Cressey and Kelly

Mike Cressey will be performing at the Boreal Theater on 7/30 at 2 pm.

Biography:

Michael Cressey was born in California, grew up in Maine, moved back to California in the late 90’s, and came back to New England in 2007. The influence of the two coasts has given him a unique perspective on life and music. Influenced by the LA folk rock sound of the 60’s and 70’s, but rooted in traditional sounds, Cressey’s music is simple and to the point. His hero’s are John Lennon, Jackson Browne, Neil Young, James Taylor, Jerry Garcia, David Gray, etc. In college in the 70’s, he was introduced to traditional American and Irish music which also greatly influenced him, witnessed by his affection for the mandolin.

Cressey’s music career began with bands in the late 60’s and early 70’s. While in college he met and began playing bass for David Mallett, a Maine folk singer who gained national prominence. In the late 70’s, Cressey performed on Mallett’s 1st album, which was produced by Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul & Mary) in Blue Hill, Maine. He took some time off from performing music while he focused on family and his career as a Software Developer. While in California and after, he started performing in several bands, one of which performed at the Lake Arrowhead weekend music venue. These days he mostly does solo acoustic gigs at numerous Farmer’s Markets in New England.

Cressey started writing little melodies and chords progressions ever since he picked up a guitar. His songwriting evolved over time and he got interested in recording back in the mid-70’s. He started producing his own music in the 80’s, 90’s and to the present. Cressey has released 6 CDs including a compilation of his best music called The Best of Cress in 2005 and his recent CD entitled 65. His most popular songs are Tough Town about Belfast, Maine where he grew up, and The Yankee Flyer which is about a train running through New England during the depression.

Willy Kelly:

Willy Kelly has called Maine home for most of his musical career. He toured with the humorist Jud Strunk traveling much of the US, playing such notable gigs as radio station WWVA (“… get that Wheelin’ feelin'”) and head-lining music festivals, such as the Great Northern Festival along with the likes of Doc Watson, the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and the New Grass Revival (with Sam Bush and Bela Fleck). He was also on the Jud Strunk PBS television show with Charlie Rose.

As a solo artist, Willy has shared shows with music greats including Leo Kottke, Taj Mahal, Bill Monroe, and David Bromberg. He has worked “sitting-in” with many well-loved musicians like The Bone-Heads, Mr. Whoopee, Chuck Kruger, and The Charlie Pendleton Band. The Willy Kelly Band has included many well-known Maine/New England musicians.

Willy claims diverse influences; Lightnin’ Hopkins, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Cliff, Elvis Costello, Gordon Lightfoot, and John Hartford. His singing has been compared to Stephen Stills and Shemekia Copeland. His playing style includes acoustic, electric, and slide guitars, as well as harmonica. His songs are a songwriter’s look at love, loss, and modern society, all taken one day at a time.

Welcome to the Boreal Theater. Located at the gateway to Millinocket’s downtown, the Boreal Theater is far more than a 48-seat black box community theater. With “community” placed at the heart of its design, the convertible space also function as a:

– Community meeting space
– Education & healing space for groups & individuals
– Art gallery
– Rental space for events
– Prominent downtown gateway presence

Boreal Theater is excited to be working with neighboring non-profit organizations to contribute to our downtown development and vibrancy. We are always looking for sponsors for our shows. If you’re a local business or individual call us 207-560-5256 or 207-249-5786. Your company or cause will appear in our advertising and programs.