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Michael Smolens is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who has been performing in a wide variety of venues since 1970. From restaurants, churches, and private homes, to wineries, outdoor ritual events, and major concert venues (six times at Yoshi's NiteSpot); and in styles ranging from jazz, classical and various world musics to folk, gospel, and pop. Michael has been featured in contexts ranging from solo to large ensembles, playing both original and non-original music, and as a bandleader and a side person. Additionally, he has accompanied vocalists, instrumentalists, spoken word artists, and a host of variety artists.

Each of those contexts have unique performance challenges. Because Michael is consistently involved with new projects, he is continually gaining new insights into the nature and practicality of performing. Michael has been teaching privately and in groups since 1974, and coaching other freelance teachers since 2000. He is also adjunct faculty at JFK and Sonoma State Universities.
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