An Evening with Mike Powell and Chris Merkley at Downtown Cortland Repertory Theatre

Heartfelt lyrics, soulful voices, fingerpicked guitars and hilarious stories.  These two “homegrown” CNY musicians bring their unique, worldly talents to the intimate setting of CRT Downtown for a one-of-a-kind musical experience!

Over a decade ago Mike Powell left his career as a professional lacrosse player to pursue life as an artist. Dubbed as an “underground messenger of blue-collar soul”, Powell has developed a deep admiration from some of the top songwriters in the industry. His emotive writing creates an inspiring presentation that NYS Music calls, “An exhibit in honest talent…one of the premier songwriters in music today.”  A prolific writer who has released 8 albums, Mike has shared the stage with the Oak Ridge Boys, Bad Company, Martin Sexton, David Lindley, Shooter Jennings, Sarah Lee Guthie, Sean Rowe, Vance Gilbert, Richard Smith, Peter Mulvey & many more.

Chris Merkley has performed over a thousand shows across the US to the streets of Paris. He has released nine albums with a variety of groups which include song writing duo Merkley & Morgan, acoustic American roots rock band The Crooners, and the swampy blues rock trio of Digger Jones. Chris has also composed and produced an extensive catalog of original music for TV and has songs featured in several independent films.  As a solo performer, he seamlessly weaves his way through foot-stomping Blues and downhome Americana music driven by homemade percussive wooden boxes, resonator guitar, and wailing blues harmonica. His concerts are an inspirational journey through songs best compared to a cross-country ride on a freight train!

Beer / Wine Cash Bar

All tickets: $10