Society Hall  "where community celebrates!"

Online Concert - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

July 10, 2020

Award-winning novelist and singer/songwriter Mike Blakely has published 18 books, released by major New York City publishers. Mike's most recent release is titled A Song To Die For, released November, 2014. Among his last few releases were co-written: One with Willie Nelson (A Tale Out of Luck), and the other with Kenny Rogers, titled "What Are the Chances" (released Sept. 2013). 

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As a performing songwriter, Mike has released 11 CDs, performed all over the U.S., and made 16 tours to Europe.  His songs have been recorded by Alan Jackson, Gary P. Nunn, Red Steagall, Flaco Jimenez and Raul Malo, john Arthur Martinez, Randy Brown, Geronimo Trevino III and Johnny Rodriguez, Johnny Bush, Pauline Reese, Debbi Walton and others. He is currently working in the studio on his next CD.

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A native Texan, Mike served in the U.S. Air Force and later earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.  He released his first novel 1988 and his first CD in 1995.  One of his co-written tunes landed on a Grammy Award-winning album by Flaco Jimenez in 1995.  Another was played on the orbiting International Space Station in 2007.

Mike is a two-time winner of Western Writers of America’s Spur Award – once for best western novel of the year, and once for best western song of the year.

Mike spent many years touring with his dancehall band, but now plays more shows as a solo artist, or in a duo or trio configuration at listening rooms, house concerts, festivals, and private parties.  His career as a novelist leads to many non-traditional concerts at book stores, libraries, writer’s conferences, and book clubs.

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"Having celebrated our house concert anniversary with the seventh show by Mike, we can only attest that it just keeps getting better and better!  I'll personally guarantee it to be one of the musical highlights of your life!" - Paula Reynolds, Hilltop House Concerts, Kerrville, TX.

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“Blakely is a consummate artist whose superb ability to capture an audience only serves to highlight his songwriting skills... which approach brilliance.” – Buddy Case, “The Loft,” Enola, AR

"Mike helped us establish our restaurant as a major music venue in the Hill Country of Texas. He has produced a weekly concert series for us for over eight years, consistently packing the house show after show. We have been named "Best Live Music Venue" four years in a row thanks to his efforts.  He is an established talent, a huge asset to our business and a real pro." - Paul Brady, Owner of River City Grille, Marble Falls, TX.

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Mike Blakely

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July 25, 2020

Excerpts from Colorado Central Magazine

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“My mom lined my baby bed with sheet music,” says James. “I started singing at 2. Music’s always been a part of my life.”

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James’ exposure to all forms of music began early. Her mother played and sang often, taking a course in classical music when Robin was 4. She took both of her children to school with her, and the kids absorbed baroque music at a tender age.

“That might have had a small part in my career,” Robin James says laughing. “Mom was also a DJ for awhile, and I spent a lot of my childhood in radio stations.”

SHE STARTED TEACHING HERSELF the piano at 13, and began writing music a couple of years later.

“I had a concert in New Mexico at 16 for about 100 people,” she says.

That was the start of James’ professional path, and the continuation of her true education.

Her CD, People Say, richly profiles her range. James’ voice ranges from powerful, pure country to soft, lulling ballads to an aching, bluesy plaint. It’s easy to visualize her performing in a coffeehouse, a blues club, or a big concert venue. A bonus track is a piano recital, showing her virtuosity with that instrument.

Alamosa musician Don Richmond (profiled in the July, 2002, edition of Colorado Central) helped in making her CD at his studio, Howlin’ Dog Records. Richmond did much of the instrumental work on the album.

“It was a very fun project,” she says, “and it gave me a lot of experience in studio work.”

Richmond calls on James often to supply backup vocals for recording musicians. “She’s been great at harmonizing vocals,” Richmond says. “She’s very quick at picking them up, and has a natural affinity for singing harmony. She’s been a great asset.”

Richmond admires James’ solo talent as well.

“Robin truly has one of the most remarkable voices that I’ve ever heard,” he says. “It’s a world-class voice and I’m very pleased to help her get her music out. I hope it’s just the beginning of her career. She certainly deserves wide exposure. She’s an amazing vocalist. She has a tremendous amount of raw musical talent. She learns instruments very easily, and she’s a very delightful person. I really enjoyed our time working together.”

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Robin James Music