Michael Monroe’s “Moonshadow” Cat Steven’s Tribute

7pm State Theatre Zumbrota, MN

Featuring Michael Monroe, Lori Dokken on piano and Christopher Jantzen on viola.

Minnesota Acoustic Music Master (Jon Bream-Music Editor, Star Tribune) Michael Monroe, performs an evening of music by the tremendously popular British singer-songwriter. In the ’70s, Michael Monroe looked like Cat Stevens, performed Cat tunes and even wanted to be him!

Singing and playing guitars built on the North Shore with 200 year-old wood from the bottom of Lake Superior and flutes of crystal and bamboo. 

Cat Stevens, whose music remains relevant five decades later said, ”Music can be healing… for what looks like a gigantic divide in this world, I feel I can point a way toward our common humanity again.” Monroe shares this viewpoint and feels Cat’s tunes are especially timely today. Cat Stevens “had rare ability to combine the strength, fragility, and sometimes mystery of his highly personal compositions,” said the LA Times.

Michael Monroe has performed his original music for five decades. His hand-crafted Seaton guitars are made of 200 year-old reclaimed wood from the bottom of Lake Superior. These “works of art,” his rich vocals and crystal/bamboo flutes showcase his signature mellifluous sound.

Expect the best of Cat with songs like “Wild World,” “Peace Train,” “Father & Son,” “Hard Headed Woman,” “Where Do The Children Play,” “Can’t Keep It In,” “Song For A Winter’s Night” and of course, “Moonshadow.”

From vinyl to digital,  Michael Monroe is now in his 5th decade of performing nationally in concert, festival, corporate and educational settings. He has travelled many miles since his first paid performance for an audience of 4000 in Asbury Park, NJ and recording his first demo over 4 decades ago in a “chicken coop” studio owned by Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary.

Michael’s unique creation of music leaves his audiences mesmerized as he blends his rich vocals, guitar, bamboo and crystal flutes, combining musical styles of acoustic folk and jazzy reggae. Michael’s original music and compelling energy bring a powerful style that is as much fun as it is innovative…music and technology working together powered by creativity… and he recycles his music LIVE on stage as master LIVE Looper since 1990. His soulful performance delights and inspires.

Photo by Mary Jindra