Speaker: Michael Monroe

Michael Monroe lives and records on the North Shore of Lake Superior in his solar powered log cabin. His instrumental music is seen across the nation on PBS and Canada in the award winning documentary, "Chased By The Light", about Jim Brandenburg, National Geographic photographer and best selling author. They created a LIVE theater experience in several venues including the Guthrie Theater which featured Brandenburg's magnifcent images and Michael Monroe's instrumental music. "Soaring On Mended Wings" received a 2004 regional Emmy for a TV documentary.

A 2001 McKnight Performing Musician Fellowship Finalist, his eighth Simple Life recording was nominated 2006 "Best Contemporary" Recording from the prestigious JP Folks out of 25000 albums in 81 categories. Its an acoustic collection of tunes inspired by his 11 rustic years hauling wood and water. The music was also inspiration from his new guitars made on the Gunflint Trail by luthier David Seaton. His new tenor, "Baby Snow Leopard" and baritone, "Snow Leopard" named so as they are made of "birds' eye poplar" wood which resemble spots of a leopard, unique in that they have the sound holes on the top side of the guitar.

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 as well as a JPF nomination for "Best Folk Recording." "Plugged into the sun," says the Duluth News Tribune and "Fully at peace with his subtle, yet expressively powerful, delivery" about his music and life in the woods.

In addition to performing at festivals, conferences, colleges, and clubs, Michael performs his original music in school programs and residencies since 2000 with the MN State Arts Board Performing Artist Roster as well as the Young Audiences since 2001.

Visit Michael's web site.