Michael Kammin is an engaging singer and guitarist who plays a variety of acoustic music ranging from original songs and instrumentals to covers of Tom Waits and Leo Kottke. His songwriting is strikingly original with a hint of Americana, and backed by a deftly fingerpicked guitar.
Here are what people are saying about Michael Kammin:
Peter Lang, former Tacoma Records Recording Artist:
You have a nice touch and sense of composition.
The Daily Eastern News - Charleston, IL:
Folk singer to perform at coffee shop
By Ben Balanoff
Verge Reporter
Michael Kammin has worked to cultivate a sound of his own.
The musician has combined traditional songwriting with guitar work that highlighted by his finger picking style, which lies somewhere between the avant-garde and the delta blues.
Kammin will be performing at Jackson Avenue Coffee at 8 p.m. Saturday.
“I really try to connect with the audience,†he said. “I believe the performance is a two way street. I try to connect, and I try to look for something in return.â€
Kammin hails from Wisconsin, but relocated to the Champaign-Urbana area several years ago with his wife.
Since then, he has performed at colleges, county fairs, and coffeehouses.
Around age 15, Kammin realized he wanted to devote his life to music.
“I started going to concerts. It really stuck with me,†he said. “It just took hold.â€
One experience that had a strong impact on him was seeing Leo Kottke and Michael Hedges perform live.
Leo Kottke is an elder statesman of acoustic guitar playing who draws heavily on jazz, folk, and blues to construct polyphonic, syncopated melodies.
Hedges was an innovative guitarist of eclectic compositions.
Kammin credits Kottke as being his biggest influence.
“I like his overall attitude, his personality and his quirky sense o f humor,†he said.
Kammin released His five-song debut EP, “Strong Mindâ€, last August.
Kammin plans to release new material in March.
The show is free and is open to students and the public.