Michael Tiernan
“So a priest walks into a bar and pulls out a guitar…” Sound like the beginning of a joke? The funny thing
is – a few years back, this could’ve described an evening in Michael Tiernan’s life. It’s hard to believe that
just several years ago as a young seminarian studying at the Vatican, Tiernan was raising the ire of his
superiors by playing gigs in the pubs of the city. Just a year away from being ordained, Tiernan left that
calling for a higher one: his life-long love of music. Today, he’s one of the West Coast’s hottest
songwriters, and his rise in the national singer/songwriter scene is the blossoming of an amazing story. A
cancer survivor, a world traveler, a student of languages, philosophy and religions, his music is fully
seasoned with the experiences of ten lifetimes. A believer in the power of music to heal, express, unite,
and encourage, Tiernan is a songwriter who “makes you think while he entertains you” (Folk Wax
Magazine).
The Music
Now three albums into a burgeoning career, Tiernan’s music has developed into a unique brand of
acoustic guitar-centric blending of folk, rock, pop, soul, and bluegrass. Stylistically, it “adheres to no
boundaries; every genre is crossed as Tiernan showcases his technical skill with exceedingly intricate
guitar work” (San Diego Reader). Drawing comparisons ranging from James Taylor to Jack Johnson, from
the Counting Crows to Woodie Guthrie, his music is both completely modern and relevant, yet contains a
timeless “wealth of wisdom” (Santa Barbara Independent), demanding that one relaxes, listens, thinks,
relates, and hopefully, feels good about living.
The Show
Both as a talented solo performer and an invigorating band leader, Tiernan thrives on intimate connection
with the audience, storytelling, and control of dynamics to create an experience that strives toward, and
often reaches, the spiritual. As the leader of the Michael Tiernan Band, a whole different emotive and
energetic side of the music comes out, creating a spicy, lively, and danceable show with ace players
on fiddle, bass, and drums.
The Community
Tiernan also gives back to the community through his participation in local and national cancer-support
foundations and through organizing music events to showcase up-and-coming artists in his native San
Diego.
