“… tender & powerful lyrics …, subjects that matter …, warm voice, beautiful poetry & rich arrangements draw us into the heart of compassion …”
Maureen Jackson (Victory Music Review) |
Michael Stern is a composer, folksinger and inspirational speaker who provides creative leadership for professional conferences, retreats, worship services and children’s programs.
“His music has a clarity & purity that has been formed by faith & strengthened in hope.”
Jim Douglass (author)
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Michael's roots are in the apple orchards of rural Okanogan Valley in Washington State, but he has traveled the world over singing and working for peace and justice. His travels have taken him on a Habitat For Humanity singing/building trip to Malawi and Zimbabwe; to El Salvador for
disaster relief following a major earthquake; to Nicaragua to build a vocational school; and to work in an inner city Head Start Center in Ohio. He also studied theology at the University of Edinburgh Scotland, received Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Nursing at the University of Washington and just happens to be a Certified Laughter Leader (which makes it all perfectly safe and legal). Currently Michael is a Family Nurse Practitioner, a research investigator studying human papillomavirus (HPV) and a consultant for the student immunization program for the University of Washington. He incorporates a wealth of perspective and practical experiences from parenting, teaching and the healing arts into each of his presentations.
“… a steady & vibrant voice for justice in the face of violence & oppression.”
Dave Hall (Physicians for Social Responsibility) |
Blending meaningful content with humor, Michael accompanies himself on guitar and banjo and is joined by a gifted group of musicians on each of his 7 albums, including the likes of Eric Smith, William Limbach and Grammy nominee David Lanz. His songs draw inspiration from diverse literary, historical, spiritual and personal influences and range from thought provoking to humorous, and romantic to spiritual. Michael’s performances and presentations utilize a wide array of original songs, stories & community-building experiences focused on nurturing compassion, peace, justice, hope and healing; all while generating group participation and discussion. His music evokes feeling of passion, joy and wonder at the beauty of creation and human diversity.
“It is Mike’s own life commitment to love & justice that most commends his music. You will laugh. You will be moved. But don’t expect to get too comfortable. You will also be challenged and, I expect, changed”.
Reverend Tim Phillips (University Baptist, Seattle) |
Michael has performed in numerous settings throughout the country. His music and leadership have been utilized by national and regional conferences, folk festivals, community programs, schools, churches and such groups as Habitat for Humanity, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Hiroshima to Hope, American Civil Liberties Union, Witness Our Welcome, Christian Peacemaker Teams, Witness For Peace, Physician For Social Responsibility. He is the current Artist in Resident for the Seattle Rauschenbach Center for Social Justice. |
