| Mike Iott is a Singer/Songwriter from Eaton Rapids, MI (near Lansing). He has been playing his music in various band incarnations and configurations since the early 1980’s.With the dawn of a new century he launched out on a solo career with the release of his first CD of original music in 2001 titled "Medicine Crow." Release of his second CD, "A Much Better Reality" on the Illegible Records label, is due on March 18, 2006. In the nineteen-eighties Mike was involved in forming several bands including The Iott & Price Band and The Sentinels. These were essentially acoustic blues combos, featuring strong vocal arrangements and the harmonica as a lead instrument. The Iott & Price Band released several singles in the mid-eighties that received very good reviews and virtually no airplay. The preponderance of the songs were originals, many of which Mike still performs as Medicine Crow. In the mid nineties Mike joined The Last Hippy Band bringing with him some solid original songs, strong lead and harmony vocals and a driving rhythm guitar. Alas, The Last Hippy Band disbanded and in 2000 Mike launched out on his own as Medicine Crow because of a desire to perform his own compositions. His original songs feature strong topical (political/spiritual) content. He will also perform some selected songs by other songwriters. Medicine Crow often plays with Ghetto Gas John accompanying on electric guitar. (See John’s page at http://www.myspace.com/ghettogasjohn.) They have played various topical festivals throughout Michigan as well as Ohio and Missouri. In September of 2005 Medicine Crow and Ghetto Gas John made their first appearance at the Old Town Blues Festival in Lansing, MI. In October 2005 They they were featured at the First annual "Writers Block Party" featuring Lansing based writers, atists and musicians. When not out of town playing other engagements, Mike and John have hosted an Open Mic at Van Java Café, 1979 Aurelius Rd, Holt, MI, as well as making regular appearances at Magdalena’s Tea House, 2006 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912 517-487-1822. Medicine Crow has also appeared at Way Station Books & Stuff, 223 South Washington, Lansing, MI (517) 853-1336 and Schuler Books, Music & Chapbook Café, 2820 Towne Centre Boulevard, Lansing, MI 48912 517-316-7495. Mike cannot "not" play music. His songs cover a wide range of genres, from folk ballads to blues to lite jazz, with passion for things spiritual and political. |
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