Mikey A Guitar + Musician in Cary, IL

SEEKING

ABOUT

Hi! My full name is Michael Argyrakis, but I'm better known as Mikey A. I'm a longtime guitarist and songwriter based in the Chicago area, and for more than 35 years I've been lucky enough to entertain crowds all over North America and parts beyond with a unique guitar style and dynamic stage presence. A veteran of hundreds of studio hours and over a thousand gigs over the years, I've played in and/or written songs for several original rock and roll bands and also served as a "gun for hire", doing spot gigging and road work for several local and prominent blues acts. Some of the acts I've been a member of, appeared with, worked with, or jammed with include: Byther Smith, Lonnie Brooks, Cliffside Drive, The Cowfrogs, The Talent Show Band, Charlie Sugar, and many, many more. Up until recently, I'd been contributing lead guitar and humorous anecdotes in a project with some old friends - collectively known as Sour Bruthers.

Currently, I'm writing and recording songs with my longtime collaborator Tony Alunni under the name Messengers of Style. We have released three songs to date, which can be heard at: MessengersOfStyle and I am hard at work recording and mixing many more. You can find more of my original works (mostly rock and roll) and other projects covering the past 30+ years on my ReverbNation page under the name Michael "Mikey A" Argyrakis. I am an accomplished slide guitar player, and a master of 5-string Open G, Keith Richards style, guitar. I can do traditional if called for, but my personal style is a bit more in the non-traditional vein - usually keeping the feel and vibe, but definitely putting my own spin on songs instead of just note-for-note copies.

I'm looking for a live project with some good musicians in the rock or blues vein to get out and play.

Screen name:

Mikey A Guitar

Member since:

Mar 11 2009

Active within 24 hours

Level of commitment:

Very Committed

Years playing music:

35

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

2-3 times per week

Available to gig:

2-3 nights a week

Most available:

Nights

Influences

Sooo much great music - just too much to list - everything from ABBA to ZZ Top, but Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, and Muddy Waters cast the biggest shadows, as well as just about every blues player over the years.

Instrument experience:

Lead Guitar:

Expert

EQUIPMENT

A lot of stuff. Fenders, Gibsons, Marshalls, and other things added for color. Live, my basic setup consists of a digital wireless, a pedalboard with a few basic effects (wah, chorus, etc.), Marshall amps, and an Ovation acoustic electrics. I also have a full Pro Tools rig and can record and send tracks.

MUSIC