Mike Schiavi is the writer, visionary, and American pioneer of The Power and Glory band. You’ve probably seen him at one of the many open-mic nights where he plays with local musicians religiously. Mike has learned to take on many roles in the craft of music; vocals, rhythm, keyboards, harmonica and the drums. He follows in the footsteps of American songwriters who tell their story through music. Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Little Steven Van Zandt, Sting, John Fogerty, John Cougar, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Southside Johnny and the Asbuary Jukes, and supergroups such as Journey, Asia, and Yes all influence the sound. He walks around like a nomad, carrying his harmonica case and snare drum. I’ve joined him (with guitar in tow) on some of his adventures around town and I can truly say that I’ve never met another individual who is more passionate about American music than Mike Schiavi.
J: Where are you from Mike?
M: New York State just outside NYC. Born in Mt. Vernon, New York. Next to the famous boroughs of the Bronx and Yonkers.
J: When did you get so involved with music and songwriting?
M: Well I was always a writer at a young age dating back to short story and essay styles in grammar school. I always experienced life as if it were a story, which for all of us is a series of chapters in our lives. I always liked to sing along to a song that I could feel, that affected me somehow. I would sit in with friend’s bands and by using the voice as an instrument, tell the story. I naturally started playing harmonica, an extension of the voice. I took drum lessons in junior high and joked around a lot. One day in class I beat down on the drum pad so hard the drum-stick flew up and hit the ceiling, knocking down tiles and almost hitting the teacher. After that nothing ever occurred with drum playing but I always had a feel for rhythm. It was easier to carry my harmonicas around and sing. I never owned drums until relocating to the studio garage in Vero Beach Florida. While living in the suburbs of NYC I always felt an energy and a passion calling me down to the city and the Jersey Shore, even though there was always something special about playing music down on the Hudson river. I still enjoyed being a part of the local scene and clubs, which I helped pioneer. I would get in my high school car, that I still have, that car has been a soldier for me. It has taken me through many journeys and I’m still driving the old soul. I would drive down the Westside highway to the famous music scene of the legendary Greenwich Village, where Bob Dylan and many others played. Those experiences have brought me to where I am today.
J: Can you tell me more about the garage studio in Vero Beach FL?
M: Well, The Power and Glory Band all began with a vision, passion, and a purpose. We met by fate, played in bands, and found we had a creative energy together. We built a studio (garage style) and recorded on a Roland VS-890 digital recorder. We recorded with classical rock and roll equipment, a 1965 Yamaha studio piano, Fender guitars, (Stratocaster/Telecaster) precision bass, Fender guitar amps, and 1960’s – 70’s Ludwig drums. Hear more of their music at thepowerandgloryband.com
J: Where do you usually play around town?
M: It feels good to support and be a part of the music scene at open mics. There are several up and down the coast but on Mondays I usually play at Lou’s Blues with the comrades there. It’s a rock & roll/blues/horns, full band acoustic/electric style. Tuesdays, I make it over to Mr. Tony’s Pizza or Dondi’s Downtown where my buddy Matt Bretz hosts the acoustic open mic night. Wednesdays you can’t miss the Wet Spot Tavern off US1 and Thursdays I go to the Gallery Art Studio with my buddy Anthony Darmana, who hosts that open mic. I plan to start playing at Reflections Restaurant and Bar on Thursdays in January.
J: what do you feel your role is as a musician in this town?
M: I feel that through all the years in my journey, it’s been part of my calling to be a positive, strong influence for the creative arts scene. Music being my main supportive focus for our area, which needs it in these sensitive struggling times. I feel that I have a spiritual caring to help people feel good. As we all know music is a form of healing in our lives. It makes me happy to see the other players and the audience feel good when we play.
Be Sure to support the local music scene and check out these open mic nights around town. These guys are working hard to keep us happy so show some love. Robot Love.
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TAGS
Music, open mic, power and glory band |
