Industry Experience
Over the years, Mike has performed across the country... from dive bars to major festivals and stages. He’s built a strong local presence in both Michigan and Tennessee, especially in Detroit and Nashville, while also playing shows and touring through cities like Memphis, Chicago, Las Vegas, Austin, and beyond.
The Journey
From Mo-Town to Music City
Mike Martin was born and raised just outside Detroit, Michigan, where he began playing guitar at a very young age. By age 12, he was performing in the Civic Youth Ensemble at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, quickly establishing himself as a standout young talent. He went on to earn a full ride scholarship to Wayne State University for Jazz Studies while immersing himself in Detroit’s underground jazz and blues scene, making a name for himself among those circles.
Since relocating to Nashville, Mike has continued building his career as a highly skilled and versatile guitarist, quickly integrating into the city’s live music circuit. He performs regularly at well known spots all throughout Nashville, bringing the same professionalism and musical depth that defined his Detroit career. In Nashville, he continues to collaborate with a wide range of artists while expanding his personal brand as a touring and session guitarist.
Notable Venues
Detroit / Michigan
St. Andrew’s Hall
The Shelter
Royal Oak Music Theatre
Max M. Fisher Theatre
The Machine Shop
The Intersection
Orchestra Hall
Burts Marketplace
Nashville, Tennessee
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
Honky Tonk Central
Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink
Jason Aldean’s Bar
THE LOCAL
BLUES BAR & BOOGEY
TWELVE/THIRTY CLUB
Las vegas, nevada
LOSERS at mgm grand
thomas & mack center
dawg house saloon at resorts world
Emerald Theatre
El Club
Cliff Bells
Magic Stick
The Blind Pig
Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre
Shinola Factory
tin roof
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa
Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk
Ole Red
Morgan Wallen’s Bar & Grill
FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES BAR & GRILL
CHIEFS (ERIC CHURCH'S BAR)
Chicago, Illinois
old crow smokehouse
cubby bear
tin roof
Festival & Events Experience
SXSW
Music, film, tech, and innovation festival in Austin, Texas
NFR Experience
Annual National Finals Rodeo show in Las Vegas, Nevada
Detroit Jazz Festival
World-renowned Detroit jazz celebration featuring top global artists
Michigan Jazz Festival
Celebration of world-class jazz performances across Michigan stages
Michigan State Fair
Iconic Michigan celebration of music, food, and carnival magic
Arts Beats & Eats
Royal Oaks signature music festival for prominent artists and bands
Artist Collaborations
Musician
James Carter
Musician
Ralph Armstrong
Musician
Dwight Adams
Musician
DeSean Jones
Musician
Phil Hale
Musician
Rodney Whittaker
Musician
Tariq Gardner & The Evening Starr
Musician
Martha Reeves
Musical Influences
Townes Van Zandt
raw, poetic songwriting and beautiful honesty in every lyric
Buddy Holly
early rock innovation, catchy melodies, and timeless simplicity
Jimmy Buffet
laid-back storytelling, feel-good vibes, and simple spirit
Jimmy Hendrix
fearless sound, emotion, and breaking every guitar rule