous festival performances, but he was also the “go to guy” sideman for such great artists as Bonnie Raitt, Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Howard Tate, Angela Strehli, Maria Muldaur, Sista Monica and many more.
Schermer”s 2007 release “Next Set” established him as one of the genres foremost songwriters, selling well on the strength of his autobiographical hit “My Big Sister”s Radio.” A live album, recorded in 2009, displayed his guitar wrangling antics and fierce showmanship. In 2013 he released his fifth album, Be Somebody, which ran straight up the blues radio charts. It was the most played record on XM/Sirius Radio”s Bluesville that year and is still in heavy rotation.
In 2009 Schermer packed up his trusty Fender Telecaster, moved to Austin, Texas, and joined the touring band of swamp-boogie piano legend Marcia Ball. When not performing 150 dates per year and recording two Grammy nominated CDs with Ball, Mighty Mike has been swapping licks with Austin”s best.
While still a bluesman to the bone, his varied influences and history have helped shape him into a truly unique artist. The result is an eclectic mix of styles held together by his powerful yet tasteful guitar, solid vocals and most of all his great songwriting.
Schermer will be joined by a band of Bay Area luminaries including drummer Paul Revelli (Joe Louis Walker, Chuck Prophet), bassist Steve Ehrmann (John Lee Hooker, Roy Rogers) and saxophonist Nancy Wright (Commander Cody, Elvin Bishop).
