Come hang pre Billy Strings at JPJ and get to know Mike Miz.
Michael Mizwinski, known better as Mike Miz, is a songwriter and guitarist from the Wyoming Valley of Northeast Pennsylvania. Raised in a family steeped in music and art, Mike was immersed in creative influence from a young age. His father, a guitarist and music major, taught him his first chords at the age of 7, while his mother introduced him to a wide range of artists—from Doc Watson to Bonnie Raitt. Early concert experiences with the Allman Brothers and the seeing Grateful Dead in 92 & 95 as a child, left a lasting mark on his musical direction. By 15, Mike was performing in local bars and festivals with his first band, the Appalachian Barnhouse Band, penning early originals like “Canyon Echoes Glow” and “Pinegrove Stomp,” which remain in rotation to this day. His guitar chops and stage presence quickly gained regional attention. After playing an opening set for Gongzilla—an offshoot of the cult European fusion band Gong—he was asked to join the group. He made his debut as a member during a NAMM jam at the iconic Troubadour in Los Angeles, performing alongside members of The Mothers of Invention, Umphrey’s McGee, and moe. In 2010, Mike launched his own project, MiZ, fusing Americana, rock ‘n’ roll, jam band energy, and vintage songwriting. The band’s debut album, East Hope Avenue, produced by Bret Alexander (The Badlees), featured guest appearances by Buddy Cage (New Riders of the Purple Sage / Bob Dylan) and Jon Graboff (The Cardinals). After receiving a pre-release copy of the album, Garth Hudson of The Band joined MiZ onstage for their release show. Two songs from the record were later featured in the FX series Sons of Anarchy.
Over the years, Mike has shared the stage with a wide range of artists, opening for Jason Isbell, Derek Trucks, Jakob Dylan, Lukas Nelson, Shawn Colvin, Chris Isaak, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Blues Traveler, America, Southside Johnny, Peter Wolf, Paul Cauthen, and many more. These opportunities have helped shape his sound and strengthen his roots as both a performer and a songwriter. After relocating to Nashville in 2019 to deepen his focus on songwriting, Mike quickly earned the respect of the city’s music community. His playing, writing, and work ethic led to collaborations with artists such as Andrew Farriss (INXS), Billy Ray Cyrus, Paul McDonald, Tania Elizabeth (The Avett Brothers), and a new project with Grammy-winner Forrest O’Connor. He has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and recorded in some of Nashville’s most revered studios, including Blackbird and Zac Brown’s Southern Ground.
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