Musician

I’m based in Akron, Ohio (technically in Green, between Canton and Akron, south of Cleveland). I perform solo, with The Mike Lenz Band, and with several other groups including Highway 61, Umojah Nation, The Mostly Blues Band, and Wishgarden. I also work as a sideman, sub, and session musician.

I play guitar, slide guitar, lap steel, harmonica, bass, mandolin, banjo, and more. If you’re looking for a musician for your event, recording project, or band, feel free to call or text me at 330-730-5653, or email mikelenzmusic@gmail.com. You can find my up-to-date gig schedule on the calendar page.

Private Music Lessons

I offer private lessons for acoustic and electric guitar (fingerstyle or flatpicked), harmonica, slide guitar, lap steel, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, bass, and a variety of folk and ethnic instruments. I also teach improvisation, music theory, and fundamentals of musicianship.

I can help you learn how to adjust, maintain, and repair guitars and other stringed instruments, or I can take care of setup and upgrades for you.

With over 30 years of experience teaching and performing, I tailor each lesson to your specific musical goals.

Bio

Akron OH native Mike Lenz has spent a lifetime chasing great tone, feel, and the freedom of improvisation. Drawn early to the raw power of ’60s and ’70s rock and the bite of ’80s punk, he later found his home in the blues. His playing reflects the Delta, Piedmont, and Chicago styles, shaped by years of steady gigging and listening. On stage, Mike mixes blues and roots with open ended improvisation, making each set different from the last.

His music moves through the wide field of American roots. You can hear the influence of Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, and Howlin’ Wolf, mixed with his own experience growing up and working in the rust belt. Mike performs solo and with bands, loves playing music with friends, and keeps finding new ways to connect through the guitar, voice, harmonica, and song. Every set is different, every session is a chance to dig a little deeper.

Contact

Based in Akron / Canton / Cleveland – Northeast Ohio
330-730-5653
mikelenzmusic@gmail.com
Facebook – mikelenzmusic
Facebook – mikelenzblues