About Michael Reno Harrell
Michael Reno Harrell is an award winning songwriter, as well as a veteran storyteller and entertainer, and he’s from the South… the Southern Appalachian Mountains to hone it a bit finer.
 In Concert at CoMMA, the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium |
One could compare Michael's performances to his granddaddy's pocket knife: well warn and familiar feeling, but razor sharp and with a point. His brand of entertainment appeals to a very diverse audience. A typical day for Michael might include a program for 4th graders in the afternoon and a concert for a mixed audience that evening.
Michael's recordings top the Americana Music Association charts year after year. His original songs and stories have been described as “Appalachian grit and wit” but, as his writing shows, Michael’s awareness is much broader than the bounds of his boyhood home or even the Southern Experience. Having toured throughout the British Isles and much of Europe, as well as most of the US, the songs he writes and the stories he creates reflect an insight into people’s experiences that catch the ear like an old friend's voice.
Michael's natural knack for storytelling, in print, song and spoken word has earned him praise from not only the music community but from the literary and storytelling worlds as well, having had the honor of being a Featured Teller at the National Storytelling Festival and to be Teller In Residence at the International Storytelling Center, as well as performing at major music events like MerleFest and the Walnut Valley Festival. Along with his performances, Michael often conducts workshops in songwriting and storytelling as well.
Michael's recordings have for years received and continue to garner awards in Country, Americana and Folk circles. His humor and wit, as well as the emotional depth of his work, keep his fan base growing and staying tuned in for whatever comes next. Don’t miss the chance to experience what those faithful fans keep returning again and again to enjoy.
Some Reviews...
Julie Vidotto-Director of OLLI Clemson University: "We were thoroughly entranced by Michael's ability to weave his intriguing and funny stories and his music into a single delightful flow. Michael draws you in, makes you confortable and by the end of the evening you feel as if you have been friends for years! We look forward to his next time in Clemson!"
amazon.com :"Harrell invites you into his soul rather than merely allowing you to peek through barred windows... "
David Holt, 4-time Grammy Winner:
"Michael Reno Harrell is one of those natural born Southern musicians and storytellers who is filled with wit, charm and surprises. Whether the story is in song or narrative, Michael will draw you in and entertain you, all the while making you feel right at home."
WNCW Radio:
Michael Reno Harrell has been at the forefront of WNCW's regional music scene since the late '90's. His storytelling, wit, and Americana sound make him a true treasure of the Southeast and of all the artists we hang our hat on. Michael's name has become as well-known and respected among core WNCW listeners as Guy Clark's and Robert Earl Keen's.
Song of the Mountains:
Lincoln Theatre, Marion, VA — "You are absolutely my favorite singer/songwriter. Keep it up! Thanks for doing our show!" Tim White
The Charlotte Observer:
Michael Reno Harrell is a classic storyteller with a voice that's part Marty Robbins, part John Prine. There's an organic timelessness to his songs, whether he's rushing through a classic on-the-run tale or quietly mourning a long-dead friend.
Country Music Today:
"Michael Reno Harrell writes like a jeweler might work on a watch; Every piece has its place..."
Aaryn Birchell - Director-Vernal UTAH's Storytelling Festival
"With a tangled room of teenagers and teachers, Michael had us all on the edge of our seat as he sat down right amongst us to tell a story that many of us know but have never heard before.
It was a beautiful experience to hear Michael's story blend from demonstration, to story, to music that continued to tell the message straight to our hearts. My heart felt as if it would burst, the laughter at the perfect moment just intensified the poignant message, and the tears in my eyes just could not hold it all in."
Smith Moore LLP Attorneys at Law:
"Thanks you again for the fantistic program that you provided. What a morale booster it was for the entire company. Thanks for making all that happen!"
Lynn White Savage - Librarian Coordinator, Bruce Drysdale School, Hendersonville, NC:
"Michael mesmerized the 4th grade students with his songs and stories and inspired the writers and singers within them. His songs have a quality of truth and an insight into humanity that reminds me of Carl Sandburg's poetry."
Special Private Christmas House Concert:
"Just wanted to let you know that we are still receiving cards and letters of thanks about your concert. Such quotes as, 'I really needed that' ... 'I can't remember when I've had so much fun' ... 'the most I have laughed in years' ... 'might be the best Christmas present ever' ... 'better than any present under the tree' ... 'Where did you find him? He was wonderful' ... 'Let us know if he is going to appear in the area, would like to see him again.' It goes on and on. THANKS for a great evening." Art Williams
Dirty Linen Magazine:
"Harrell's deep soothing voice carries you through a journey filled with family, lovers, moonshiners, dreamers, and most of all journeys."