Michael Kelly
Songwriter Michael Kelly draws on a diverse range of influences, including Lyle Lovett, Darryl Scott, Taj Mahal, and Doc Watson to name just a few. Images and music – crafted stories underpinned by a melodic guitar style that draws the listener in to the story, whether a simple love song, a soldier’s lament from Antietam, or a 12 bar blues from a homesick country boy in the city.
He performs at festivals throughout the Mid-Atlantic region including the Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival in Waynesboro, Virginia, the barBAYq in Annapolis, Maryland, and the Oyster Fest in St. Michaels, Maryland, where he was invited last year to perform his song ‘The Boatbuilder’, a story about legendary boatbuilder Bronza Parks. Recent shows he has headlined include: 49 West (Annapolis), Beans in the Belfry (Brunswick), New Deal Café (Greenbelt), Homespun Coffeehouse (Chaptico), Frederick Coffee Company (Frederick), and the Brewer’s Alley Songwriter Showcase (Frederick). He has also performed at the Takoma Park Porch Festival and is a regular contributor to the Songwriter Association of Washington events.
He attended several workshops this summer including Common Ground on the Hill where he studied with songwriter and IBMA vocalist of the year Claire Lynch as well as acoustic guitar virtuoso Russ Barenberg.He is also a composition student of Dr. Jacob Polasky at Arundel Community College and recently debuted a new piece for cello, clarinet and piano.