Rome Sentinel

Midnight Mike plays all instruments in concert at The Barn

By Mike Jaquays STAFF WRITER

Midnite Mike Grimaldi will play a solo gig - and on all instruments - from 6:307:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8 in The Barn, 2819 Old State Route 12.

“In this one-man band act I sing, play guitar, harmonica and operate the bass drum and hi-hat cymbal with my feet,” Grimaldi said.

“The music is very danceable and also pleasant to the listener.”

A native of Queens, Grimaldi has been playing music for more than 60 years. He came up to Rome via the Air Force, stationed on Griffiss Air Force Base in 1978 and traveling the world in the communications field. Grimaldi also won every musical award the USAF had to offer, including “The Rodger” and Best in Show - two prestigious Air Force talent awards - simultaneously in the early 80s.

He has opened for legendary bluesmen like B.B. King, Albert King, James Cotton, Hubert Sumlin and Luther Guitar Jr. Johnson, and played on stage with Joe Bonamassa, Jerry Portnoy, Ritchie Blackmore and James Montgomery.

He has also performed internationally in Italy, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Greenland and Canada.

Most the time these days he performs as a one-man band playing pop, blues, old-time rock ‘n’ roll, some country, swing and jazz. Grimaldi also plays in a duo, trio, quartet and band.

“Concertgoers will be amazed that one man can boogie and groove playing all the four instruments while singing at the same time as they dance,” he said.

The Barn is located behind Three Steeples United on Paris Hill. There will be Thursday Night Music Series evening concerts in The Barn all summer long. There is no admission charge; the music series at The Barn is funded entirely by donations.

“The barn is spacious with nice people abound who enjoy all styles music, there is food and drink, also a certain kindred warmth,” Grimaldi complimented.

“The Barn is a terrific place to relax, enjoy the best live music our area has to offer, and share a meal,” concert series spokesperson Jeff Chard said.

After a three year absence, Chard said The Barn this season hosts the return of their famous Thursday night potluck suppers.

Guests can bring a dish or dessert to share if they can and their own beverages. The potluck starts at 5:45 p.m. and organizers also ask guests to help reduce waste by bring their own reusable plate, bowl, cup, napkins and utensils.

There are plenty of tables and chairs in The Barn or concertgoers can bring their own chair to sit outside.

Grimaldi looks forward to playing live on The Barn stage.

“Performing live is the real truth, a measure of the musician’s worth, also how he or she interacts with the audience to get all involved in some way,” he explained.

“I am drawn to all music, especially if it makes me feel something or that if it has a message, a secret or a lesson to be learned.”

“Midnite Mike uses his two hands, two feet, and one mouth to play four instruments and sing – all at the same time,” Chard said. “He’s fun to watch. That’s what makes him a great one-man band.”

For more information on Midnight Mike, visit www. midnitemike.com or find him on Facebook.

Entertainment

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2023-06-04T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-04T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://romesentinel.pressreader.com/article/281814288246514

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