Mike Henry Bolzenuis

Like most kids growing up in the 1960s, radio was the big thing if you were into music with bands like the Beatles and others transforming the culture around them. Mike Henry Bolzenius, more casually known as Mick, grew up in Ontario, Canada where AM radio exposed listeners to diverse range of popular music.

And music was always around: in the car, on the transistor radio or as a major feature of TV shows like Ed Sullivan and Johnny Cash. Mike would take in the various styles from Frank Sinatra to the Rolling Stones, from Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass to Glen Campbell and the Monkees. AM radio playlists weren’t as genre driven as they are today, so such exposure was a rich source of influence and inspiration.

‘Penny Lane’ became a childhood favourite. The music of Bob Dylan introduced Mike to artists like Joni Mitchell and The Band, and later to artists such as Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly, whose legendary repertoire alone covers a variety of folkstyles and has influenced many. The Blues roots of the Animals, brass sounds like Blood, Sweat and Tears are amongst his loves from way back and have grown with his tastes over the years.
In 1971, Mike travelled from Trudeau’s Canada to Bjelke’s Queensland, which was a shock for this young Canadian, yet no matter where Mike is, music sets his scene as a constant inspiration. He has a broad soundtrack to draw from, both subliminally and explicitly, to work for every place and mood he finds himself in.

Mike the musician plays because he loves it, being part of who he is and its kept his creative juices flowing through the years. Exposure to a wide diversity of artists and his appreciation and acquired knowledge of music, helps him when performing to adapt to his audience tastes and provide an enjoyable occasion.

Moving into the next stage of his life, the laid back environment of Coochiemudlo Island, and its natural beauty is also providing Mike the opportunity to explore his musical adventures in ways that are becoming more personal and to his mind, more authentic of his own life journey.🎸

Visit Mick’s Music on Facebook.

‘Coffee for Neil’ - a cover of ‘One More Cup of Coffee’ in a Neil Young-ish guitar style.