Acclaim for Mike’s songs
Mike’s Songs for Kids
“Michael Stern is a prolific songwriter, and a passionate advocate for the earth and all her living things. I have had the pleasure of performing many songs in this book on numerous occasions and I’ve seen the effect his music has on kids. They sit in rapt attention and soak up the positive, affirming messages that Mike sends of peace, of working to make the world a gentler and more understanding place to live. Songs full of hope like these are a balm to the ills of our present-day world – songs that are ‘wonder-filled’ not only for children, but for all of us.” Louise Brodie, Chicago, IL
“Michael Stern’s understanding of and love for children shines through his children’s songs. From whimsical to thoughtful, powerful, and uplifting, his music engages audiences of all ages. He delights, inspires, and builds community through his music.” Peg Lehman, Elgin, IL
“Michael’s songs have provided daily wellsprings of joy for my children, all while reinforcing the values we hold most dear – to live as peacemakers and to have the courage to speak up for what is right. We still sing to these songs in the car and dance to these tunes in the kitchen. And my kids are now 18 and 20! As a mom, I say: Thank you, Mike, for inspiring us as we create lives of meaning and purpose.” Heidi Loomis, State College, PA
“Michael’s spirit of inclusiveness, earth stewardship, justice, and playfulness shine throughout this songbook. His whimsical and singable lyrics awaken the inner child in all of us and make me smile!” Karen Schneider, Seattle, WA
“I like Mike’s songs because they’re funny, and they teach me things, and I mostly like to sing along.”
Josie, (age 5), Bethesda, MD
“Mr. Mike’s music is full of love and care.” Zoe (age 7), Seattle, WA
“He takes you on the craziest, funniest safari.” Vivian (age 8), Bethesda, MD
“Michael amazed my kindergarten class with his infectious energy, story-telling art form and beautiful songs. He wove puppetry and interactive movement into songs in ways that delighted the children with playful, yet meaningful and touching lyrics.” Nadine Smith, Seattle, WA
“Michael’s songs bring a world of joy to the classroom drawing kids to a wider love for our planet and its creatures. The songbook invites the young at heart to dance and imagine. Sharing these songs at home or in the classroom builds community and stirs the body, mind, and soul.” Paul C. Robb, St. Simons Island, GA
“Michael Stern’s songs have been favorites at our monthly community song circle for many years (decades, even). We always feel better for having sung one of his songs!” Ming Chen, Seattle WA
“I grew up on Michael Stern’s music, and his songs still carry me through life’s twists and turns. His music was in the car on family road trips, it came to college with me, and it’s in the voices of my neighbors at our cohousing music nights. The music that Mike makes showcases the joy of life, the beauty of nature, and the power of community and collective action.” Mike Cornell, Pittsburgh, PA
“Making music with Michael Stern has been a true highlight of my career as a musician. His songs – moving, profound, meaningful, and hilarious – have pushed me to produce the same. His music supports the creativity of his collaborators without losing the essence of his Mike-ness. But FAR more important to me personally has been the opportunity to raise five children listening to his music. The things good, peaceful, loving, caring, open, welcoming, and sharing about my kids are due in large part to what they learned hearing, singing, and dancing to his music.” Michael Overman, Bridgewater, VA
Mike’s Songs for Justice & Peace; & the “Stand Up” songbook
“Stand Up is the only song I know that brings a crowd to its feet in the middle of a concert. Michael writes songs like that: songs that move people, lift them up and energize them to stand up for what’s right.”
Charlie King, singer/songwriter
“As If the Flowers Knew is a thoroughly American folk song appropriately wrapped in Japanese instrumentation, an inspired piece of musical artistry.”
Steve Leeper, Chairman of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Fountain
“Michael’s evocative Take Only What You Can Carry is a timeless and timely anthem, with haunting lyrics that both recall the unconstitutional removal and exclusion of Japanese Americans during WWII and serve as an aspirational call to action to not let it happen again.” Clarence Moriwaki, President Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community
“The power of Michael’s song ‘Stand Up’ to move people is incredible. The first time the Brooklyn Women’s Chorus performed it, the audience members spontaneously began standing up. It was electrifying and stunning to those of us singing it. By the end of the song, everyone in the audience was on their feet. This continues to happen wherever we sing it.” Bev Grant, founder & director of the Brooklyn Women’s Chorus.
“… anthems for an America as it should be – a reminder that peace and justice should be our highest moral values.” David Horsey, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and columnist
“We need these beautiful, powerful songs that Michael writes. Listen to them. Sing them. Let them touch you in your core. Let them move you to stand in solidarity with people of color, the poor, immigrants and refugees, sexual minorities, and others facing violence and oppression around this country – and around the world.” Peter Blood, co-creator of Rise Up Singing and Rise Again songbooks
Mike’s Songs based on spiritual or biblical references
“His music has a clarity & purity that has been formed by faith & strengthened in hope.” Jim Douglass (author)
“… tender and powerful lyrics …, subjects that matter …, warm voice, beautiful poetry and rich arrangements draw us into the heart of compassion …”
Maureen Jackson, Victory Music Review
“… a steady & vibrant voice for justice in the face of violence & oppression.” Dave Hall (Physicians for Social Responsibility)
“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 (Seattle First Baptist Church)