MUSIC

Goode's Armadillo Palace presents Mike Stinson.

"Virginian Mike Stinson's vibrant take on old-school honky tonk music has made him perhaps the leading L.A. light of the moment...he's a formidable songsmith..." Chris Morris -- Billboard Magazine

Mike Stinson's style of music will never fade away or become passe because the truth is never out-of-date. Mike writes memorable heart-bleeding tales laced with pain, humor and regret, describing his straightforward sound as "Tear-in-your-beer honky-tonk and barnyard rock and roll." He's the rare artist who doesn't know how to be anything but true to himself. There is no pretense, no bullshit, not a damn thing between you and what's in Mike's heart. His distinctive voice isn't like anything you've ever heard before, and that's a good thing. He means what he sings. Mike delivers the message in such a uniquely authentic way, you're not gonna forget what he has to say anytime soon.

"Even if you've never heard any of the songs by the man described as the king of L.A.'s neo honky-tonk scene, you'll probably find yourself singing along with lots of them during his set..." So says the L.A. Times venerable music critic Robert Hilburn. The difficult-to-please rock journalist Johnny Angel recently hailed Mike as "very likely the best contemporary songwriter" in the classic country vein, insisting that his readers "catch a set and enjoy a master at work." Los Angeles Magazine also named Stinson Best Country-Western Artist of 2004.

Mike's lyrics touch torn-up heartstrings and you know he understands. Robert Hilburn called Mike Stinson "one of Los Angeles' best-kept musical secrets." Not for long. Trust me. Pamela Des Barres.