BRAINERD – Michael Hoover, an established musician who plays classic rock and roll as well as today’s top contemporary, pop, country and western hits, will perform at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 22nd as part of the Performances in the Park series at Gregory Park in Brainerd.
Hoover has performed for many years in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Montana.
“Talent, experience, outstanding equipment and a pure love of music ensure that Hoover is in demand,” said the organizers in a press release. “You will enjoy his extensive material, which includes just about everything from Patsy Cline to Nickleback!”
Hoover began his career as a professional musician in 1960, playing in the Midwest with The Charades, who were inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, The Cult, and Jefferson Davis. Michael’s guitar brought him to Wichita Falls, Texas in 1968. He spent two years on the road with noted agent Sam “Dart Board” Gibbs, playing for The Misfits, The Mo Jo’s, and Gary & the Impacs. While traveling the country, Michael accepted a three-week gig in Billings, Montana with a band called Justice, and ended up staying for 20 years. Other bands he performed with included Short Change, Neal and the Nicetones, Beaver Creek Ridge, and Savannah. Upon returning to Marcus, Iowa, he formed the popular duo Software with his wife Kaye, which performed for 15 years. Hoover had the pleasure of performing with some big names over the years: Mark Pender, La Bamba, Glenn Alexander, and Shawn Mayer. On November 3, 2024, Michael will be inducted into the Midwest All Music Association.
Bring your lawn chair or blanket to listen to the concert. The rainy venue is The Center, 803 Kingwood St., Brainerd.
The concerts are a collaboration between the City of Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department and the Center. The performances are made possible through financial support from Deerwood Bank, Mid MN Federal Credit Union, Brainerd Community Foundation, in memory of Sandy Chase, and in honor and memory of Helen K. Mills and Stewart C. Mills Jr., both of whom loved music and loved the Brainerd Lakes area.
