On Mar. 11, 2016, prepare to be wowed. Guitarist Michael Kelsey will be welcomed on to the Delphi Opera House stage for a once in a lifetime performance. With special guest, Edgar Cruz, Kelsey plans to provide a fun and unique musical experience. With his unusual performances and Cruz’s incredible guitar playing, this show is definitely one you do not want to miss.
In order for the local crowd to fully understand and appreciate the Opera House’s next performer, Kelsey agreed to participate in an interview.

What type of genre do you think your music would fall under?
I would call it self expression with an acoustic guitar. I am a rock ‘n’ roll soul, but I like so many styles of music and I bring them in and out throughout a night.

Do you play any other instrument besides the guitar?
I have always surrounded myself with music. I am always trying to learn something new. My main instruments are from the basic rock and roll food group: guitar, drums, keys, and bass.

When did you first become interested in music, and when did you first decide to play the guitar?
I wanted to be a drummer at age eight and started guitar at age ten.

Do you write songs? If so, do you remember the first song you ever wrote? Does it still resonate with you?
I switched from drums to guitar because I wanted to write songs. I remember writing a song about living a life on the move and never settling down. I nailed that one.

Do you do covers? If so, who is your favorite artist to cover?
I like to find cover songs that people are very familiar with and then twist it around a bit and find a new way to say a familiar thing.

What type of music do you listen to?
No particular style. A little of everything. It is the expression of music that moves me, not so much a style.

On your website, it says that your performances are a little different. What inspired you to incorporate technology, improv, etc. into your performances?
Performing solo is very interesting to me because it challenges me to find new ways to affect an audience. I have always been into audio gear so it is very natural to use tech gear to record sounds in the room and make it a part of the music. I always look for an opportunity to work off of the moment, so improv is my way of letting my audience know I am right here with you in this moment. I didn’t come with a routine to play at you; I came with a curiosity for an experience to share with you.

Do you ever use body percussion?
Body, objects, beat boxing, air condition units…. Everything becomes fair game in a rhythmic quest.

I also saw that you toured with Blind Melon. What was that experience like? What was your favorite part? Your least favorite?
I loved the traveling. Exploring cities by day and performing and meeting people by night. I don’t think I could ever get tired of that.

What advice would you give to any aspiring artists?
Keep it fun. Stay focused on things about music that entertain, intrigue, and challenge you. This keeps you right on track with you finding your way.

Kelsey, along with special guest Edgar Cruz, will be playing Mar. 11, 2016, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $28 and are available on the Delphi Opera House website, at the box office (Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, Wednesday and Friday from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, and Saturday from 10:00am to 1:00pm) and at the door. Doors will open for the performance at 7:00 pm.