After many years of playing in cover bands, wedding bands, and working as a hired studio musician, Mike Leslie stepped out front to form his own band. Leslie, an accomplished songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, formed the Mike Leslie Band in 2012. The band is rounded out with Mike Parrott on bass, and Bryan Reilly on drums.

Since their Detroit debut show to a sold out crowd at the Magic Stick in 2012, the Mike Leslie Band has quickly risen to the top of the Detroit music scene. These guys have strong folk and classic-rock guitar licks, mixed with some blues, yet write them around pop hooks to create their own eclectic jam-oriented twist.

In 2013, Mike Leslie Band took home two Detroit Music Awards, including the People’s Choice Award. On the national scene, they showcased at SXSW 2013 and won DOUG FM’s regional crown at Battle of the Bands. They continue to sell out headlining shows in the Michigan rock and roll market and have started to branch out, in popularity, throughout the Midwest.

Mike Leslie Band made their debut in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 15th, 2014 at the Commodore Grill. The night was opened by breathtaking performances from solo acoustic acts F. Patrick James and Rebecca Ann Henry. Mike Leslie Band took the stage and jammed through songs from their self-titled debut album, ending with the epic 4am Blues. The set featured stellar instrumentation as well as spot-on harmonies. Judging from the awe-inspired crowd, one can certainly tell this will not be the last Nashville sees of the Mike Leslie Band!

Our photographer, Sarah Dunbar, was on hand to catch their act at the Commodore Grille. Here are the images from that night.

Mike Leslie Band online:
mikeleslieband.com
facebook.com/mikeleslieband
reverbnation.com/mikeleslieband

Images by Sarah Dunbar

About The Author

Erik's interest in music began at an early age. In high school, he was the co-host of the underground metal show the Social Mutilation Hour, on 89.5 WAHS, under the name of Neurotik Erik. During this period of his life, he independently promoted shows under the name of Ding Dong Ditch Productions. Erik would rent out local VFW Halls, use space at Oakland Community College Auburn Hills Campus, or simply throw basement parties around the Detroit area. While at college at Ferris State University, he became head of the student run organization, Entertainment Unlimited, and continued to promote shows, but on a larger scale. He also helped start an underground magazine, 'Outpunk', where he interviewed bands and wrote music reviews. Additionally, Erik joined the staff at the Ferris State University Torch and wrote on a larger scale.

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