Putnam Den Show New Date

 The July 16th Putnam Den Show has been rescheduled for AUG 27th @ 9PM.  More detalis to come.  Full Band.

July 16th Putnam Den Show to be Rescheduled

 The show at Putnam Den is going to be rescheduled due to a conflict.  They were able to have Paranoid Social Club play and we were supposed to still open for them, but due to touring contracts cannot.  Trying to keep a gig on that date.  Hopefully will know of venue change soon.  The Putnam Den show will be rescheduled as well.  Stay tuned.

More Reviews!!!

 I just got two brand spankin new reviews of 'Ria'.  Check em out here

Nippertown reviews 'Ria'

 Review of 'Ria' by Greg Haymes of Nippertown.com

Saratoga Springs singer-songwriter Mike Grutka describes his sound as “acoustic-based funky modern roots rock ‘n roll,” which sure as hell covers a lot of bases, but does manage to narrow down the scope of things at least a bit.

Grutka’s got some serious talent – Yes, this is a one-man project – he wrote the tunes, played and sang everything, recorded the album, produced it and snapped the photos for the album cover artwork as well.

It’s an admirable ambition to present your unique artistic vision – whether it’s music, film, canvas, whatever – without diluting it with creative compromise by bringing collaborators into the picture. And Grutka comes pretty damn close to pulling it off with this disc.

“Denver (Spinning Around),” which is my fave track on the album. It’s a great song. Grutka sings in a keening monotone that immediately recalls Michael Stipe and REM. The song is chockfull of ear-grabbing guitar riffs, swelling keyboards and an appropriately propulsive bassline. It’s got everything

Elsewhere on the album, Grutka’s got the right stuff. There’s a baroque (synth) string arrangement on “Sunshine” that pops right off the disc. I love the over-lapping vocal lines that he employs throughout the album. He coaxes out a great variety of sounds on the album, too – from the Crowded House-like bounce ‘n’ twinkle of “Actress” to the rubbery bass thump of “Standing Beside Me” to the crystalline keyboard tinkle of “Come With Me.”

Best of all, he’s got the songs. Smart tunes with the requisite Beatles-pop roots, to be sure, but he stretches out beyond the usual pop protocol – especially on the majestic “Goodbye” – without abandoning accessibility.

Ultimately, “Ria” is admirable. The songs, the arrangements and the vision are all there.  I can’t wait to hear what he does next.

Bread and Jam Show this Sat

 Saturday June 5th @ 8pm I'm playing at Bread and Jam in Cohoes.  This is a solo  CD Release show.  I'll be playing many songs from 'Ria' as well as the upcoming 'February Sessions'.  There will be some specials on CD's, and one person will be chosen to receive my entire CD collection!

 This is also the one and only chance you'll have to PRE ORDER 'February Sessions' for ONLY $5 (at show only!)

I start promptly at 8pm so don't be late!  Bring 4 people and you will get a FREE CD of your choosing.

Hope to see you there!

Mike

Easter Seals/Caffe Lena 50th Anniversary

 This Saturday I'll be busy.  

I'm playing in Washington Park at the Lake House from about 11:30-12:30 to help support the Easter Seals Walk With Me.  Come on out and bring some walkers to help out this good cause.

Then I'm zipping back up to Saratoga.  I've been invited to perform as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration.  Music will be all over Phila Street all day, beginning at 10am and ends with an Arlo Guthrie concert at Skidmore in the evening.  Here's a cool article about the cafe's history  here

Hope to see you out

Upcoming Shows

 I have some shows coming up.  Tonight, I'll be playing at The Fuzebox in Albany as part of the Albany at Night event.   This is an 18+ event and is $5 @ the door.  I will be starting around 9pm.

Next weekend, I'm happy to be helping out Easter Seals with their Walk with Me fundraiser.  I'll be performing solo from about 11:30- 12:30 at the Lake House in Washington Park, Albany.  Get a team together, come walk around the park and enjoy some songs by ME for a good cause.

Later that same day, I'll be heading back up to Saratoga to perform as part of the Caffe Lena 50th Anniversary event.  I'll be on Phila Street playing sometime between 2-4pm.

Then on June 5th I'll be doing a solo acoustic CD Release Show at Bread and Jam Cafe in Cohoes.  I start at 8pm.  Come on out and get some CD's, say hello and relax in one of the coolest places for music in the Capital District.

More soon!

Shows Shows Shows!

 I'm finally starting to book some shows!  Upcoming in May is a solo performance at the Easter Seals Walkathon in Washington Park, Albany, NY.  In June, I'll be doing to first of 2 CD Release shows.  This one will be solo at Bread and Jam Cafe in Cohoes.  This is all a prelude to a super special FULL BAND show in July in Saratoga.  Details coming soon.  But here's a hint:  it should be a band show.  It'll be great.  The set list is about 2 hours long.  Lots of old favorites and plenty of new songs.  Just like they sound on CD.  No wait, better.  I'll also be announcing a special treat for those of you who come to BOTH shows.  Stay tuned!!