About Michael
Michael Kelsey brings a free-flowing improvisational style to the guitar that involves every inch of his instrument. From funky, percussive playing that conjures the image of a one-man version of STOMP to lush, melodic instrumentals reminiscent of Michael Hedges and Phil Keaggy, Kelsey blends multiple musical genres, vocals, technology and spontaneous creativity into a sound all his own.
Winner of Guitar Center’s national “Guitarmageddon” competition, Kelsey has developed a performance style that goes far beyond conventional guitar playing. Throughout a performance, he may incorporate technology, unexpected objects, audience interaction, improvised music and even lyrics created in the moment—turning each show into a unique musical experience for the ears, eyes and senses.
Quotes
-Taylor Guitars
“A fearless experimenter, Kelsey is an acoustic guitarist who weaves a multitude of unusual sounds and rhythms into his patchwork quilt of work. Part performance artist and part virtuoso musician. Kelsey takes the widest possible variety of music and makes it his own.”
-Nuvo Magazine,Indianapolis, IN
"A crowd estimated at over 15,000 listened intensely as Indianapolis, Indiana’s Michael Kelsey played the winning performance on his Taylor 615 acoustic guitar. Kelsey received a thunderous standing ovation, despite the 91-degree temperature."
-Mix Magazine